Kombucha, is the new trend setter among the health conscious people due to its improved health benefits. Popularly called as tea of immortality in China, it is known for its numerous health benefits and is being consumed since centuries. Not only in China, it’s extremely popular in other European and Asian countries. Initially Kombucha was made at home through a fermentation process and stored in jars that were stored for years and years. However, there were chances of bacterial infections and fungus due to the fermentation process. This led to a conflict between the advantages and disadvantages of Kombucha, as consumption of infected product might lead to health issues. It has beco

Kombucha, is the new trend setter among the health conscious people due to its improved health benefits. Popularly called as tea of immortality in China, it is known for its numerous health benefits and is being consumed since centuries. Not only in China, it’s extremely popular in other European and Asian countries. Initially Kombucha was made at home through a fermentation process and stored in jars that were stored for years and years. However, there were chances of bacterial infections and fungus due to the fermentation process. This led to a conflict between the advantages and disadvantages of Kombucha, as consumption of infected product might lead to health issues. It has become extremely popular among youngsters due to its growing health benefits.

Kombucha tea is popularly known as red tea fungus, Champignon de longue, kocha kinoko, Ling zhi, Chainii grib, and Chainii kvass. It is prepared by fermenting process of sugared black tea along with a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. It is said to have originated in China almost 2000 years ago and has been consumed across various countries like Russia, Middle East and Germany as well.

Tea is the most important non-alcoholic beverage that is consumed by almost 2/3rd of population in various forms like fermented tea and black tea along with non-fermented or green tea. Tea leaves have more than 700 chemical constituent, among which contain avonoids, amino acids, vitamins (C,E,K), ca?eine and polysaccharides that are important to human health. However, the simulative e?ect of tea is due to ca?eine (1.25-45.5%) (Kurian and Peter, 2007). The blacktea infusion contains proteins, amino acids, volatile compounds, lipids, enzymes and polyphenols, which make it as a good fermentation medium (Hui, 1978). Microbial fermentation of black tea leads to production of Kombucha or tea cider, known to have therapeutic values. The process of fermentation leads to change of tea to fruity, lightly and sour in taste and have acidic taste and like apple cider.

Kombucha Scoby

Scoby is symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and is used during the fermentation process of kombucha. The fermentation process is a chemical process during which carbohydrates like sugar and starch turn into acid or alcohol. In terms of appearance kombucha is dense, round, opaque with a mild smell similar to vinegar. Look out for mold or a strong odor similar to cheese, which might warn the decay of SCOBY and needs to be discarded. The dish shaped structure of SCOBY contains insoluble fiber called as cellulose.

Kombucha is formed by mixing a SCOBY into sweetened black or green tea, then allowing it to ferment for a period of 1-4 weeks. The presence of bacteria and yeast in the SCOBY further break downs the tea sugars to convert them to alcohol, acids and carbon dioxide. This process as a result produces a fizzy product which is tangy, sweet and vinegar-like in taste. Final flavor depend on the time of fermentation and type of tea that is used along with the addition of fruit, juices or herbs.

Benefits of Kombucha

• Fermentation process improves the overall composition of probiotics — a type of bacteria with many positive health effects. Kombucha contains several types of bacteria which helps in improving digestion, weight loss and inflammation.
• Kombucha is rich in antioxidants, that fight free radicals, reactive molecules that can damage your cells. Antioxidants are believed to be better when originated from foods and beverages and better than health supplements. Kombucha, when served with green tea, has numerous antioxidant effects in your liver.
• Kombucha kills bacteria. During the fermentation of kombucha acetic acid is produced, which contains vinegar in abundance. Acetic acid is able to kill harmful microorganisms especially the ones that cause infections due to bacteria and yeasts.
• Kombucha is expected to protect against Cancer. Cancer is one of the world’s largest cause of deaths across the globe and is considered by cell mutation due to uncontrolled growth of cells. Research indicates that the polyphenols that help in blocking gene mutation and help in reducing the development of cancer cells leading to fatal results. This has led to the popular belief that tea drinkers have lesser risk of suffering from cancer.

A healthy drink when consumed in proper manner Kombucha has a lot to offer in terms of health to humans. Though the health benefits are not proven but they have been concluded after series of observations and surveys. The consumption of Kombucha in some form, is a lifestyle change which when followed leads to a healthier human.

Precautions and cautionary advice

Kombucha when taken orally is pretty safe. However since it is the output of a bacterial process it can have adverse effects too, if contaminated. Stomach problems like yeast infection, yellow skin, head and neck pain and vomiting are some of the adverse effects.

Kombucha, especially the ones which are home-made can’t be safeguarded from fungus (Aspergillus) and bacteria (anthrax). In Iran, almost 20 people suffered from anthrax infection due to access consumption of Kombucha. When consumed by people with low immunity and other infections it could be fatal and life threatening. Listed below are some pointers to be noted before consuming Kombucha

• Kombucha might be unsafe for females during pregnancy and breast-feeding tenure. It is better to avoid this during this time.
• Kombucha has parts of contains alcohol. It is recommended to avoid it if having a drinking problem.
• Kombucha is likely to affect blood sugar levels in diabetics and is recommended to keep a watch for low blood sugar and monitor parameters closely.
• Kombucha contains caffeine, and when consumed in large amounts, causes diarrhea.
• Kombucha affects the blood glucose levels leading to concerns that it might obstruct with the control on blood glucose during and after surgery. Medical advice is to avoid consuming Kombucha a fortnight before the surgery.
• Consumption of Kombucha should be avoided if there is weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or any other similar reason. Kombucha supports the growth of bacteria and fungus that can further cause serious infections.

Current Market Scenario

The main factor that is driving the market today is the consumers’ and their desire for eatables and ingredients that are organically produced and are natural sources. The growing trend is due to the growing awareness among people, in terms of, benefits of organic food and adverse effects of processed foods and beverages.

The probiotic craze has gone mainstream and reached the supermarkets too. From home-made Kombucha to being available at convenience stores, it has grown a lot. In a supermarket you can see various types and flavors of probiotic drinks. These drinks are extremely popular among youngsters, college students and millennial generation. The growing popularity is due to adaption of health-conscious alternative. It is preferred by masses as a healthy alternative to the aerated drinks.