Kombucha tea has been used for thousands of years. This tea was big in the 1990s and seems to be making a comeback. There are many contradicting opinions on if this tea is good or bad for you. Following are some claimed benefits and risks of Kombucha tea.
Kombucha (pronounced kom-boo-cha) tea is made from the Kombucha, or Manchurian, mushroom. But it is not a mushroom at all. It is a collection of yeast and bacteria that looks similar to a mushroom. You can buy this tea at many health food stores. You can also find instructions to brew Kombucha tea at home.
Health Benefits of Kombucha Tea. Kombucha tea is claimed to be another one of those miracle cures. Supposedly it can cure so many ailments from arthritis to HIV to curing cancer. It is claimed to boost the immune system and reverse aging. It is important to note that there have been no scientific research studies on humans to support any claims made by the makers or users of this tea.
Components of the tea that could give health benefits include high levels of certain B vitamins and antioxidants. Kombucha tea also contains beneficial acids that may be helpful to many of the body’s systems. Some of the bacteria and yeast that make up this “mushroom” may have benefits for health as well.
Health Risks of Kombucha Tea. There seems to be more evidence of health risks than benefits from drinking Kombucha tea, which include the following:
— Allergic reactions
— Digestive issues from high acid content
— High acid levels in blood
— Damage to liver, kidneys and muscles
— Breathing problems
— Internal bleeding
— Death
There are other health risks from Kombucha tea. Mold can grow during the brewing process causing allergic reactions. The high acid content can leach metals such as lead from containers that the tea is being brewed or served in. There is also the risk of contamination with other bacteria during the brewing process, especially if done at home.
There may be different levels of yeast and bacteria in different “mushrooms”, and Kombucha can contain different types of yeast or bacteria so health benefits and risks may vary. As it is a supplement, Kombucha is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Benefits and Risks of Kombucha Tea. Although there are many claimed health benefits claimed by makers and users of Kombucha tea, there is no known scientific proof at this time to support these claims. But there are document reports of harm that has come to some people who drink Kombucha tea. Weight the benefits and risks for yourself, and always seek the advice of a physician before taking any over-the-counter remedy.
SOURCES REFERENCED:
Sean R. Hosein; Kombucha Tea, Virtues, Toxicity, Hazards and Risks; Malapedia, eric-johnson.com
BStone; Possible Side Effects and Health Benefits of Kombucha Mushroom Tea; Brighthub
