Kombucha, booch or fizzy tea: no matter its name, this fermented drink has become increasingly popular at supermarkets across the United States and beyond. Packed with flavor, refreshing and purported to have health benefits; what do studies have to say?

D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (DSL) present in kombucha can effectively inhibit angiogenesis – the process that contributes to cancer cells multiplying and growing – thus slowing their spread and proliferation.

1. Detoxification

Kombucha can help detoxify your body through fermentation. Kombucha’s SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) transforms sugar from tea into beneficial acids that nourish probiotics that feed gut-friendly microflora, leaving a naturally carbonated drink with moderate sweetness levels – some even claim it can aid weight loss!

Kombucha contains glucuronic acid, an ingredient which binds toxins and facilitates their expulsion from the body. Studies indicate this substance could potentially help treat cancer as well as other serious illnesses.

Kombucha’s primary ingredient – tea – is also an excellent source of polyphenols, antioxidants which protect cells against free radical damage and help prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer risk. Research indicates that regular consumption of these polyphenols could reduce your chances.

Kombucha can also boost immunity. Kombucha contains B vitamins which are essential to good immune health and acetic acid which assists the body with breaking down fats, increasing vitamin C absorption, and preventing polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation.

Kombucha is widely considered safe, with a long history of use. However, not everyone should consume it – pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as those living with medical conditions should consult their physician prior to consuming kombucha. Although its alcohol levels are minimal compared with other beverages like wine or beer, those living with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure should take extra caution when drinking this beverage.

2. Anti-aging

Kombucha tea has quickly become a wildly popular health beverage that boasts various purported health benefits, from detoxification to improved immune system performance. But while much has been written about its purported effectiveness, valid medical studies demonstrating this fermented drink’s effects are scarce or nonexistent.

Kombuscha is made using a culture of bacteria and yeast (or “SCOBY”) combined with sugar and tea, allowed to ferment for approximately 10 days and producing a tart liquid that tastes similar to apple cider and champagne while also providing enzymes and acids along with antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.

Kombucha can provide probiotics and antioxidants that are great for digestive and immune health, as well as reduce oxidative stress that leads to premature aging and disease. When prepared properly, kombucha can be an excellent source of these vital ingredients.

Though all kombucha may seem alike, not all brands are created equally. When making the switch, look for brands with simple ingredients and no additional sugars added; and consult your doctor first if you have preexisting health conditions.

One study reported that kombucha can inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form in cancer cells. While these findings remain preliminary, more research needs to be conducted. One way of increasing antioxidant levels in your kombucha is adding fruit such as goji berries which are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as mood-enhancing properties which help relieve depression symptoms such as fatigue and feelings of sadness. When creating your own batch it’s essential that only purified water or bottled water be used – as tap water contains chlorine which can disrupt its culture.

3. Weight loss

Kombucha tea (which also contains alcohol and bubbles from fermentation) contains an acetic acid component that has been scientifically shown to enhance insulin sensitivity while simultaneously decreasing fasting blood sugars. Our gut bacteria play an integral part in managing our metabolisms; increasing healthy gut bacteria can be an effective way of managing our weight.

Kombucha can also play a beneficial role in helping to lower cholesterol. Studies indicate that its constituent acids, particularly glucuronic and lactic acids, bind with LDL cholesterol oxidation, which leads to atherosclerosis; likely this effect is attributable to its high concentration.

Studies indicate that Jiaogulan, an herb commonly added to kombucha, can significantly lower cholesterol by improving liver functions that allow sugar and carbohydrates to reach muscle for use as energy instead of being stored as fat. Jiaogulan also enhances fat metabolism while diminishing lipid peroxide production and depresses deposits of lipid peroxide in blood vessels.

As with any health drink, kombucha may not be appropriate for everyone. Before adding it to your diet, it’s advisable to speak to your physician first if you have any medical conditions or medications taken, particularly pregnancy and immune system disorders. While generally safe, pregnant women and those suffering from certain immune system disorders should avoid drinking kombucha due to potential risks.

4. Immune system boost

Kombucha is a fermented drink made of tea, sugar and bacteria and yeast (known as SCOBY) cultures that is often touted for its health benefits, such as detoxification, weight loss and improving immunity. But how exactly does kombucha work, and does it offer these advantages?

SCOBY cultures added to a solution of black or green tea are said to ferment and release acetic acid, B vitamins, and numerous chemical compounds with antimicrobial properties and immunity-enhancing qualities that help them increase.

Pony notes that Kombucha Tea itself contains probiotic organisms to aid with digestive health and fight pathogenic bacteria, as well as organic acids that balance out pH levels when digestive systems become imbalanced, according to her.

Pony notes that kombucha can assist digestion and detoxify the system, as well as improving skin condition and strengthening immunity. Furthermore, it may alleviate certain digestive problems like gas, stomach ulcers and constipation as well as allergies such as hay fever asthma or eczema.

Kombucha tea produced from Komagataeibacter bacteria is renowned as an effective detoxifier. The high levels of glucuronic acid found in it binds with toxins in your liver to eliminate them from your system and can increase iron and vitamin C absorption; additionally it may prevent cataracts as well as improve skin elasticity while potentially decreasing your cancer risk, strengthening immunity systems and protecting organs against free radical damage. According to Nazareth, kombucha tea ranks among one of the top three effective detoxifiers.

5. Heart health

Kombucha may not be brand new, but it has recently made waves as an increasingly mainstream health tonic. Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage packed with probiotics and other nutrients to support digestive health, boost the immune system, aid detoxification, etc. The tea itself consists of water mixed with black or green tea leaves, sugar and an “SCOBY” (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) called the “SCOBY,” resembling jellyfish shape; giving its distinctively tart taste.

Kombucha contains beneficial probiotics and acids for gut health, but it also boasts B-complex vitamins. Through fermentation, specific strains of lactic acid bacteria and yeast produce these vitamins; for instance riboflavin (vitamin B2) acts as a precursor to flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide molecules which act as hydrogen carriers in biological redox reactions [110].

Fermenting bacteria and yeasts also produce D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone, which has been demonstrated to suppress both glucuronidase activity and pancreatic cell apoptosis while providing strong antioxidant benefits [111].

Kombucha’s benefits are mostly anecdotal; however, some studies do exist. One found kombucha drinks to be beneficial to heart health by decreasing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL levels in rats – likely due to its high content of acetic acid and polyphenols. For anyone taking preexisting conditions or experiencing side effects from supplements of any sort it’s wise to speak to their healthcare provider first before adding any dietary supplements into their daily regimen; additionally it should be noted that due to being high in histamine its consumption may cause discomfort causing unwanted side effects in some individuals as well.