Kombucha: benefits and harms to the body

Kombucha is a substance based on yeast and bacteria. It is used to make a drink containing B vitamins, probiotics and other substances. Researchers of the kombucha drink, which is made on the basis of the mushroom, are sure that it is necessary for people who want to normalize cholesterol levels and protect themselves from a heart attack.

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Useful properties of kombucha

For many years, research has been conducted on the benefits and harms of kombucha. Scientists came to the conclusion that the mushroom is very useful, but in some cases it can harm the body.

Among the useful properties and qualities are:

1. 
   Improving the functioning of internal organs. The mushroom contains many acids that normalize the functioning of the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

2. 
   Strengthening immunity. Due to the drink, there is an increase in urination, which causes the normalization of the work of internal organs. This allows the body to protect itself from many diseases and infections. Glucaric acid in the composition helps to strengthen the immune system, is the prevention of cancer cells.

3. 
   Acceleration of metabolism. Constant use of the drink eliminates clogging of cells, cleanses the body of toxins, activating metabolism.

4. 
   Joint strengtheningin. The main ingredient of the composition is glucosamine, which strengthens the joints and skeleton, thereby relieving pain and inflammation.

5. 
   General improvement in the functioning of internal organs. This effect increases physical capabilities, and the drink also has a detox effect.

6. 
   Saturation with energy. Kombucha is a natural substitute for coffee or other drinks that give you energy for the whole day, but it is a safe method, better than energy drinks and sodas.

7. 
   Lots of enzymes and vitamins. It contains a lot of B vitamins, acids and enzymes that allow you to keep a person in working and active condition.

8. 
   Normalization of digestion. The use of kombucha has a positive effect on the work of the stomach and facilitates digestion. After taking it, it is possible to accelerate the secretion of gastric juice. Probiotics and yeast remove parasites, helminths and other harmful microorganisms.

9. 
   Improved mental state. The benefit is caused by vitamin B12, which affects the psychological state of a person.

10. 
    Promotes liver health. Mushroom antioxidants protect the body from oxidative processes and damage.

11. 
    Treatment of diseases of the mouth and throat. The rich composition helps to relieve inflammation, removes bad breath. The drink has all the nutrients that help to cope with sore throats and scarlet fever.

12. 
    Reduced PMS symptoms. Kombucha relieves women from pain and other discomfort, as it replenishes the body with iron, increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Regular use of the drink leads to a gradual reduction in symptoms.

13. 
    Normalization of the skin condition. The effect is caused by the cleansing of pores, their narrowing and rejuvenation of the skin. In addition, skin problems are often associated with the work of the stomach, all the consequences of kombucha eliminates.

14. 
    Positive effect on reproductive systems. Men who drink the drink quickly improve sperm motility.

15. 
    Increase in muscle masscaused by amino acids in the composition, which preserve the muscles and promote their growth.

In traditional medicine, a drink based on kombucha is not used, but many doctors can recommend it to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanse the body, especially when treated with antibiotics.

The harm of kombucha

In 2003, the American Cancer Institute said that sourdough can cause negative consequences. Among them were:

1. Increased acidity of the stomach.

2. Destruction of erythrocytes.

3. The appearance of acute nephrosis due to hemoglobinuria, in simple words — kidney damage.

4. Pathological changes in the liver.

5. Violation of blood clotting.

6. A large amount of sugar in the composition can contribute to weight gain.

7. Abundant content of various acids, among which acetic acid is of great danger. With an increase in acidity for the stomach, there can be negative consequences, up to an ulcer or gastritis.

8. There is a possibility of lead poisoning if you do not follow the rules for preparing the drink. During brewing, containers and tools must be sterile. In contact with ceramics, a reaction occurs that causes lead poisoning.

It is not recommended to use the drink along with antipyretic drugs, certain antibiotics or painkillers. This can affect the functioning of the nervous system, liver and bone marrow. It was revealed that the use of kombucha can be the cause of the development of pathogenic flora in the body.

Important! Kombucha does not affect weight loss, since the calorie content is about 30 kcal per 1 cup of kvass. This is more than tea with 3 tablespoons of sugar.

Contraindications

Before using kombucha, you should always consult with your doctor. In the composition, especially with prolonged exposure of the mushroom, a lot of ethanol appears, so anyone who drives a car should refuse the drink. There are other contraindications:

1. Diabetes.

2. Increased acidity of the stomach.

3. Fungal diseases.

4. Gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the stomach (for recipes based on green tea).

5. Hypotension.

When using kvass, always pause so as not to provoke gastric irritation. Dilute the fermented infusion with water, and in its pure form drink only sourdough 3-4 years old. The norm for an adult is not more than 1 liter per day.

Rules for preparing a drink from kombucha

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To prepare the right and tasty drink, you will need to perform the following procedures:

1. Buy kombucha, be sure to be free of rot and mold.

2. Put it in a jar of sweet tea (green, black or other). Use the solution at room temperature.

3. Close the neck with gauze and leave for 7 days.

4. Remove the mushroom from the jar, put in a new one. It is recommended to put the mushroom in water every week and divide into parts if growth is fast.

5. Drink drink 1 glass a day, but not more than 1 liter.

This drink is used in many areas. For example, in medicine, the remedy is suitable as an antibacterial and treats not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also external disorders (fungus on the legs, skin or mucous membranes). The infusion will relieve dandruff, hair loss. Indian scientists have proven that tea helps to remove toxins and has a positive effect on liver function.

In cosmetology, the product is used to improve blood circulation, toning and smoothing the skin, providing a cosmetic and therapeutic effect. For the skin, an infusion is needed for a period of 1 month or more. Wipe your face with a cold drink, add to the bath.

Rules for the selection and storage of kombucha

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On sale you can find a ready-made bottled drink or cook it yourself. Over time, the fungus increases in size, grows in a liquid medium. When choosing, pay attention to the outer part. There should be no mold, rot and algae, the smell is pleasant.

There should be no sugar crystals or tea leaves in the tea solution. Immerse the mushroom in a drink at room temperature. It is recommended to wash it once every 2-4 weeks.

Kombucha does not tolerate direct exposure to UV, and it also needs to be kept from getting air inside. You can drink the finished product for up to 7 days, if the volume remains, pour it out.

If you do not regularly prepare a drink, the mushroom can be saved and not thrown away by simply putting it in a jar and leaving it in the refrigerator. Keep at room temperature overnight before new use. You can also place it on a plate, cover with gauze and dry, turning daily. It takes 2 weeks to dry the mushroom, then it is wrapped in paper and left in a dry place for up to 2 years. Fresh tea solution helps to start the main processes.