(NewsNation) — Kombucha has been getting a ton of love lately in the health world.
Earlier this week, Temple Lifestyle Brands, a health and wellness company, bought and invested in one of the most well-known Kombucha brands in Canada.
In the United States, researchers at North Carolina State University are studying kombucha and kimchi to study microbiology.
“The whole concept of helping people understand the diversity of microbes and microbial ecosystems is important,” said Christina Roche, researcher at both the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and NC State.
So what is kombucha? And what are the health benefits of drinking it?
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a beverage that is made from a combination of tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).
“Although relatively new to the United States, kombucha has been around for more than 2,000 years,” says WebMD. “It was first brewed in China and then spread to Japan and Russia. It became popular in Europe in the early 20th century.”
The drink is usually naturally low in sugar, while some distributors add more sugar or fruit juice for more sweetness. For extra flavor, individuals are advised to add whole fruits, herbs, or spices.
Kombucha also consists of caffeine, plant compounds, and some alcohol.
What health benefits come from kombucha?
Drinking kombucha has several benefits for people’s overall health.
Several trials have shown that kombucha can help reduce acid reflux, bloating, improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation levels, and reduce fasting blood sugar.
“Drinking kombucha is an easy, low-calorie way to add probiotics to your diet,” said Dr. Megan McLarney, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “It’s also a good alternative for vegetarians or anyone who can’t eat dairy.”
Experts say it’s probably safer for individuals to drink kombucha purchased from a trusted source rather than try to make their own.