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I met Kate Young a few weeks ago at a local holistic fair. She has a wealth of information on this topic, and I found it very interesting, that something I knew absolutely nothing about has so many health benefits and can be so delicious. She holds regular workshops on the benefits of Kombucha. During those workshops she teaches how to make the fermented drink. I think I just might attend one ! This is for all of you who, like me are new to Kombucha and whether you make it yourself, buy it or just want to know it’s benefits, you will enjoy this article.
Kate Young is a holistic nutritionist and practitioner living and practicing in Kelowna, BC. She completed formal nutritional training at Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as well as with Alive Academy. Kate’s love for helping people to realize their most excellent self has also led her to the Touch for Health practice which tests and balances energies within the body. Kate believes we all, each and every one of us, have the power to take control of our own health, rise above dis-ease and maintain balance. She firmly maintains that investing yourself and your energies in a whole food based diet and holistic lifestyle can do amazing things in support of your journey to wellness!
About Kombucha
Kombucha has origins possibly dating back to 220 BC. The exact origin is still unknown, but theories have it first popping up in China or maybe Japan.
Spread to Russia and eventually over to Europe but eventually rations during the 2nd world war hampered the popularity
Popularity picked up again in the 1960’s and today is making a full come back
What is kombucha?
A light, sparkling, probiotic and nutrient dense fermented drink
Can be sweet or sour depending on brewing methods and flavoring
Energizing, balancing, focuses the mind
Made by fermenting a sweet tea facilitated by a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony/Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), SCOBYs are sometime also called a mother, a baby, a mushroom, a starter
Fermentation is the process of using micro-organisms to transform and preserve foods creating probiotics and other healthful nutrients
Probiotics are good for our guts, our digestive ability, our immune systems
Kombucha contains:
B vitamins – catalysts for metabolic processes, nervous system, stress vitamin, mental health, metabolism of foods, energy, blood builders
Vitamin C – immune support, adrenal support, builds collagen, strengthens veins/soft tissue, heart health, liver detoxification
Probiotic Organisms
May include Lactobacillus, S.Boulardii, Acetobacter, Brettanomyces, Pediococcus
2 specific strains isolated: Gluconacetobacter Kombuchae (feeds on nitrogen of tea, produces acetic/gluconic acid, fomrs SCOBY) and Zygosaccharomyces Kombuchaensis (yeast, produces carbonation)
Beneficial Acids:
Including: Gluconic Acid – powerful liver detoxifier, fights yeast infections including Candida
Acetic Acid – detoxification, inhibits bad bacteria, gives ‘buch it’s tangy smell and taste, also found in vinegars
Butyric Acid – aids detoxification of liver, w/gluconic heals gut wall and protects against yeast infection
Malic Acid – detoxification, muscle function, Fibromyalgia
Nucleic Acid – healthy cell regeneration
Anti-oxidants:
Catechins – cancer prevention, heart health, detoxification, weight management
Polyphenols – cancer prevention, heart health/high blood pressure, diabetes, eye health
Health Benefits can include:
- Probiotics
- Alkalize the body
- Detoxify the liver
- Increase metabolism
- Improves digestion
- Rebuild connective tissue
- Relieves arthritic pain
- Cancer prevention
- Alleviate constipation
- Boost energy
- Reduces blood pressure
- Relieve headaches & migraines
- Reduces kidney stones
- High in antioxidants
- High in polyphenols
- Improves eyesight
- Heals eczema (topical and internal)
- Prevents Arteriosclerosis
- Speeds healing of ulcers
- Helps clear candida & yeast infections
- Aids healthy cell regeneration
Click Here to Learn More about Kate Young
Or Here to learn more about her workshops on how to make Kombucha
or click here for Her Facebook Page
She usually has an ongoing schedule for her workshops posted there.
Admin Cymantra – May 20 2016
