More than 2,000 years ago, kombucha—a fermented, slightly effervescent, tea beverage—was likely drunk for the very first time in Northeast China, also known as Manchuria. Hailed for its alleged health benefits, it quickly became popular across the Asian continent, before eventually making its way to Europe in the early 20th century. And in the late 2000s and 2010s, it was, of course, picked up by Hollywood.
Now, kombucha seems to be loved by A-listers and wellness advocates everywhere—it’s a common feature on the pages of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop and Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh. And the reason behind its popularity, it seems, is the same as it was in ancient China: people believe it can transform their health. But how true is that? We’ve got the lowdown below (as well as some of the best celebrity-approved kombucha brands).
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. The result is a sparkling beverage, which ranges in flavor depending on the amount of time it was left to ferment and the kind of tea used to make it. It can be sweet, tangy, or vinegary, for example, but regardless of which way the flavor leans, it is usually considered to be a refreshing, probiotic-rich drink.
What are the benefits of drinking kombucha?
Last year, one study suggested that drinking kombucha could help to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (a common health condition that causes the levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood to become too high). The results suggested that regular drink consumption could help decrease baseline glucose levels by nearly 30 percent.
But even for people without diabetes, research suggests that drinking kombucha regularly can have a positive impact. Because it’s probiotic-rich, for example, it can help to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which helps with digestive and immune health. It’s also a source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
In fact, some test-tube studies have shown that, potentially because of this antioxidant content, kombucha may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells, but further study is needed in this area.
Most people can drink kombucha safely as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important to note that individual responses to the fermented drink can vary—some people may experience adverse effects such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding kombucha to your routine.
5 celebrity-approved kombucha brands
If you decide that you would like to give kombucha a try, there are many, many different brands to choose from, and the market is still growing (by 2030, it’s expected to exceed $9.7 billion).