Kombucha has become a popular drink in recent years due to its many health benefits. While the drink is usually made from black tea, several varieties of kombucha use different types of tea and additional ingredients. Understanding these differences can help you choose which variety best meets your needs or tastes.
Unflavored Kombucha
For those new to kombucha, the unflavored variety is a good, basic option. Unflavored refers to both carbonated and non-carbonated varieties. It’s also known as traditional or raw kombucha. If you’re purchasing unflavored kombucha in bottles, be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
Flavored Kombucha
Different varieties of flavored kombucha allow you to add different flavor combinations. There are a variety of flavor profiles from which to choose, including lemon-lime, raspberry ginger, and other more exotic flavors. Remember that some ingredients may contain caffeine. If you’re particularly sensitive to caffeine, look for kombucha with green tea containing less caffeine than black tea.
Kombucha with Tumeric
Tumeric is a member of the ginger family and has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent. It’s known to reduce nausea and pain, making it a good choice for those suffering from the flu or other conditions. It’s also thought to be effective against cancer cells, although there isn’t much evidence to support this claim. Kombucha with Tumeric is available in both unflavored and flavored varieties.
Kombucha with Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is made from steamed green tea leaves that are dried and ground before being finely milled. This process preserves their more virid color and prevents oxidization, which can cause the tea to turn brown. Matcha tea is more potent than regular green tea since this more virid color indicates a higher concentration of antioxidants. Kombucha flavored with matcha tea may also contain caffeine.
Kombucha with Hibiscus and Rosehip
Hibiscus and rosehip are two ingredients that can increase collagen production, which is important for skin health. They may also help to reduce wrinkles and promote skin elasticity. Kombucha flavored with hibiscus and rosehip may not be caffeinated if the tea used in the kombucha is decaffeinated.
Kombucha with Beet Juice
Beet juice is rich in betalains, antioxidants that can repair skin damaged by the sun, and other environmental factors. Its high vitamin C content makes it a useful ingredient for brightening dull skin and reducing redness in people with acne or rosacea. Kombucha flavored with beet juice is likely to contain caffeine if the tea used in the kombucha is caffeinated.
Kombucha with Lactobacillus
This variety of kombucha contains probiotics that have been fermented from yogurt cultures. Since it’s high in lactobacillus, this type of kombucha can help increase the number of good bacteria in your digestive system. It may also be useful for lactose intolerant or sensitive to other elements in dairy products. This variety usually isn’t carbonated, so it’s often sold in bottles rather than on tap.
Kombucha with Ginseng and Honey
Ginseng is a type of plant that’s thought to promote overall health. It contains saponins, which are phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties. The ginseng plant also contains nutrients such as potassium, iron, vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium. Kombucha with ginseng and honey is likely to contain caffeine if the tea used in the kombucha is caffeinated.
Kombucha with Red Rooibos Tea
Red rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, although these are different than those found in green or black teas. They don’t have as much tannin as green or black teas do, which means red rooibos tea isn’t as bitter. This also makes it a good choice for kombucha since the flavors of other ingredients will be more noticeable and won’t get lost behind an overly strong tea flavor.
Conclusion
Kombucha can be flavored in various ways, which means that there’s almost sure to be a flavor that not only appeals to your palate but also has the health benefits you’re looking for. It can help with weight loss to acne breakouts, so try at least one type of kombucha to see if it solves some of your issues.
