If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to soda, allow us to introduce you to kombucha. We’re a bit biased, but kombucha is, in a word, amazing. The bubbly, fizzy drink has become wildly popular in recent years and with good reason. It’s most commonly known for its gut-friendly benefits (hello, probiotics!), but that’s just one thing that makes kombucha great. Below, we highlight nine health benefits of drinking kombucha that you may not have heard of before. 

And, in case you’re like, kombucha who? We also explain what kombucha is and why you should try Better Booch specifically (*wink wink*). 

But first, what is kombucha, really?

Kombucha is a brew made from tea leaves, usually green or black. Although kombucha only recently became the cool kid (er, drink) on the block, it’s been around for thousands of years originating in China. The kombucha recipe typically includes tea, sugar, water, and certain strains of bacteria, yeast, or SCOBY. It is then left to ferment for a week or more. During the fermentation process, the sugar converts into alcohol and natural carbonation, and the bacteria turns the caffeine from the tea and the alcohol into probiotics.  

The last step: flavoring. For so long, kombucha has been known for its potentially anti-cancerous properties…but not for tasting good. That was one of the things that inspired us to create Better Booch, which, as its name suggests, tastes wayyy better. We spent years perfecting the brewing process so that our booch tastes as great as it makes you feel. 

Here are 9 health benefits of kombucha…

1. Improves gut health

When it comes to supporting gut health, kombucha doesn’t mess around. It is an excellent source of healthy bacteria, aka probiotics, which your gut uses to improve digestion and prevent issues such as diarrhea. 

2. Rich in antioxidants

Since kombucha is made with green or black tea leaves, you also reap all the health benefits of the tea leaves. Tea is high in antioxidants that fight free radicals that can damage cells and are linked to chronic diseases and cancer. Antioxidants are also great for your skin and for anti-aging, so it’s a win-win. 

3. Supports mental health

Research has also shown that probiotics have mental health-boosting benefits that can help alleviate symptoms of depression, such as mood, anxiety, and cognition. This is due to the gut-brain connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

4. Helps with weight loss

Green tea contains a nutrient called catechin that has shown to help rev up metabolism. Black tea is rife with antioxidants and polyphenols that have also shown to be effective at supporting weight loss. The probiotics in kombucha also reduce the calories your gut absorbs from the food you eat and impacts hormones related to appetite and fat storage. 

5. Has adaptogens

One word: adaptogens, baby! Okay, that was two words, but in all seriousness, adaptogens are the bee’s knees, and there are lots of them in kombucha. Research shows that adaptogens support cardiovascular health and neurological disorders. 

6. Boosts immune health

Thanks to the probiotics, kombucha can also support your immune system. Research shows that healthy bacteria in the gut promotes immune health. So drinking a can of kombucha on the regular can help keep you feel your best. 

7. May protect against cancer

Initial studies have shown that kombucha may help suppress the growth and spread of cancer cells, thanks to the antioxidants and polyphenols in the tea. More research needs to be done in this area, but it’s definitely promising! Advancing cancer treatment is something that we are very passionate about. Since 2017, Better Booch has been proud to support non-toxic cancer research through City of Hope’s Program of Natural Therapies. 

8. Strengthens healthy hair and nails

Well, hello there, B vitamins… Yup, kombucha has a lot of them, which are crucial for creating new healthy cells in the body. So, drinking some booch can actually help give you healthy and strong hair and nails. 

9. Kills bacteria

Thanks to the fermentation process, kombucha has antimicrobial properties, which basically means it kills bacteria. For example, it stops the growth and spread of microorganisms, including E. coli and salmonella. 

What to look for in a kombucha

Now that you’re all caught up on the benefits of kombucha, let’s chat about what to look for in a booch. First off, just because kombucha is marketed as healthy, know that not all kombucha is created equal. Look for kombucha that is raw, 100% organic, and made with premium ingredients. Seek out a brew that has live, naturally-occurring, probiotics and has gone through an unpasteurized fermentation process.

Spoiler alert: Better Booch ticks all these boxes and more. Our booch is brewed and canned in-house. It’s vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and organic. There’s no added juices, syrups, or sweeteners. Keeping sugar and calorie-count at the lowest on the market is our jam. We do this by flavoring our booch exclusively with loose-leaf teas, adaptogens, herbs, and botanicals. Also, humblebrag, Better Booch is one of the only verified non-alcoholic kombucha brands on the market—no big deal.  

Ready to try Better Booch and reap the health benefits? Check out our delicious flavors.