Kombucha has been called "the elixer of life" and "the miracle health tea". It's even received a mention as an identity clue in the Facebook Carmen Sandiego game. Indianapolis has two local vendors of kombucha, and recently I sampled some of the kombucha made by Hidden Pond Farm in Centerville.
I received a sample of the cherry flavor from the vendors. I also purchased the ginger and grape flavors at Georgetown Market, and have previously tried the pineapple flavor.
Even if kombucha had no health benefits--studies show that it may have promise as a health food--it would be worth trying as a replacement beverage. It is lower in caffeine than most sodas, while it still has some carbonation, according to the Weston A. Price Foundation. As a result, Hidden Pond Farm's kombuchas have a sweet, fizzy taste sure to satisfy any soda fan.
Kombucha contains less caffeine than a tea of similar size. According to Planet Green.com, it can also be used to replace energy drinks.
I wholeheartedly recommend kombucha over an energy drink. Kombucha does not rely on sugar or caffeine to deliver the energy boost. As a result, while you feel like you could run a marathon or mentally process the works of Immanuel Kant, there is no "crash" when your system absorbs the fermented tea drink.
According to Hidden Pond Farm's web page, the company sells several flavors of kombucha: ginger, mint, cranberry, pear, spruce mint, pineapple, cherry, plain, and grape. My personal favorite is pineapple, which is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. Also especially worth trying is the grape, which is reminiscent of a fine wine.
The flavor alone would make Hidden Pond Farm's kombuchas worth trying. It is also worth noting that while the studies are still inconclusive (largely due to there not being many), PubMed.gov reports:
- an Egyptian study of rats found that kombucha may help repair damage caused by pollution and may help patients with kidney problems
- an Indian study of rats found that kombucha could help rats recover from a compromised immune system when the causation was lead. This study noted "The results suggest that K-tea has potent antioxidant and immunomodulating properties."
- another Indian study of rats concluded "K-tea has anti-stress and hepato-protective activities." (In other words, it might be good for your liver.)
- a study of mice by the University of Alaska found that the mice who drank kombucha lived longer than the control group, although it was uncertain how humans would react to kombucha
[Click here to learn why rats are used in medical studies.]
I personally have found that kombucha has helped ease my symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. It seems to help me breathe easier, as well as ease related pain (note that all chest pain should be treated by a doctor). It also seems to help the accompanying fatigue. However, a search of PubMed.gov did not reveal any studies on kombucha's effect on asthma.
Kombucha is worth trying, although you should consult with your doctor and do your research before doing so. For localvores and those who appreciate diverse flavors, Hidden Pond Farm is a must-try. The web page lists the farmer's markets and stores where you can find their products.
[See Examiner.com article "Question of the Week: Kombucha is in the news a lot lately. What is it?"]
[See Examiner.com article "Book Review: Kombucha Phenomenon: The Miracle Health Tea".]
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