Kombucha is becoming a widely popular drink because of its refreshing taste and probiotic content. Many people have even switched from sodas to this carbonated drink because of its many health benefits. But this healthy drink is not just for promoting vigorous digestive tract. It is now gaining popularity for its potential to help achieve healthy, younger-looking skin.
But first, let’s take a closer look at this supposed “ultimate superdrink”.
Kombucha is a fizzy drink made from fermented tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. It has a yellow to orange colour with a sweet and tangy taste. Kombucha makes use of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to break down the sugar in the tea and release probiotics. The fermentation process yields what we see and know as the carbonated, fizzy, refreshing drink.
How is kombucha good for the body?
Drinking kombucha helps keep many bodily systems healthy, especially the digestive and immune systems. The antioxidant content of kombucha also helps fight free radicals that are known to cause damage to cells. Furthermore, drinking kombucha can help reduce toxic chemicals that can damage the liver.
The fermentation of kombucha produces acetic acid which is also present in vinegar. Acetic acid has the potential to kill bacteria and harmful microorganisms in the body. Although it helps fight bacteria in the body, the antimicrobial effect of the drink does not have any effect on the beneficial bacteria and yeast in kombucha.
This drink is loaded with many more health benefits and helps with certain conditions such as gout, haemorrhoids, rheumatism, and diabetes, and has the potential to fight cancer.
In addition, kombucha is packed with probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms consisting of good bacteria and yeast. They are commonly found in food such as yoghurt, tempeh, and other fermented food products. These probiotics are known to keep the gut healthy by improving the population of gut flora or good bacteria on the digestive system.
How is kombucha good for the skin?
More and more people are now introducing kombucha into their skincare routine. The famous probiotic drink is now incorporated in skincare products such as facial masks and toners. This is probably due to the fact that vitamins B2, B6, and B12, commonly found in skincare products, are also present in kombucha. Though drinking kombucha is already beneficial for the skin, it should not be topically applied in its drinkable form.
It has anti-inflammatory properties
Lactobacillus, a common probiotic strain found in kombucha, works wonders on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin inflammations and flare-ups such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It also helps calm skin irritations.
It moisturises the skin
Certain probiotics have appeared to promote the skin’s production of lipids (fats) that trap moisture on the skin. When skin is properly moisturised, bacteria that cause acne are likewise kept at bay.
It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Antioxidants in kombucha work against free radicals that can cause the appearance of the signs of premature ageing. Lactic acid bacteria in kombucha brightens and evens out the skin tone. Also, the presence of a cocktail of vitamin B (B1, B2, B6, and B12) in kombucha promotes the growth of new and skin cells creating a healthy, radiant glow.
Even further, the probiotics in kombucha give the skin a protective shield that helps it be more resistant to UV damages and blemish-causing bacteria.
It can unclog pores
Glycolic acid found in kombucha can help unclog pores and reduce their size. Unclogged pores mean fewer pollutants on the skin, making it look clearer and more supple.
This healthy drink is not just for promoting a healthy gut. Kombucha is now making its way to the list of ingredients in facial toners, creams, and serums. Its probiotic content, one of its greatest strengths and claims to fame, has so much to offer when it comes to promoting healthy skin. That said, kombucha may offer you far more than a refreshing drink, it can also be the key to more youthful, glowing skin.