Served iced or hot, black tea is a fixture at homes and restaurants in the United States and the rest of the world. Kombucha is a more exotic drink with a slightly effervescent tang. Both black tea and kombucha have purported health benefits. Consult your physician about whether black tea or kombucha is appropriate for your health condition.
Black Tea Benefits
Although green tea is the variety most popular for health, black tea shares many of its beneficial qualities, as they come from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. According to a 2003 article in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition," several well-designed studies suggest black tea reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and possibly osteoporosis. Green and black teas alike contain catechins, powerful phytochemicals that help protect cells from the oxidative stress implicated in many chronic diseases.
Kombucha Benefits
Kombucha is a fermented beverage made by adding yeast and bacteria to sugared green or black tea. Formerly the province of health-food enthusiasts who made it in crocks and tubs at home, kombucha is now big business. This beverage comprises a significant portion of the $295 million functional drink market, according to the "New York Times." Like regular black tea, kombucha has powerful antioxidant properties. A Cornell University study concluded that due to its acetic acid content, kombucha has antimicrobial properties that are active against a wide spectrum of organisms. Clinical trials on humans are still necessary to determine kombucha's practical health benefits.
History
Second only to plain water among the most consumed beverages in the world, tea has a long history of more than 4,000 years in Asia and at least 350 years in Europe. Kombucha originated around 2,200 years ago, and appeared in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The healthful properties of black tea have been the subject of many studies, while many of kombucha's benefits remain anecdotal, according to a review published in "Food Research International." Traditional uses for kombucha include regulating gastrointestinal activities, relieving joint pain, preventing cancer and normalizing blood sugar. Consult a physician before using kombucha for therapeutic purposes.
Considerations and Cautions
Black tea is generally considered safe, but its caffeine content can cause problems if consumed in excess. Too much caffeine can result in headaches, jitteriness and sleep disturbances. Kombucha may cause upset stomach, allergic reactions and renal insufficiencies. According to "Food Research International," these side effects typically resolve when you eliminate or cut back on your kombucha consumption. When using kombucha, make sure to drink plenty of plain water as well in order to boost the elimination of toxins.
References
- "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition"; Tea Catechins and Polyphenols: Health Effects, Metabolism, and Antioxidant Functions; J.V. Higdon et al.; 2003
- HappyHerbalist.com; Determination and Characterization of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Fermented Tea Kombucha; C.J. Greenwalt et al.
- "Food Research International"; Tea, Kombucha and Health; C. Dufresne et al.; 2000
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