Organic Raw Kombucha

Organic raw kombucha is an ancient fermented drink believed to promote health. This tangy beverage is derived from the kombucha culture and tastes somewhat sour, like a carbonated vinegar.

If you look into the history of kombucha, you'll see it referred to as a mushroom, a plant or a tea. The truth is that organic raw kombucha is a culture of microorganisms that enhances health and restores balance. Because it is raw, nutritionally it provides viable probiotics, active enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants and polyphenols.

While you may only have heard of kombucha recently due to its surge in popularity, it is an ancient elixir used for thousands of years. Today it is enjoyed around the world but is called by a variety of names including:

• Kwassan
• Manchu Fungus
• Manchurian Tea
• Mo-Gu Fungus japonicus
• Tea Kvass

The kombucha culture grows in water and looks like a flexible, light-brown disk. It feels like a tough, gelatinous substance, but this disk is a living culture and can be used to start new cultures for new batches of the tangy beverage. It grows in layers that are easy to separate making it simple to start a new batch.

Raw kombucha can be part of a raw food diet because it is not processed, cooked, or pasteurized. Its raw state retains natural antibacterial properties and health-promoting nutrients that are killed if heated. Raw kombucha helps the body find a natural metabolic balance and builds up its natural defenses as it normalizes the pH and detoxifies the:

• Blood
• Digestive system
• Liver

Buying kombucha tea is easier today in the Western world, but if you are looking for the raw product, it isn't quite as easy. That’s why many people make their own kombucha. However, you can find quality brands at your local health food stores. If they don't carry it, talk to the store manager about ordering it for you. For those who don't have a health food store nearby, you can also find suppliers online where you can purchase organic kombucha direct.

Some of the brands to look for include:

GT's offers a raw organic version of kombucha along with their popular raw kombucha Synergy Organic. Their products are completely raw, organic, natural and safe for a vegan or kosher diet.

The Happy Herbalist Kombucha Tea is made with from a mixture of black and green tea that produces and taste comparable to apple cider.

Dr. Sklenar Genuine Recipe Kombucha Tea has been sold in Europe for more than 30 years but is now available in the United States, too. They also offer kombucha tea capsules and extract.

Katalyst Kombucha has recently opened an online store where you can by a variety of their kombucha drinks or if you decide to make your own, the kombucha culture.

For those living in Europe and the UK, you can buy Gaia's Organic Kombucha online at Nature's Live Elixir.

Along with all the good news and promises of better health, it's worth noting kombucha dangers and warnings, too.

First, it's important to remember that only raw kombucha is said to provide the health benefits listed in this article. If it isn't raw, it won't provide the living properties you're looking for. But even the raw organic versions carry their dangers.

Women who are nursing or pregnant can drink Kombucha but it should not be consumed in large amounts due to caffeine and alcohol content. Some brands are made with decaf, so it's worth shopping around.

Kombucha tea brewed at home can become contaminated. It's important to carefully clean the kitchen, and all utensils, bottles, etc. to prohibit bacterial contamination.

Drinking too much kombucha may cause metabolic acidosis. One to three cups a day is normal.

Because of kombucha's acidic nature some medications may react unfavorably to it. If you're taking medication, check with your doctor before adding raw kombucha to your diet.

• How to Make Almond Milk
• Recipe for Vegetarian Kung Pao Chicken
• How to Make Seitan
• Is Soy Milk Good For You?

• Whey Protein Side Effects
• Disadvantages of Being a Vegetarian
• How to Cook Tofu
• Protein Deficiency Symptoms
• Tofu Marinade

• Main Page
• Local Raw Honey Benefits
• Eating Raw Foods
• Benefits of Kombucha
• Category:Kombucha Mushroom