kombucha is the ideal drink for your mental health; to understand

Kombucha is an ancient fermented beverage made from tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Although its origins are ancient, its recent rise in popularity in the West has made it a mainstay of the probiotic food trend, alongside kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.

Kombucha at home: This is the recipe for a fermented drink that strengthens the microbiota and improves digestion
To understand: Kombucha reduces harmful gut microbes linked to obesity, new study finds

The magic of this drink lies in the SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), a gelatinous disk that floats on the surface of the tea. This culture transforms sugar into bioactive compounds, organic acids (such as acetic acid) and natural gases which give it its characteristic effervescence. Additionally, the process generates B vitamins and powerful natural antioxidants.

Regular consumption of this drink brings several benefits for general well-being:

Digestive health: its probiotic and prebiotic effects help balance the intestinal microbiota, improving nutrient absorption and combating intestinal permeability.
Strengthen the immune system: Since 70% of defenses reside in the digestive tract, a healthy gut improves the immune response.
Emotional regulation: Thanks to the gut-brain axis, probiotics can positively influence mood and stress management.
Liver detoxification: Organic acids, such as glucuronic acid, promote the elimination of toxins from the liver.
Natural energy: Thanks to the B vitamins and caffeine present in tea, it is an excellent source of vitality.

Discover a selection of refreshing drinks and desserts

At Trattoria Ragazza de Pasta (96643-1151), in addition to alcoholic drinks, there are refreshing and non-alcoholic suggestions, such as the French Lemonade. R$19.90 — Photo: Disclosure

At the Municipal Market, Caipi Café (97246-8022) combined two national preferences. The coffee caipirinha is served in a version with or without alcohol and costs R$24.99 — Photo: Disclosure

At Gurumê (3959-4607), the Da América drink contains gin, guaraná açaí liqueur, pitaya juice, lemon juice, Amazonian camu camu liqueur and sugar syrup. It costs R$43 — Photo: Divuçgação

4 out of 6
Nerone Gelato e Café (99598-1020), at Mercado Municipal, offers mango and Belgian chocolate ice cream. It costs R$33.90 (two balls) — Photo: Disclosure

6 out of 6
Maria Açaí (3254-8207) bets on new products to beat the heat, like the Cascão de Açaí, with varied edges and toppings (from R$6.90) — Photo: Disclosure

Frozen flavors to take the edge off the heat

How to Make Kombucha at Home

Preparing your own fermented tea at home is a simple process, but one that requires hygiene and patience:

Infusion: Prepare tea (black or green) with sugar and let it cool.
Primary fermentation: add the SCOBY and leave to rest in a warm place, covered with a cloth, for 7 to 10 days.
Second fermentation: Bottle the liquid (you can add fruit or ginger) to increase the natural effervescence.
Refrigeration: store in the refrigerator to stabilize the flavor and slow the fermentation process.

Now considered a premier functional food, kombucha is not a magic bullet, but a tool for those looking to improve their health through mindful eating.