Hana Oakes

While passing the refrigerated drinks in the grocery store you may have eyed a sign that reads Kombucha, and an array of colorful bottles below it. Many pass by this beverage, unaware of its many health benefits and tangy taste, brushing it off as just another unknown grocery store item. However, taking the time to read even the slightest bit about kombucha may enlighten anyone about the perks of drinking it.

Although kombucha is an ancient concoction, it has a modern day poster boy, spreading it to western culture. George Thomas Dave, founder of GT Kombucha, began to market kombucha in the U.S in the late 90s and his business has prospered. It started when he was 15, brewing his own homemade kombucha. Eventually, through hard work and perseverance, the product made its way onto the shelves of Whole Foods.

Kombucha is fermented tea originating from China gaining popularity on the Silk Road alongside other types of tea. It then spread to Europe, resulting in people from many countries brewing their own kombucha.

This drink has some positive effects on the human body due to the probiotics within. The large amount of probiotics within the drink itself. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body, helping digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins.

Penn state Abington sells kombucha in the cafeteria, offering multiple flavors. If this isn’t enough, Whole Foods also offers the beverage, with a range of flavors from GT Synergy from ginger to guava! All in all, kombucha is a health packed drink with many benefits that can only improve your health, available at many different stores near you. Enjoy!