Kombucha is tasty and easy to find in stores — but are the health claims backed by science? We live in interesting times. Health consciousness is in vogue, and so is mistrust of mainstream medicine. “Ancient” is often understood to mean “effective.” So it’s no surprise that kombucha, a fermented tea that dates back some 2,000 years, is the wellness drink of choice for many.of sugar, bacteria, yeast and, sometimes, fruit.
Proponents of kombucha say it supports digestion, metabolism, immunity, liver function and more. Staunch kombucha evangelists say it can fight a variety of ailments, from hair loss to obesity to diabetes — even cancer and AIDS. A bit of “booch,” as it’s affectionately known, is also thought to rejuvenate, revitalize, reenergize and restore one’s body and mind.