��ϴ��¼� Kombucha - The ��ϴ��¼� Blog | Gut Health, Recipes & Kombucha Tips

Explore the power of Turmeric

2025-06-19T00:00:00+01:00

Turmeric, Lemon & Ginger could be our most powerful kombucha yet.

Find out what makes this liquid gold brew a functional powerhouse as we take a turmeric deep dive. And you won’t even end up with bright yellow fingers. Turmeric is a fascinating plant with a long history of use both as a spice and for its potential health benefits. Turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is native to Southeast Asia, particularly India. The part of the plant that’s commonly used is the rhizome, which is the underground stem that looks similar to ginger. Slice into a turmeric rhizome and you’ll find a bright golden yellow flesh with a warm, earthy flavour and a slightly bitter edge. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine (like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) due to its wide range of purported health benefits. It is also a staple in Indian cooking.

Functional benefits of turmeric

The primary active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its functional benefits. • Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Turmeric can help manage and reduce inflammation, which is why it's often recommended for conditions like arthritis. • Antioxidant effects: Curcumin is a potent antioxidant, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage. This can slow down aging processes and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. • Supports brain health: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help improve brain function and could play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin is thought to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new neurons. • Digestive health: Turmeric is commonly used to aid digestion. It can help reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating and wind. Some studies have also suggested that turmeric could help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). • Improved joint health: Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric can be very helpful for reducing symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, particularly in osteoarthritis. • Mood and mental health: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The anti-inflammatory effects are believed to play a role in this.

The kombucha effect

We’ve wanted to make a Turmeric kombucha for quite a while. We all know the probiotic benefits of kombucha and when you add turmeric to the mix, you're getting an extra boost of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Kombucha helps support gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (gut flora). Adding turmeric, especially for its curcumin content, can amplify the health benefits, particularly related to reducing inflammation, supporting digestion, and improving overall immunity. The combination of probiotics and curcumin creates a synergistic effect that may enhance your digestive and immune system health. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Boost: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which means when added to kombucha, it may help reduce inflammation in the body, boost your immunity, and even support brain health. If you have conditions like arthritis, turmeric's anti-inflammatory action may complement the gut-health benefits from kombucha.

Finding the flavour balance

Turmeric has an earthy mildly spicy flavour with a slightly bitter edge. Our Head Brewer, Rupert, experimented with many recipes before he perfected our Turmeric, Lemon and Ginger kombucha.

Ginger: Cousins, ginger and turmeric are often combined in Eastern food cultures. Both have anti-inflammatory properties and add a zingy, warming flavor.
Citrus: We added organic Sicilian lemon juice to balance turmeric’s earthiness and create brightness on the palate.
Black Pepper: Piperine (found in black pepper) enhance the absorption of curcumin and adds an unexpected spicy kick to this vibrant kombucha.

Why we don't use artificial sweeteners

2025-02-11T00:00:00+00:00

Like all the good things in life, our kombucha is quite simple. We use a few carefully chosen organic ingredients combined with the knowledge of our craft brewers and the magic of fermentation, to make delicious, low-calorie drinks.

To create each ��ϴ��¼� Organic kombucha we start with just three things: filtered water, organic green tea and organic raw cane sugar. Each of the three is crucial to providing the perfect environment for our unique SCOBY to do its work transforming our sweetened tea brew into the living kombucha we’re so proud of.

In this blog we’ll be focusing on sugar and how we use it in our kombucha. We’ll take you behind the scenes at our Yorkshire brewery to learn how we balance the sweetness and other flavours in our booch. And we’ll lift the lid on sweeteners and why there will never be a place for them in our drinks.

Quality and low quantity

We choose cane sugar, rather than sugar beet, because it’s the only way we can source a truly organic, GMO-free sugar for our drinks.

It also tastes great. Raw cane sugar is an ancient ingredient that needs minimal processing. It has delicate molasses flavour that imparts depth and complexity to our kombucha.

Although we start with sugar in our recipe, our drinks contain less than 4g per 100ml. That’s less than many fizzy soft drinks, for example:

Coke has 10.6g per 100ml
San Pellegrino Classic Italian Taste Limonata has 7.97g per 100ml

That’s because the fermentation process uses the sugar up feeding the probiotic microbes and eventually turns it into the delicious antioxidant rich, slightly tangy kombucha we know and love.

Balancing the complex sweet, tart and fruity flavours of each ��ϴ��¼� Organic Kombucha is the job of our experienced team of craft brewers. Whether we’re adding the sharp zesty notes of citrus that give our Sicilian Lemon its zing, or the ripe fragrance of tropical fruits like our Organic Pineapple & Mango in cans, we always want the natural sweetness to shine through.

Tips from our brewing team

From sweet tooth to sweet enough already, our craft brewing team are here to help you find a kombucha you'll love.

organic blood orange can

From £36.13 for 24 cans

Sweet enough already – try our Organic Blood Orange, the punchy citrus shines through

Organic white peach & Strawberry

From £24.65 for 12 bottles.

In search of sweet sunshine – you’ll love White Peach and Strawberry with its summery strawberry fragrance and sweet juiciness

Organic fiery ginger can

From £36.13 for 24 cans

In search of balance – our Organic Fiery Ginger pairs gentle sweetness with the heat of ginger root for a brilliant balance of flavours

The downside of sweeteners

We’re all aware of the harmful effects of too much sugar, but did you know that the artificial sweeteners in many soft drinks, including some kombuchas, may be free from calories but they do have consequences for your gut?

We’ve been told that artificial sweeteners are inert in the human body, but research is starting to show that many sweeteners can have an impact on our gut microbiome, damaging the balance of the important friendly bacteria that live there.

In short, our gut friendly bacteria don’t know how to process these chemicals, so they react unpredictably, potentially leading to metabolic and inflammatory changes that contribute to vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease and changes to blood sugar levels.

100% natural is the way to go

For us at ��ϴ��¼�, the priority has always been to keep things natural and simple. Our drinks are low in calories because they are made in a traditional way using just organic green tea, raw cane sugar and water as a base for our fermentation process, using our unique SCOBY*.

You will never find artificial sweeteners in our drinks, which means you can relax and enjoy an ��ϴ��¼� Organic kombucha swap whether you’re keen to limit the amount of sugar in your diet or to cut out ultra processed ingredients including sweeteners.

If you’re interested in some research about the effects of sweeteners on the delicate gut microbiota, you can find recent papers here:

*Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts

Growing a SCOBY

2025-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

Did you know you can grow your own SCOBY from our Original Kombucha. A SCOBY is the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast that creates the fermentation process that turns simple green tea into gut-friendly kombucha. Take a look inside ��ϴ��¼� HQ and see how a SCOBY grows in just a few days. It's still magical to us after more than a decade! https://vimeo.com/1049230105?share=copy

classic bottles multi-pack

From £24.65 for 12 bottles. The Classic Bottles Multi-pack, includes our award-winning Original flavour

original

From £24.65�� for 12 bottles. Our Original kombucha. Perfect for growing your own SCOBY

mixed bottles multi-pack

From £33.58 for 20 bottles A great introduction to our range of authentic organic kombucha flavours

Make your own kombucha

If you're interested in the science of the SCOBY and making your own kombucha, check out this See the whole process

The Science Behind The Organic Acids in Kombucha

2024-08-19T00:00:00+01:00

What do you love about kombucha? For us it’s the refreshing taste. We can’t get enough of that unique acidic twang. We also love the fact that the slightly sharp (and totally addictive) taste we enjoy in our craft-brewed booch has brilliant added benefits. The fermentation process we use to turn our green tea brew into kombucha produces a collection of beneficial and delicious organic acids. But what are these acids and what are they doing for us?

What are the organic acids in kombucha

Awesome acetic acid Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its acid kick and kombucha its distinctive flavour. It’s the most abundant of the three commonly-occurring organic acids in kombucha. The other two are glucuronic acid and gluconic acid. They’re all produced as a by-product of the fermentation process used to make kombucha. A study published in the in 2000 found that kombucha was effective at inhibiting the growth of some common bacteria pathogenic to humans. This means that under lab conditions, kombucha restricted the growth of harmful bacteria. The bacteria in this study included E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter and listeria. All bad bugs that can cause the stomach upsets, sickness and diarrhoea associated with food poisoning. This means that drinking kombucha regularly could help us fight off nasty food poisoning bugs. And this is down, in part, to acetic acid, a known anti-bug agent. According to a health review published in the scientific in 2014, acetic acid is largely responsible for these antibacterial effects of kombucha. It also works in conjunction with the proteins in kombucha to increase this effect. �� Best supporting acid The glucuronic acid in kombucha has a variety of health-supporting roles in the body. A study published in 2004 in the explains that this acid helps support the liver’s detoxing duties, helping it do its job of processing drugs, chemicals and pollutants. Glucuronic acid also helps keep the balance of our sex hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone in check and helps to increase the activity of antioxidants. Boosting good gut health Kombucha contains gluconic acid, which was proven in to support the growth of good gut bacteria called Bifidobacteria. They help support a healthy gut and for this reason, they’re often added to probiotic supplements. The more support we give these good guys with gluconic acid from the mighty kombucha, the happier our gut! Sharp operators Kombucha is also linked with supporting a healthy immune system due to its antioxidant content. One of these antioxidants is ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C. And kombucha contains glucaric acid which showed promising antioxidant results in a . Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage our cells, leaving us vulnerable to disease. So, there we are, a collection of awesome acids, present in kombucha with health benefits we can all benefit from by enjoying our daily kombucha. What’s not to love?

Kombucha can help you feel like an Olympic medal winner inside

2024-08-06T00:00:00+01:00

We chat to Team GB Olympic Gold medalist, Hannah Scott, and Ollie Wynne-Griffith, who won Silver in Paris, about why they like to include kombucha in their diet. Have you been inspired by the awesome commitment and resilience of the athletes at the Olympic Games? Have you ever wondered how gut health and nutrition play a role in the training of elite athletes? We’re proud to supply kombucha to Team GB Olympic Rowers and and it’s great to know that the Gold and Silver medal-winning duo relied on our booch right the way through training. Here at ��ϴ��¼� Organic we’ve always believed in the power of kombucha to help you feel your best. For most of us our diet is something we think about with general health and wellbeing in mind, but for elite athletes it’s a crucial part of their training and preparation Before they headed to Paris we spoke to Hannah��and Ollie��to find out about their training and why they include our organic kombucha in their daily diet. EK – What does a typical day’s diet look like for you during training? OWG – We consume between 5,000 and 6,000 calories per day when we’re training, which means we have 5 meals per day. It’s a real challenge to get enough fuel to support our training regime of three two-hour sessions each day. We have a team nutritionist who works closely with the chef who prepares breakfast and lunch for us – we also have a first breakfast at home before training and an evening meal and snacks that we prepare for ourselves. EK – How do live cultures feature in your nutrition? HS – Our nutritionist is a strong advocate of including probiotics and live cultures in our diet and she helps us to balance the need to consume so many calories with the nutritional make up and diversity of our food and drink. The importance of probiotics and live cultures has become a real focus for our sport in the past two or three years because we know that the cumulative effect of all the small positive things we do makes a big difference to our results. EK – What benefit do you experience from drinking kombucha and including other gut-friendly foods in your diet? HS – For me the benefits of drinking kombucha are really tangible. When I first started training at this level, I struggled to take on enough calories – it was just physically uncomfortable and took a toll on my digestion. Drinking kombucha and eating plenty of fibre have really helped me to have an efficient and healthy digestive system. OWG – We can’t afford to have time out from training. It’s so easy to pick up bugs when travelling and competing in close proximity with rowers from all over the world so it’s crucial to support our immune systems with live cultures and pro-biotics. I have used pro-biotic supplements in the past, but I much prefer the reassurance of getting them from a natural organic product. HS – For both of us, our regular kombucha feels like a treat rather than a chore. It’s a great alternative to a fizzy sugary drink and we look forward to enjoying our kombucha. EK – Do you think a happy gut gives you psychological benefits? HS – I really notice the difference in my mood and resilience when my gut health is good. The gut-brain axis means that supporting your gut health is a wise move if you want to be able to cope well with stress and maintain focus. OWG – Our training is all about the cumulative result of many marginal gains. It just makes sense that anything we can do to help stay fit, focussed and strong is a good idea – especially when it’s something we enjoy! Of course, a daily kombucha boost isn’t just for rowing superstars, we can all benefit from improved digestion, better mood and strengthened immunity – even if the only medal we’re likely to win this summer is for the egg and spoon race at the school sports day. There’s lots more information about and in their British Rowing profiles.

Why I am Vegan

2023-01-06T00:00:00+00:00

My journey to becoming Vegan Like most people, I grew up eating meat, dairy and eggs and never thought twice about eating those foods. I believed that was normal and healthy and couldn’t understand why people took such extreme actions like not having cow’s milk on their cereal or boiled eggs for breakfast. But for 7 years now I have been fully vegan, and my diet has been entirely plant-based. So, what was it that changed my mind and was it the right decision? It began when I was at school and asked my parents if I could become a vegetarian. I’d grown up around farms and countryside and seeing the animal agriculture first hand had connected the animals I saw outside my window with the food on my plate. Once I had connected the two and seen what was involved in producing the food I ate, I decided that I would rather have lentils in my pasta sauce than minced beef. The idea that it was not worth killing an animal just for me to eat meat was fundamental to me for several years, but I never saw any issue with milking a cow or taking the eggs that a chicken had laid. It wasn’t until I went to university that I was exposed to many varying views of the world. This made me want to understand my diet and consumption from all aspects which included researching animal agriculture and the alternatives. The conclusion for me was to eliminate the consumption of all animal products from my life but it is important to recognise that is far from perfect. While I believe there are clear problems with the industries surrounding animal agriculture; plenty of alternative crops / meat-free foods can cause harm to humans as well as the environment when produced in the wrong way. My goal by transitioning to a vegan diet was to do as little harm as possible. �� My reasons why being Vegan is important For me, animals were the principal reason for becoming vegan. A lot of their exploitation goes unnoticed which is understandable when taking note may also mean removing peoples’ favourite part of their diet. Naturally the worst conditions are in factory farms employed by large corporations who can hide the horrible environments the animals endure. There are now plenty of articles and documentaries for those who are interested in knowing where their meat, dairy and eggs come from. Environmental issues have also become far more apparent through the media in recent years which has meant people are increasingly considering this in the lifestyle choices they make. For me, a vegan diet is a great way to reduce the impact I have on the drain of resources and damage to natural ecosystems. The air and water pollution from intensive factory farms, as well as their high-water use, makes alternative plant crops far more sustainable. Deforestation is also a massive issue: firstly, the land needed to raise the animals and then the vast number of crops that need to be grown to feed them. If the crops were simply fed to humans in the first place, far less land would be needed and hence more land would be protected for vital habitats like the Amazon rainforest. Health is another major consideration in our diets and there are many benefits with a plant-based one. The amount of chemicals involved in producing animal products is alarming. From antibiotics for preventing disease in their horrendous living conditions, to supplements for maximising their yield, all these chemicals result in toxins being left in the food that people eat. Plant crops tend to require and contain less toxins, but this is where organic produce becomes important. Organic fruit, veg and other plant-based products are fantastic for a cleaner, vegan lifestyle. For me, working at ��ϴ��¼� has been great as the company shares the same values around organic and vegan produce. I know that everything I contribute at work goes towards producing a great tasting drink that does as little harm as possible to people and the planet. The nutrition in animal-based foods also tends to be much higher in fat than the plant alternatives which can be an issue if consumed in excess. Ultimately the health effects I have experienced since become vegan are anecdotal but very real for me. I have experienced better moods, improved concentration, better gut health and an overall feeling of increased fitness. This may obviously vary for everyone but for me it has been fantastic. In recent years, finding products that are suitable for vegans has become much easier with increased options and clear labelling for most things. Eating out has also become far more straightforward as most places have clearly marked options. Beyond this, finding brands and products that meet higher standards of environmental and ethical responsibility can be very difficult. Every brand wants to be seen as though they are doing the right thing which can make it very confusing when deciding where to spend your money. Often the smaller natural / whole foods shops vet the products they sell so that customers don’t have to worry so much about researching each individual company. On a larger scale there are independent organisations like B Corp who certify companies based on various ethical and environmental standards. This means that if a company is a certified B Corp you know they meet high standards of social and environmental performance, and you can support them with a clearer conscience. �� Top tips for plant-based lifestyles So, this Veganuary if you are feeling like trying a plant-based diet out – here are some tips I have learned over the years!

Take it slow - Once I decided to go vegan, it was a slow transition. Try replacing foods and ingredients gradually to find out what works well for your body and lifestyle.
Reduce instead of remove - If you don’t want to go the whole way, maybe just try reducing your meat consumption for a month or two and see how you feel
Vote with your money - Spend some time looking at plant-based brands that you are attracted to and include these products in your diet – by voting with your money, you are automatically having a positive impact on the planet

�� Of course, so I can always recommend trying some of our delicious living kombucha as a part of your Veganuary adventures. But I would say that! �� Written by Ben Costello Planning and Production Manager @ ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha

10 Health Benefits of Mint

2022-09-14T00:00:00+01:00

Did you know there’s�� much more to mint than you may think? Commonly found in foods such as chewing gum and toothpaste, mint is a species of plant belonging to the genus Mentha. In fact, there are a variety of different types of mint, such as spearmint and peppermint, each with their own uses and benefits. Mint can be enjoyed in aromatic teas, delicious desserts and refreshing drinks - like our , which contains natural mint flavour in addition to organic mint leaves and cold pressed juice! So, the real question is: does mint have any health benefits? In short, the answer is yes! There are a wide range of health benefits of mint, from improved brain function to digestive health. Better yet, opt for organic and enjoy all these benefits without the chemical residue or environmental burden, or mix your mint with other health-boosting foods. How about that? Drinking a fruity mojito and reaping all the health benefits of kombucha and mint? What a win! We’ll run you through some of the incredible health benefits of mint in more detail…

1. Filled with nutrients

Mint contains a number of different , such as:

Fibre - maintains a healthy bowel
Vitamin A - improves eye health and prevents cardiovascular disease
Vitamin C - supports immune system and tissue repair
Calcium - maintain strong bones
Iron - supports healthy blood
Folate - necessary for producing red and white blood cells
Manganese - beneficial for brain and nerve function��

Mint is also a fantastic source of antioxidants, which helps protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress can lead to fatigue, memory loss, joint pain, headaches and more unpleasant symptoms.

2. Improved digestive health��

Another amazing benefit of mint is that it can help improve your digestive health, and even relieve some of the symptoms of . Peppermint oil in particular has been known to alleviate IBS symptoms, since it contains menthol which can relax the muscle in your digestive system. In turn, this can help .�� Did you know that ?

3. Boost your immune system

As touched upon briefly, that help against free radical damage and have a huge impact on your immune system. Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for overall good health and preventing a multitude of illnesses.�� In addition to mint, and promote good health throughout the body.

4. Better brain function

Mint has been known to have a positive effect on brain function, helping increase alertness and memory capabilities, as well as prevent mental fatigue. These types of benefits of mints are typically obtained through inhaling the plant’s essential oils, rather than from consumption.

5. Support your pregnancy

Another lesser-known benefit of mint is that it can be used to support your pregnancy and help make . Yes, you read that right! A natural cure for breastfeeding pain - hallelujah! Some new mothers apply mint to the skin, in the form of an essential oil or peppermint gel to relieve breastfeeding pain and prevent skin cracking.�� Some people also choose to chew mint as a way to . Although many swear by these remedies, we recommend checking with your doctors before changing your diet, taking new medications or supplements, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.��

6. Reduce cold symptoms

The common cold is caused by a virus, which means mint cannot cure your cold, but it can certainly help relieve the symptoms. reveal that mint can help improve nasal breathing, helping you decongest your sinuses and get you through the worst of your cold. Why not try a cosy cup of mint tea to warm you up as well?

7. Keep your mouth healthy

Mint is proven to mask bad breath, making it a great ingredient to flavour toothpaste, mouthwash and gum. And, while these products only mask the smell, chewing real mint leaves or drinking mint tea will actually kill the bad-smelling bacteria at the source and neutralise the smell. In fact, , peppermint in particular, and can be great for relieving mouth ulcers, too.��

8. Help manage stress

Research suggests that mint can help combat feelings of . Some studies even suggest that the , which means simply eating a peppermint sweet or diffusing mint oils in the air can do the trick.�� Studies also suggest that peppermint can and prevent hypertension.��

9. Improve allergy symptoms

Mint can help reduce the symptoms associated with dust allergies and asthma due to its . It contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid that has . So, next time you’re feeling the wrath of pollen, reach for some peppermint!

10. Soothe irritated skin

Salicylic acid and Vitamin A have become extremely popular in the world of skincare, with many social media skin-care gurus preaching their cleansing properties. Mint products can make a great addition to your since it contains antibacterial properties, salicylic acid and Vitamin A, which are all beneficial for acne-prone or irritated skin. There are a variety of products on the market that contain mint and are known to unclog pores, reduce redness and break down pimples. Similarly, containing high amounts of and antioxidants, mint also does wonders for your hair. As such, mint is beneficial for treating dandruff and other scalp conditions. All that being said, it’s important to note that pure menthol is not good for your health, whether that’s inhaling it, consuming it or applying it to your skin!

Summing up

Is mint good for you? Absolutely! Mint is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, and makes a healthy addition to your diet. Incorporating mint into your daily routine may not be for everyone, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying the benefits of mint.�� Not a fan of peppermint tea? Hate the taste of minty sweets? Why not treat yourself to a ? Or add a splash of white rum - that still counts, right?

Does Kombucha help with bloating?

2020-10-05T00:00:00+01:00

Can kombucha help you banish the bloat?��

Bloating is an extremely common and uncomfortable condition in which the stomach feels swollen and sore, and often occurs after eating. Bloating is usually a sign of excess wind, constipation, food intolerances or digestive issues, but it can also be a telltale sign of a bacteria imbalance in the gut!

Probiotics and bloating

There are certain types of bacteria which can be extremely beneficial and help to promote a healthy microbial balance. According to Nutritional Therapist Hannah Braye, . We think fermented food and drink is a great place to start! Fermented foods have been in the limelight of late, but it’s a trend that’s set to stick around! Sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, kefir and our favourite, kombucha have rapidly grown in popularity. And, not only do they taste great, but they also have a range of important reported health benefits.

Kombucha and bloating

Kombucha contains live bacteria and organic acids, which if consumed on a regular basis may help to aid digestive issues such as excess gas and bloating. Ginger is also known to act as a natural digestive aid and an anti-inflammatory, so opt for our flavour for extra gut-boosting power. Although the research around fermented foods and bloating may be inconclusive, many have shared anecdotal stories about the significant improvements in gut health that they have noticed since introducing kombucha into their diet. We had similar feedback from participants of our Wellness Study, who shared their experience of drinking kombucha everyday for 8 weeks: “I think that it is very possible that the kombucha has helped alleviate my bloating..” and “I feel good and it flattens my belly (especially after a meal).”

Can Kombucha cause bloating?

Kombucha has been known to improve digestive health by regulating the microbial balance in your gut which, in turn, reduces bloating caused by bacteria. However, there’s no ignoring the obvious. Kombucha is a carbonated drink and carbonated drinks contain which enter your digestive system and can make you bloated when you drink too much.�� Typically, more , like diet lemonade or cola, will cause more bloating. Luckily, ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha is low in sugar and contains no artificial sweeteners. Have you tried ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha? Stock up on our best-selling flavours

Does kombucha have caffeine?

2020-08-13T00:00:00+01:00

At ��ϴ��¼� HQ, we get tonnes of questions about our beautiful booch. In our latest kombuch-Q&A, we’re answering one of our most asked questions about our booch: does kombucha contain caffeine? In short, yes, kombucha does have caffeine, but only a very small amount. Here’s why...

How much caffeine does kombucha have?

Kombucha is brewed using green tea, which naturally contains some caffeine, and while the majority of the caffeine is lost during the fermentation process, a trace amount is left behind; around 7.43mg per 275ml bottle of ��ϴ��¼� to be precise!. However, the caffeine content of kombucha will vary from brand to brand and depend on how it’s made, e.g. how long the tea is steeped for, what type of tea is made (green or black) and if any caffeine has been added. ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha does not contain any added caffeine, only small amounts that come from the green tea we brew it with. In comparison to coffee, and falls way within your average daily recommended amount, about 400mg per day.

Drink	Average caffeine content per 275ml in mg
Coffee	109
Green Tea	33
Equniox Kombucha	7.43

What influences the amount of caffeine in Kombucha?

When it comes to the caffeine content in Kombucha, it all comes down to the tea leaves. Just like coffee beans, the amount of caffeine in tea leaves will vary depending how they are sourced, prepared and stored - and the difference is sometimes more than you think! Did you know that the average high street coffee can contain anywhere between per serving? Firstly, different types of tea contain different levels of caffeine. Generally, black tea contains the highest levels, then green tea and then white. Yet, it is the brewing technique in particular that influences the amount of caffeine in tea, with higher temperature water, longer brewing times and higher ratio of leaves to water increasing the amount of caffeine in your brew. Additionally, the source of the leaves can also have a significant impact. For instance, leaves that are harvested at peak season typically have higher caffeine content.

Kombucha vs coffee

What about swapping out coffee for kombucha? If you’re looking to cut down on your caffeine intake, kombucha could be a great alternative to experiment with. There is significantly less caffeine in kombucha than coffee, but still enough that you won’t be going cold turkey! To provide some context, 275ml of coffee contains around 110mg of caffeine, so if you’re used to drinking a lot of coffee, you probably won’t notice much of a buzz from 7.43mg per 275ml of our kombucha.

Coffee kombucha

Want the best of both worlds? We have a solution. If you haven’t already, it has all the antioxidants and fermented goodness of our other kombucha teas with an added caffeine hit! We brew Arabica Coffee beans, before fermenting with our special Kombucha Culture for a truly seductive and unique taste. Our coffee kombucha contains 22.25mg of caffeine per 250ml can. Enjoy it after breakfast to set you up for the day with a spring in your step, or in the afternoon to beat the dreaded 3 o’clock slump. Whichever way you decide to drink our booch, it’s going to give you a healthy lift inside and out!

What Are The Side Effects of Kombucha Tea?

2020-06-01T00:00:00+01:00

As we all know you CAN have too much of a good thing and sadly that includes kombucha! Like all utterly delicious things, kombucha should be enjoyed in moderation for a healthy body and mind. At ��ϴ��¼� HQ, most of us enjoy a booch a day as a little natural lift in the afternoon. Very few people will experience any negative side effects from drinking kombucha in moderation, but many have reported a range of positive effects from a booch a day!�� Last year, we conducted an 8 week study with over 80 people to see whether they experienced any health and wellbeing benefits from consuming ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha on a daily basis. Reported positive side effects of kombucha included:

Improved energy levels��
Improved sense of wellbeing
Improved sleep quality��
Improved gut health

Side effects of kombucha

Higher energy levels

Finding a natural, low sugar and healthy pick-me-up can be a real challenge. Kombucha is a great alternative to energy drinks or coffee to give you that much-needed energy boost throughout the day, and we’re not the only ones who think so! Our study participants reported feeling like they had more energy and felt more positive mentally and emotionally after drinking a kombucha a day over a period of 2 months. Their feedback included:

“I feel like I have more energy and have been very sharp at work.”
“I feel more focused, present & energised.”
“My body feels less toxic and I am excelling in energy levels.”
“Overall I have felt more energy when doing my long runs if I drink it an hour before running.”
“I feel more energised and positive in general.”

Up and coming surfer and booch enthusiast also shared that: “I get a nice little energy boost after having a bottle of kombucha and find that I don’t get the “crash” that you would get with other drinks. That’s the biggest benefit I have found from drinking it.”�� So, the next time you reach for yet another coffee or tea, pick up a booch instead!

Improved sense of wellbeing��

We’re firm believers that enjoying a booch after a long day is a great way to exercise some self-care and spread some positivi-tea! Feeling stressed? Enjoy a mindful moment with a kombucha to reset and rebalance.�� Our survey participants reported the following:

“My mood appears to be calmer.”
“I've definitely felt and seen a difference in my wellbeing and my skin.”
“My overall sense of well-being has improved and I have more energy and focus.”
“I feel very well and happy.”

Improved gut health

Fermented foods have long been associated with improved gut health due to the naturally-occuring ‘good bacteria’. Our kombucha is packed full of vitamins, acids, and beneficial bacteria, known to promote a healthy gut and digestion. Many booch lovers find that kombucha helps to reduce bloating and keep ‘em regular (if you know what we mean). This is echoed in our wellness study, with some participants sharing the following:

“I think that it is very possible that the kombucha has helped alleviate my bloating.”
“I feel good and it flattens my belly (especially avoids a big belly after a meal).”

England rugby star and ��ϴ��¼� superfan agrees, saying: “I’ve noticed that it’s really settled my gut and I don’t get the same bloated feeling that I used to”.�� Our is a great place to start if you’re looking for added gut health benefits, as ginger acts as a natural digestive aid. So, we hope you agree, the positive side effects of Kombucha seem to tell its story for themselves! Why not see for yourself?��

Can drinking kombucha help to boost your immune system?

2020-03-31T00:00:00+01:00

For many of us, if not all, it’s never felt more important to look after ourselves! Whether that’s a live yoga class from the living room, stocking up on veggies or taking some extra supplements, there’s tonnes we can do to keep our body, mind and soul in great condition. Whatever your current health regime, at the core of staying healthy is protecting our immune system. And while we’re not doctors (disclaimer alert!), we wanted to share with you our top tips on how kombucha can help to boost your immune system. According to Sheena Cruickshank, a professor of immunology at the University of Manchester, the key to taking care of your immune system is:

Eating a varied diet - “The microbiome really likes fibre, pulses and fermented foods”
Keeping physically fit - “Exercise mobilises white blood cells by increasing your blood flow, so they can do their surveillance jobs and seek and destroy in other parts of the body.”
Reduce your stress levels - “Stress hormones such as cortisol can compromise immune function”
Cutting back on alcohol - “Some studies have suggested that the first-line-of-defence macrophages are not as effective in people who have had a lot of alcohol,”

So, where does kombucha come into this?��

Kombucha is a great alternative to regular soft drinks that’s suitable for the whole family! It’s low in sugar and packed with naturally-occurring vitamins, acids, and beneficial bacteria. It has been suggested that the ‘friendly bacteria’ in fermented foods, such as kombucha, kimchi and sourdough breads, can help to promote good gut health and fight against the bad bacteria that can make us unwell. , green tea, and also have immune-boosting qualities, which is why our Peach & Turmeric and Ginger flavours of ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha have been flying off the shelves! When it comes to keeping physically fit, we know that this can be a challenge, especially if you suffer from poor sleep or a lack of energy. Last year, we conducted an 8 week study with over 80 people to see whether they experienced any health and wellbeing benefits from consuming ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha on a daily basis. Interestingly, the post study results showed an overall increase in reports of a higher quality of sleep and an overall decrease in self-reported stress levels. These exciting results may suggest that drinking kombucha regularly can be a positive contributing factor to better sleep, lower stress and subsequently a stronger immune system. What’s not to love! And now to the clincher for a lot of us! Cutting back on alcohol can be tricky (why IS wine so delicious?), but thankfully there are lots of tasty alternatives now available. We’re partial to a Pink Grapefruit and Guava kombucha mocktail, or a punchy Peach and Turmeric kombucha if we’re after a ‘grown-up’ drink that’s alcohol free. After we finished our study, almost two thirds (64%) of the people participating responded ‘yes/sometimes’ to swapping alcohol for a kombucha saying things like: “It does make a good alcoholic drink substitute I have to say.”, which we reckon is very high praise indeed! So, if you’re looking to make some simple, easy changes to boost your immune system, keep active, eat well, get lots of sleep and swap your booze for booch!��

Kombucha For Gut Health

2020-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

More than ever, we’re being inundated with advice on what to eat and what to avoid, and “gut health” has become something of a hot topic. However, with so much contradictory information surrounding it, we wanted to cut through the chaos and provide you with a simple, yet scientific guide to gut health and the simple steps you can take to boost your gut microbiota.�� Being experts on Kombucha, we are ready to give you the lowdown on how you can drink kombucha to improve your gut health and help with gut inflammation.�� So, we’ve teamed up with qualified dietitian, Roseanna Henderson, who shares her insight and the latest scientific research into gut health, and how consuming fermented foods, including Kombucha, can help with gut health.

How to boost your gut microbiota and improve your health

We’ll explore…

What is the gut and gut microbiota?
Diet and the gut microbiota
Kombucha and gut health: what can we eat that is ‘gut beneficial’?
Summary

What is the gut and gut microbiota?

The digestive system is the group of organs via which food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed and waste products are expelled.�� The term “gut” is used to refer to the intestines or bowels, which are host to a large number of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota has important roles in the immune system, digestion of nutrients and the production of vitamins. Scientific research has found links between an unhealthy gut microbiota and health conditions including obesity, cancer and mental health issues (,). A healthy gut microbiota is one that is diverse, i.e. has lots of different types of microorganisms (). By improving and maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing health issues.

Diet and the gut microbiota

The gut microbiota is affected by lots of different factors including smoking, medication and diet. Diet is thought to be one of the most powerful ways to change the gut microbiota (), and scientific studies have shown that changing your diet and incorporating “gut beneficial” foods can change your gut microbiota in a matter of hours. However, the effect of a dietary change on the gut microbiota seems to last only whilst the dietary change takes place, so any benefit stops if you return to your previous diet (). This suggests that long-term dietary change is required for a sustained improvement in gut health. One of the key actions of the gut microbiota is breaking down food components that are not digested by the gut. Different types of gut microorganisms break down different food components. Gut microorganisms that break down food components into compounds that have a positive effect on health are considered beneficial, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria. These can produce short chain fatty acids (e.g. butyrate), which have effects including reducing inflammation, protecting against bowel cancer, boosting the immune system and benefits to heart health, mental health and bone health�� (3,).

Kombucha and gut health: what can we eat that is ‘gut beneficial’?

Probiotics

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (). So, when probiotics are consumed, they pass into the gut alive, where they have the potential to settle and increase in number. This can change the makeup of the gut microbiota by boosting the number of beneficial microorganisms (such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful ones (). Probiotics are taken as probiotic yoghurts and drinks, or in the form of a supplement. There are many types of microorganisms used as probiotics; some of the most common strains include those in the Lactobacillus family (e.g. ��L. acidophilus) and those in the Bifidobacterium family (e.g. B. bifidum) (11). Probiotic supplements are not regulated like medicines, which means that the amount and type of probiotic in different supplements will vary, so it’s worth checking the back of the packet to find out what you’re buying! Did you know that Kombucha is rich in probiotics? Kombucha contains many live microorganisms that are produced in the fermentation process and can help maintain healthy gut bacteria and contribute to improved digestion. Just remember that the amounts of probiotics will vary from Kombucha to Kombucha, depending on fermentation time, ingredients and how it’s made! For people with a healthy diverse gut microbiota, consuming probiotics may not have much effect, but, if you have a low number or variety of gut microorganisms, the benefit may be greater 5. Probiotics are particularly beneficial after taking antibiotics. Antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiota and can cause diarrhoea (), so it is important to only take antibiotics when necessary. Taking a course of probiotics after finishing a course of antibiotics will help to re-establish a healthy and diverse gut microbiota (12).

��Fermented foods

Fermentation is the process where food or drinks are changed by microorganisms. mornThere are two types of fermented foods; those which naturally contain and grow microorganisms, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, and those which have microorganisms added to them in the form of a “culture”, such as kombucha and kefir. There are a few ways in which fermented foods may have a beneficial effect on gut health. Firstly, they may be able to act as probiotics, i.e. the microorganisms in the fermented food reach the gut alive and are able to provide a health benefit. Secondly, the process of fermentation itself may produce compounds which have a positive effect on health. Finally, fermentation may reduce the amount of toxins in the fermented product (). is a fermented beverage that is made using tea, sugar and a live culture called SCOBY. The fermentation process produces a variety of probiotics, antioxidants and amino acids - all the good stuff!

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are found in foods including fruits and vegetables, tea, cocoa and wine. They are thought to have health benefits for humans, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Scientific studies have found that polyphenols can change the gut microbiota, increasing the amounts of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria (3). A small study in healthy and obese individuals looked at the effect of polyphenols from red wine. It found that after taking polyphenols for 30 days, both healthy and obese groups had increased amounts of beneficial bacteria in their stools. There were also improvements in blood sugar and “good” HDL-cholesterol levels for both groups, which were found to be linked to the increase in beneficial bacteria (). This suggests that the health benefits of polyphenols could, in part, be due to changes to the gut microbiota.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a form of fibre which are digested by the gut microbiota and have a positive effect on health (6). Prebiotics essentially provide a food source for the gut microbiota, which break them down into short chain fatty acids. Scientific studies have found that dietary interventions with prebiotics increase the amounts of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria in the gut and the production of the short chain fatty acid, butyrate (). Prebiotics are found in foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, artichokes, asparagus, chicory, bananas, agave and wheat (). They can also be taken in the form of a supplement (6).

Summary

The gut microbiota has important roles in the normal functioning of our bodies and there are links between an unhealthy gut microbiota and numerous health conditions. Diet can affect the balance of “good” and “bad” microorganisms in the gut, so by optimising our diet we can improve the makeup of our gut microbiota. A varied diet containing polyphenols, prebiotics, probiotics and perhaps fermented foods may have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiota and our health. Further scientific research is required to determine the extent of the benefits. �� References

��Marchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F, et al. The gut microbiota and host health: A new clinical frontier. Gut. 2016;65(2):330-339. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309990
��Illiano P, Brambilla R, Parolini C. The Mutual Interplay of Gut Microbiota, Diet and Human Disease.; 2020. doi:10.1111/febs.15217
��Yang Q, Liang Q, Balakrishnan B, Belobrajdic DP, Feng QJ. Role of Dietary Nutrients in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota : A Narrative Review. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12020381
��Zhernakova A, Kurilshikov A, Bonder MJ, et al. Population-based metagenomics analysis reveals markers for gut microbiome composition and diversity. Science (80- ). 2016;352(6285):565-569. doi:10.1126/science.aad3369
��Leeming ER, Johnson AJ, Spector TD, Roy CIL. Effect of diet on the gut microbiota: Rethinking intervention duration. Nutrients. 2019;11(12):1-28. doi:10.3390/nu11122862
��Gibson GR, Hutkins R, Sanders ME, et al. Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;14(8):491-502. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75
��Moreno-Indias I, Sánchez-Alcoholado L, Pérez-Martínez P, et al. Red wine polyphenols modulate fecal microbiota and reduce markers of the metabolic syndrome in obese patients. Food Funct. 2016;7(4):1775-1787. doi:10.1039/c5fo00886g
��So D, Whelan K, Rossi M, et al. Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;107(6):965-983. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqy041
��Holscher HD. Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes. 2017;8(2):172-184. doi:10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756
��Hill C, Guarner F, Reid G, et al. Expert consensus document: The international scientific association for probiotics and prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11(8):506-514. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66
��Azad MAK, Sarker M, Li T, Yin J. Probiotic Species in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota: An Overview. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018. doi:10.1155/2018/9478630
��Kim SK, Guevarra RB, Kim YT, et al. Role of Probiotics in Human Gut Microbiome-Associated Diseases. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019;29(9):1335-1340. doi:10.4014/jmb.1906.06064
��Dimidi E, Cox SR, Rossi M, Whelan K. Fermented Foods : Definitions and Characteristics , Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2019;11(1806):26. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081806

Rosie graduated with a postgraduate diploma in Dietetics from King’s College London in 2017, having previously gained a Master’s degree in Nutrition and a First Class Honours degree in Biomedical Sciences.

Health Benefits of Fermented Tea

2020-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

Amuse ‘Booch’, anyone?

Seeing as you’ve landed yourself here, there’s a strong chance you’ve already encountered ‘Kombucha’ and might’ve even heard the potential benefits to health. With a recent surge in popularity, it’s important to dig beneath the clever marketing and identify where we actually stand on the science. Forms of the brew have been around for thousands of years, with recipes dating back to ancient populations for recreational and medicinal use. Traditionally, green (or black) tea is fermented with live cultures known as a ‘SCOBY’ (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) and their favourite food: raw cane sugar. Sugar!? Really? The organic sugar in ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha is slowly consumed through enzymatic actions during the fermentation process. In English, the sugar is eaten by the SCOBY, not you. The longer the fermentation time, the less sugar is left in the batch. The controlled microbial growth and slow conversion of such food components actually create a low sugar drink, otherwise rich in probiotic compounds, vitamins and antioxidants. Contrariwise, current research shows a mere anecdotal link between Kombucha and human health. So, this inspires the question: What are the associated benefits of Kombucha, and how has it been linked to health? ��

Fermentation: Probiotics

Kombucha is highly praised for its potential probiotic compounds obtained from fermentation; similar to the likes of Sourdough, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso, and Tempeh. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as: ‘Live organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host' [1].�� They’re essentially a consumable form of bacteria with boasted benefits to our digestive health, immune function, nutrient absorption, and regular movement of waste. These claims follow evidence of increased biodiversity in our ‘microbiome’ after exposure to such bacteria we encounter from our lifestyle, our environment and the food we choose for each meal. If you haven’t yet heard of the ‘microbiome’, it’s a term used to collectively label the trillions of bacteria residing within our gut; an ecosystem of microorganisms living in unique balance, yet differing from person to person. The greater our gut biodiversity, the lower the risk of negative health outcomes. Where human studies are yet to isolate the probiotic benefits of Kombucha drinks, their cultures are seen to hold several different species of lactic-acid bacteria; strains which may hold further probiotic functions within the gut [2]. In clinical trials, lactic-acid strains have been observed to improve cardiovascular, immune system and even metabolic health [3].�� Additionally, Acetic Acid is produced as a by-product of the fermentation process; a compound heavily associated with the control of Blood Sugar.�� To be clear, fluctuation of blood sugar is perfectly normal; the natural balance ensures your cells are fed with an appropriate quantity of glucose.�� Alternatively, uncontrolled spikes in either direction can increase your risk of Diabetes, Stroke or Heart Disease, and should be considered when following a diet rich in processed, high sugar foods. Acetic Acid is by no means a cure, but may inhibit excessive insulin responses and therefore assist the body to maintain regular blood glucose [4]. ��

A little positivi-Tea.

It’s not all theory and ‘association’, however, there’s one key component in each and every ��ϴ��¼� bottle renowned for its influential effects on the mind and body; Green Tea. ��ϴ��¼� brew their Kombucha with a blend of Green Tea leaves found on their travels throughout Asia, giving an independent taste profile from a raw and organic ingredient. Each tea-based drink provides a powerful punch of antioxidants by the name of ‘polyphenols’ and ‘catechins’.�� Antioxidants protect our cells against oxidative damage caused by malicious ‘free radicals’ in the body. Not only are they seen to reduce inflammation [5], they can even contribute to the reduction of chronic neurodegenerative disease risk in conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s [6]. It’s worth noting that green tea drinkers have been seen to have 31% less risk of developing heart disease in multiple studies [7-8], a factor which may also apply to organic and traditional Kombucha. Nevertheless, each Kombucha brand will use different strains of teas, if any at all. Many ‘Kombucha-like products’ are available and will have a very limited antioxidant profile. To ensure the best quality of your brew, make sure you delve into the ingredients list to check it contains real tea! ��

Sugar-free Sugar

Perhaps one of the biggest dietary changes you can influence with the introduction of Kombucha, is a means to reduce the overall consumption of alcoholic or sugar-sweetened-beverages. In the UK, it is not uncommon to hear alcohol, seasonal lattes, fruit juices & smoothies are a staple component of our diets; some of which are even marketed as ‘healthy alternatives!’ ��

Health Benefits of Kombucha��

Furthermore, it’s been noticed nationwide that ‘non-drinkers’ in pubs and licenced drinking events are increasing, raising the demand for other suitable alternatives. Kombucha provides a low sugar substitute to traditional processed drinks, priced similarly and additionally packed with a diverse range of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.�� *Wink Wink* ��ϴ��¼�, get your brew on tap! ��

Hydration Nation

Finally, hydration plays a crucial factor in your physical and psychological health. Being dehydrated by as little as 2% of your bodyweight can impair cognitive performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor skills, and immediate memory recall. Furthermore, reduced body-water will inhibit blood circulation, muscle recovery and physical performance across strength and aerobic exercise. For this reason, adding a bottle or two of your favourite Kombucha to your weekly shop might just incentivise you to throw back a few more fluids. ��

To summarise

Kombucha has the foundations of a drink greatly positive to health and wellbeing. Though human studies are yet to identify the probiotic effects, there is valuable evidence to support the consumption of whole food fermented foods and products of green tea. Furthermore, substituting an organic Kombucha for alcoholic drinks, high-sugar drinks, or even artificially sweetened alternatives can have a substantial influence on health across all populations.�� For the price of your morning coffee, packed full of flavour, and potentially positive to your health, what’s to lose? �� Alex Jeffery (@thefoodiejeff) BSc Sports Therapy MSc Human Nutrition

References

Hotel, A.C.P. and Cordoba, A., 2001. Health and nutritional properties of probiotics in food including powder milk with live lactic acid bacteria. Prevention, 5(1), pp.1-10.
Marsh, A.J., O'Sullivan, O., Hill, C., Ross, R.P. and Cotter, P.D., 2014. Sequence-based analysis of the bacterial and fungal compositions of multiple kombucha (tea fungus) samples. Food microbiology, 38, pp.171-178.
Pessione, E. and Cirrincione, S., 2016. Bioactive molecules released in food by lactic acid bacteria: encrypted peptides and biogenic amines. Frontiers in microbiology, 7, p.876.
Johnston, C.S., Kim, C.M. and Buller, A.J., 2004. Vinegar improves insulin sensitivity to a high-carbohydrate meal in subjects with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Diabetes care, 27(1), pp.281-282.
Hussain, T., Tan, B., Yin, Y., Blachier, F., Tossou, M.C. and Rahu, N., 2016. Oxidative stress and inflammation: what polyphenols can do for us?. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016.
Wojsiat, J., Zoltowska, K.M., Laskowska-Kaszub, K. and Wojda, U., 2018. Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in Alzheimer’s disease: therapeutic and diagnostic prospects. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2018.
Shimazu, T., Kuriyama, S., Hozawa, A., Ohmori, K., Sato, Y., Nakaya, N., Nishino, Y., Tsubono, Y. and Tsuji, I., 2007. Dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease mortality in Japan: a prospective cohort study. International journal of epidemiology, 36(3), pp.600-609.
Kuriyama, S., 2008. The relation between green tea consumption and cardiovascular disease as evidenced by epidemiological studies. The Journal of Nutrition, 138(8), pp.1548S-1553S.

Turmeric Bliss Balls - Pre-workout Recipe

2019-10-23T00:00:00+01:00

Looking for a pre-workout boost before you hit the gym, head out for a run or jump on your bike? We've created a tasty Turmeric Bliss Balls recipe, packed full of nuts, fruits and aromatic spices to kickstart your workout. Enjoy with our sweet and earthy Peach and Turmeric for a natural lift. Makes 16 balls Ingredients:

200g almonds
100g brazil nuts
200g dried apricots
100g dried mango
3 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp coriander

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and whizz until the nuts have become small pieces and the mixture is beginning to clump together.
Scoop out heaped tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls with your hands.
If you want the nuts more finely ground then whizz the nuts in the food processor on their own first and then add the other ingredients.
Great for an energy boost and perfect accompaniment to

Enjoy! If you're looking for more ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet to support a healthy lifestyle, check our delicious��, or consider adding��to your daily routine.��*Always check with your GP first, especially if you're taking other medications. Recipe by Ginger Vegan.

Kombucha Face Cream

2019-09-10T00:00:00+01:00

Kombucha is naturally P.H balanced and thought to be as good for your skin and hair as they are for your gut health.

We'll be publishing more natural kombucha-based cosmetics recipes in the future, so here's a little teaser: A gorgeous Kombucha and Frankincense Face Cream which is very easy to make. If you try this at home, please do let us know your thoughts! You will need:

½ cup Shea butter
3 tablespoons carrier oil (olive oil and coconut oil are easiest to find, but you can also use almond, apricot, avocado or jojoba oil, which all work well).
1/4 bottle ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha Original*
20 drops of Frankincense essential oil
10 drops of Tea tree oil (optional)

*Available to purchase from our online store.

Put the Shea butter in a pan on a low heat. When it’s melted, add the carrier oil of your choice, then remove from the heat.
Add the kombucha��to this mixture and pour into a bowl. Place in the freezer for about 15 minutes (the mixture should be solid, but not frozen stiff).
Add the Frankincense oil, which is the magic ingredient��- an amazing essential oil��which boosts cellular health, revitalises the skin and smoothes the appearance of wrinkles. You can add Tea tree here too if you have any skin problems. It's a natural antiseptic and generally an all-round amazing natural remedy for all kinds of skin problems: rashes, pimples, infections, bites and burns, psoriasis and warts, amongst many other things (Tea Tree is great for itchy scalp and athletes foot, too).
Whisk the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Store what’s left in the refrigerator (it will last for around 3 months, but��you'll probably have��finish it all before then!)

World Gut Health Day - What Can You Do To Support Your Gut?

2019-05-28T00:00:00+01:00

If you were to change just one thing to support your gut, making sure you are getting enough fibre would be a great choice. You need 30g of fibre a day*! Unfortunately, most people in the UK aren't getting enough, with the average intake being just 19g per day. With the increased consumption of processed foods in favour of fruits and vegetables and the popularity of a low carbohydrate diet, it’s no surprise fibre levels aren’t what they should be. You need to think of fibre as a key part of your diet, just like you would protein or carbohydrates. But what is it? Fibre is the fibrous part of plants; which cannot be digested by your body and which does contain calories or nutrients. You may be wondering why it is important…. there are many reasons:

fibre bulks out and softens your stool by retaining water, which supports how quickly your bowels move and prevents constipation;
certain types of fibre can be fermented by beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short chain fatty acids. Short chain fatty acids are what your gut cells use as energy and they have other benefits;
fibre slows down the breakdown of sugars found in carbohydrates, helping to support energy levels; and
a diet high in fibre can reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and bowel cancer.

If we don't get enough in our diets it can result in constipation, decreased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and increased risk of developing certain health conditions. We know that the more diverse our gut bacteria is, the healthy and happier our guts are. There are lots of different types of fibre so you need a range of foods to get a good mixture. Nature is very clever and often packages multiple different types of fibre together. An easy way to include more fibre in your diet is to simply eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains. To reduce the risk of digestive issues when increasing your fibre intake, you need to do this slowly, aim for 5g extra per day for week before increasing further. Tips to get more fibre:

swap white pasta, rice and bread for whole grain versions (or when it comes to pasta, try lentil or chickpea pasta);
instead of snacking on chocolate, cakes, biscuits and crisps, have a portion of fruit and some nuts;
eat the skins on vegetables and fruit where possible (e.g. carrots, cucumber, apples);
add seeds and nuts to salads, soups and in smoothies to boost fibre content; and
choose fruit and vegetables in their whole form instead of as a juice to maximise your fibre intake.

*Some medical conditions are not suitable for a high fibre diet. Always seek advice from your doctor. Here’s a great recipe to help you kick your day off with a fibrous and nutritious start: Carrot cake porridge,��Serves 2

80g oats
300ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
100g/1 medium carrot finely grated (give it a good wash and keep the skin on)
30g dates chopped up small
1 tbsp almond butter
¼ grated zest of an orange
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp grated nutmeg

Total fibre: 14g fibre (7g per portion)

If you have time, soak your oats overnight with the milk, dates and spices in the sauce pan you are going to use. Leave your mix in the fridge overnight – this makes the oats easier to digest, quicker to cook and really creamy.
In the morning grate the carrot and add to your oat mix. Place your pan over a medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick loosen with a little water; if too thin then simmer with the lid off for a minute or two.
Serve in two bowls and top with a spoon of nut butter for each bowl.

Snacks on the go - Quinoa Porridge served with Original Kombucha

2019-02-11T00:00:00+00:00

Recipe by Mairi Rivers AKA Ginger Vegan�� If being healthy is your goal for 2019, enjoy this easy-to-make recipe with a chilled glass of our Original Kombucha to get your morning started off with a bang! Ingredients (makes enough for 2 -3 days)

150g quinoa 70g oats
500ml water
200ml almond milk plus 50ml extra
½ vanilla pod or 1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Method: 1. Combine the quinoa, oats water and 200ml of the almond milk in the pan. Add the ground cinnamon and scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod and add both the seeds and pot to the pan. 2. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender. 3. Serve with chia jam, an Original ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha and your favourite toppings! Did you try this recipe? tag us in your pics! #equinoxkombucha

Snacks on the go - Ginger & Date Workout bars

2019-02-06T00:00:00+00:00

Recipe by Mairi Rivers AKA Ginger Vegan�� It’s always a good idea to get a natural boost before any workout – and having a double whammy of Ginger with our Kombucha and these delicious date bars will have to flying to the sky in no time! Here’s how to make them: Makes 12 bars Ingredients:

350g dates
200g oats
100g soft dried apricots
50g ground flaxseed
50g goji berries
4 tbsp agave or rice syrup
2 tbsp ground ginger

��Method: Put the oats, dates and apricots in a food processor until you cant see any obvious pieces. Add the rest of the ingredients and process again until the mixture comes together. Press into the bottom of a small, lined baking tin (about 18cm x 26cms) Use the side of glass to help you press it flat. The more firmly they are pressed together the better they will hold together. Use the lining to remove from the tin and cut into 12 bars. ENJOY! Did you make this recipe? Tag us in your pics! #equinoxkombucha

How to keep your gut happy in 2019!

2019-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

1. There’s been a buzz in the mainstream media around the words ‘gut health’ – but lets imagine we’re complete novices on the subject – how would you describe what this means to someone? Public awareness of the importance of gut health certainly has increased in recent years, and with good reason. The health of the human gut (the intestinal tract, consisting of the small and large intestines) has an effect on the overall health of the body. It impacts not just digestive health but also our immune system, our mood, mental health, sleep, skin condition, detoxification, energy, hormone regulation and much more. In simplistic terms, anything we eat or drink should be broken down (digested), and the nutrients / vitamins / minerals from that should be extracted and absorbed into the body, helping it to function and perform at its best. Our gut should also help to protect us against any pathogens (bad bugs, for example) that can harm our health. With poor gut health, these processes will be impacted, thus having a knock-on effect to the rest of the body. There are many factors that can make up the term “gut health” including some terms you may be familiar with such as intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut”), digestive enzymes, stomach acid, yeast / candida, and, of course, our gut bacteria (to name just a few). 2. What are your top 3 tips for keeping a healthy gut? Just 3?!? That’s tough as so many factors have an impact on gut health, and it can differ from person to person. For example, diet can be a major driver of poor gut health in one person, whereas stress could be a bigger major factor in someone else. That said, if you’re going to push me, I’d say… Eat Unprocessed Foods In terms of food intake, and deciding what you should be eating, your focus should be on eating primarily unprocessed foods. ‘Processed Food’ refers to food that has undergone at least one form of processing to turn the basic raw ingredients into the product that you consume. They will often contain bad ingredients which can do your body real harm. In particular, they will often contain high levels of sugar and Trans fats and other potentially inflammatory ingredients. Additionally, the processing of foods will often destroy a large amount of the vitamin and mineral content in the food, making it much less nutritious, as well as the enzymes, making it much harder for your body to digest appropriately. Avoiding processed foods means a focus on eating fresh, natural products without a long list of ingredients that you can’t even read! So the majority of your diet should come from single ingredient foods, mainly meat, fish and vegetables. Keep Stress in Check These days it seems that pretty much everyone is stressed to some extent. We’re now much more stressed than people 50-100 years ago, who in reality were living through much harder times in general. Nowadays we worry about a meeting, a deadline, how we look, how we are perceived on Facebook and tonnes more minor things. Without a doubt, you 100% MUST manage stress if you want optimal gut health. A huge percentage of people we work with certainly noticed the onset of their gut problems during a stressful event. Stress can increase inflammation, affect how well we digest foods, damage the lining of our gut, and have an adverse effect on the levels of good and bad bacteria within our gut (which then impacts our health even further). There are lots of ways to manage stress, and doing so will be individualised to each person, but taking steps to do so is certainly important. Eat for your Bacteria I’m sure we’ll touch on this some more but the health of the bacteria in our gut is critically important. The foods we eat, and the lifestyle we lead, will have an impact on the bacteria within our gut. One important factor in ensuring healthy gut bacteria levels is to ensure that we eat a good balance of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre helps to feed our good bacteria levels. Soluble fibre is abundant in fruits and vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, potatoes with their skin still on, wholegrain breakfast cereals and oats, while insoluble fibre is a form of fibre that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body and acts like a broom sweeping through the gut and removing potentially toxic substances from the gut lining as it passes through. This type of fibre can be found in vegetables, psyllium husks, oat bran, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and beans and popcorn (air popped). And then, of course, fermented foods can also help to provide our guts with more beneficial bacteria… 3. Fermented foods such as Kombucha are great for gut health, could you explain to us why consuming these on a regular basis help our whole immune system? Our gut is home to billions and billions of bacteria, which have a huge impact on our health. They affect our mood, inflammation, immune system, skin, gut health, and much more, as well as helping to support our digestion and our ability to assimilate the nutrients from the food we eat. Some of these bacteria are ‘good’ and some are potentially harmful. If the balance between good and potentially harmful bacteria in the gut isn’t appropriate, then numerous symptoms can result. Fermented foods are the foods that provide the body with potentially beneficial bacteria. These foods include things such as kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and. Of course, Kombucha. What we know about consuming foods like this has changed in recent years. Previously it was thought that by consuming fermented foods, and taking things such as probiotics, we could consume them, and out guts would re-colonise with these beneficial bacteria. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case and in fact it seems that they don’t colonise at all but do still have transient benefits (i.e provide benefit whilst being consumed and for a certain time period afterwards – generally a matter of weeks). These benefits will be for our digestion, immune system, inflammation levels. Therefore, ongoing use / consumption is generally recommended. 4. There have been several studies to confirm that it is not just what we eat that affects our immune system, but several other factors such as environmental, chemicals and stress levels. What can you tell us about how these impact our gut health? This is certainly true. There are many factors away from diet that will play a part in our immune system and the health of our gut bacteria. For example, the early years of our life can be particularly important, especially whether we were breast fed or not, or born by natural birth or C-section. Even the environment in which we grew up can play a part. For example, its been shown that people who grow up on a farm, as opposed to an urban area, have a much lower chance of serious digestive issues such as inflammatory bowl disease. This is because exposure to dirt and animals, can help to better develop our immune system and the health of our gut bacteria. Exposure to chemicals and toxins within the environment can also have the ability to alter bacterial processes within the gut. Mould toxins, for example, are everywhere and exposure to them can affect the gut bacteria tremendously in some people. Even the containers we use for lunches, takeaways, water bottles, plastic cups, the inner lining of canned food containers – to name just a few – very often contain BPA (bisphenol-A) which is a chemical added to a number these commercial products during the manufacturing process. The worry is that this chemical leaches into the contents and we are ingesting it regularly. There is evidence that it can upset the balance of hormones withi8n our bodies, which of course can have a disastrous effect on overall health. Stress is another major factor in gut health. In one study, it was found that exposure to stress changed the diversity, composition and number of gut microorganisms, especially leading to a decrease in good bacteria. Have you ever felt run down or noticed that you are more susceptible to colds and flu when you are undergoing periods of stress? This is why! There are many other factors on top of the above to consider, including use of medication, antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, and whether we have underlying infections. So yes, certainly many areas to consider. 5. Constipation and bowel issues are common in todays society. How many times a day would you recommend is the optimal number for bowel elimination and why? Everyone is different and what may be optimal for one person, may not be ideal for another. However, in general, personally I like to see people going 1 – 3 times per day. And for that bowel movement to be easy (non-painful) to pass, non-urgent, and well formed. More regularity than this and it normally seems something is wrong (not to mention that going to the toilet too frequently can be hugely inconvenient and can lead to rapid weight loss as well as nutrient deficiencies). Less regularly than this (for example if you are going once every few days) would normally indicate some level of constipation which isn’t good either. Our bowel movements are one way in which we eliminate toxins from our body and if we aren’t doing this frequently enough, further issues can result. However, I will just reiterate, that its not just regularity that is important but how urgent, and how well formed bowel movements are in particular. 6. Do you recommend any books for people to find the 101 on all things gut related? Am I allowed to recommend my own one?! It’s called “Fatigue Free with Crohn’s or Colitis” and is available on Amazon. It gives a simple step by step guide to the things to be working on and addressing for better health and is a reasonably quick easy read that you don’t need a PHD to understand! Whilst it is primarily written for people with Crohns or Ulcerative Colitis, the steps laid out will be suitable for pretty much anyone with any kind of digestive health problems. In addition to those, a few others I like are books from Dr Ruscio (called “healthy gut, healthy you) and Amy Myers (titled “The Autoimmune Solution"). 7. What would you suggest a person remove from or add to their diet if they wanted to improve gut health? Over and above heavily processed foods (which I’ve already spoken about), in terms of foods that can commonly be an issue for many people, I would say that gluten is the primary culprit that we see with the clients we work with. Even if someone doesn’t have celiac disease, then it is still possible to have a sensitivity to gluten and removing it from the diet can be extremely beneficial for some (not all) people. Dairy and soy can too, often be problematic. Whilst I certainly don’t expect someone to eat “perfectly” all the time (I certainly don’t myself), in general, the bulk of someone’s diet should consist of good quality unprocessed foods including meat, fish, eggs, a wide range of fruit and vegetables, good fats such as coconut, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, avocado, and good carbohydrate sources such as sweet potato and basmati rice. There are of course other steps that can be taken, and personalisation to each individual can be important, but the above is certainly a big step in the right direction. Bio Greg Williams is a leading natural health specialist based in the UK. As a nutritionist and certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner with training in functional medicine, Greg has helped his wife overcome the symptoms of her Ulcerative Colitis (a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease) after she had suffered for many years. He now specialises in helping those with serious digestive health issues – particularly Crohns and Colitis – to feel much better. Greg and his team work with people all over the world providing them with the advice, support and guidance needed to be able to live life on their own terms, dramatically increase their energy levels, and feel amazing again. Greg also runs Autoimmune Institute, who offer a range of ultra-high-quality supplements to people with a range of chronic health problems. To find out more about his work then visit and

The History of DIY Kombucha

2018-08-20T00:00:00+01:00

Written by Hannah de Gruchy Just like making our own clothes or our own beer, making kombucha has been a ‘thing’ that has swung in and out of popularity for decades. In the 60s and 70s, it wasn’t just about flower power and free love. Homemade kombucha was big! And after a little lull, it’s now swung right back into our collective psyche again. Many of our fabulous fermenting fans tell us they regularly make their own. But in fact, making our own fermented tea drinks has been around for generation upon generation. Stories and legends vary wildly but it’s thought that the earliest mention of a kombucha-like drink was during the Japanese Yayoi period which dates from 300 BC to 300 AD. Legend has it that a ‘vinegary drink’ was used as a powerful medicinal product. But only for those deemed special enough to have it. From then, throughout the annals of time, the use of kombucha has been recorded in ancient Chinese, Indian and Central Asian history, as part of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Then, as trade slowly increased, the world got smaller, populations grew closer and diseases spread quicker, it’s thought to have reached North Asian, Russian and European territories as a feature of folk medicine. To us though, we rather like the mystique surrounding its origins. So we’re not going to try to prove or disprove whoever created it first. We don’t really mind how it travelled around emerging communities and popped up in various cultures. (We’re just very glad that it did.)

Flares and Fermenting Instead, we are intrigued to look at the more modern history of making kombucha. In the 60s and 70s use of our favourite health drink became more and more widespread. Just like the bottoms of the trousers at the time… Flares aside, the era of free expression and anti-war protests was also a time when personal health became a big consideration. During this time, a Swiss doctor called Dr Rudolf Skelnar published a paper detailing the health benefits of kombucha. The newly health conscious public eagerly took to kombucha and with little option to buy it in the shops, people took to brewing their own. This also coincided with the end of the rationing of the Second World War (which lasted well into the 1950s). Tea and sugar had been in short supply, but when they became abundant again, so did kombucha home brewing. In California, where perhaps the hippie movement was at its strongest, kombucha became known as Groovy Tea. And we couldn’t love a name more. The Kombucha Movement Coming of Age Not much is said about kombucha during the hedonism of the 1980s. Perhaps everyone was struggling to come to terms with the size of their hair. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that kombucha became commercially available in the shops. But in recent years, there’s been a rise in home brewers again. Many people are again lovingly sharing their mother cultures with like-minded members of their tribes. Just like make do and mend, skill shares and tool swaps are brilliantly becoming popular again. So whether you’re a kombucha brewer or buyer, we embrace you all. Come on in, this tribe is beautiful!

Meet us at Mind Body Spirit, Olympia 25-28 May

2018-05-23T00:00:00+01:00

Hi everyone, Hope you're enjoying the incredible weather in the UK! The ��ϴ��¼� team will be at the Mind Body Spirit event in Olympia London on 25-28th May...this bank holiday weekend! Please come and say hello�� and try some booch...we love to meet our customers.�� We'll have show special goodie bags for purchase containing all 4 of our Kombucha flavours, an engraved ��ϴ��¼� stainless-steel STRAW-FOR-LIFE, plus a generous discount for online purchases. This is such a brilliant event with tons of things to do and see. We highly recommend a visit over the bank hols. Tickets and programme�� Hope to see you there!!

Original Kombucha + Lime

We've been enjoying our Original kombucha ice cold with a generous squeeze of lime juice on this sunny day. For those teetotal folk who still want to fit in at the BBQ look no further! Muddled with a lime wedge over ice or squeezed straight into the bottle this is a simple and refreshing combo at any party or relaxing evening in the garden. We'll be posting more delicious but simple ways to enjoy our Kombucha this Summer. Have a Kombucha recipe? We'll share the best ones in our newsletter and send you 4 pack if we feature yours!

Did you know?

We are proudly organic, we use the best spring water in the UK, we brew and bottle our kombucha in-house in Hebden Bridge in the gorgeous green valleys. If you're local you can collect your kombucha from our bottling site with a big discount!

Easter Giveaway Prizes

2018-03-28T00:00:00+01:00

We've had a long Winter in the U.K but now the clocks have sprung forward the days are thankfully longer, lighter and we all feel a little brighter. If Kombucha has sailed you through the cold months but you're looking for a lil' extra somethin' to liven you up this Spring then we have a special treat for you. 3 in fact! We've teamed up with our great friends over at to offer our customers, ol' faithfuls and new alike, these fabulous prizes. They've generously gifted 3 of their special complexes that they've created with their years of expertise and experience with Medicinal Mushrooms and Tonic Herbs. We're big fans! Not only do Hybrid Herbs have the most pure and potent Medicinal Mushrooms and Tonic Herbs out there, they're unbeatable on price. We love mixing their complexes into a glass of Kombucha or a Kombucha smoothie. It's a great way to get some super nutrition into you every day. Kombucha is known to have been around for over 2000yrs and Tonic Herbs for at least the same, likely much longer. They both originate in the Far East so we think they're the perfect match. So, we have 3 prizes of: Our incredibly awesome��mixed 20 pack��worth £35.99 Contains: 4 of each Raspberry & Elderflower*, Ginger, Wild Berry and Original* (*Great taste Awards) PLUS An utterly fantasic Hybrid Herbs Complex! Contains:��a combination of 8 High Potency Medicinal Mushroom powdered extracts. Reishi, Chaga and Cordyceps Mushroom, Lions Mane, Turkey Tail, Tremella, Shiitake, Maitake Contains:��a potent mix of three of some of the most powerful beautifying substances on the planet: tremella, schizandra berry and goji berry. Contains:��a potent mix of ashwagandha, cordyceps mushroom,��siberian ginseng, schizandra berry, astragalus, he shou wu, goji berry, prepared rehmannia, rhodiola and gynostemma��concentrated extract powders. To enter... Simply go over to either our or our , find the below photo and follow the instructions. (The Facebook page has a pinned post). We'll be announcing the winner on 4th April so get your entries in by 3rd April. Best of luck and happy Spring time!! (Please note postage is included to mainland UK only, postage is payable elsewhere)

Creating Good Health - Interview With Tim Michell

2018-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

Tim Michell��has created some wonderful recipes for our ��ϴ��¼� recipe cards and so we wanted to take a sneak peak into his life as an expert recipe creator.�� Hi Tim! Tell us, what do you do? I am extremely passionate about nutrition and my background is working in the vegan restaurant business, operating and running organic cold pressed juice bars. For the past 6 years I have been passionately making superfood smoothies, juices, tonic herb lattes and raw chocolate. More recently I have been working as a recipe designer, mixologist and superfood blend designer. I am also a brand ambassador for organic companies that I believe in and consume myself. How did you get into this work? It all started with my own health challenges when I was younger. I was a stereotypical London boy, hanging out in the social party scene. ��From 15 onwards, I wasn’t looking after myself, I had endless late nights and not eating the right foods. At around 20 years old I hit a point where my health was so bad, it made me re-evaluate my life and think about more conscious choices. This was the catalyst that got me into researching, nutrition and keeping up to date with the latest information on what is healthy and how to stay healthy. What is it that keeps you interested? When you implement healthy changes into your diet you feel on a tangible level - the difference. Your quality of life improves. It is truly fascinating how positive and negative vibrations affect your body. I have experienced how diet can affect your mood, emotional state, personality and confidence. Nutrition is more than what we have been told its been about. When did you get into fermented foods? I got into fermented foods 5 years ago. I started off making sauerkraut and kimchi and was fascinated by the fermentation process and how it is so important to keep our gut healthy. Why do you drink ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha and what do you love about it? I drink it because I love the brand, and the ethos behind the brand. has a wonderful balance of flavour between the fermented kick and something more subtle which I think is really accessible for the mainstream audience. I also love the Sacred Geometry branding [flower of life], and the fact that its 100% organic - that appeals to me. How do you incorporate Kombucha into your recipes and why? Its great to include live cultures into the recipes as this is what keeps your gut healthy, also the extra fizz adds a nice kick and texture. What do you make at home? Sauerkraut, kimchi - I have experimented with kombucha, but to be honest nothing I’ve made tastes as good as the ��ϴ��¼� brand! Who is your favourite health guru or inspirational nutritional expert? David Wolfe, without a doubt. He was the first person to open my eyes to all of the health information. He is very inspiring, has bags of energy and is compelling to watch. ��He is also not afraid to speak his mind about some of the more unconventional things like and . ��He also mentions Ormus minerals and Medicinal mushrooms which can protect us from DNA damage. Advice to people to switch to healthier lifestyle? Do your own research, follow intuition on what you are learning. Work with a good holistic doctor or naturopath. Find people you trust to work with, and always cross check scientific studies. Best piece of advice you’ve ever had? Be kind to yourself and have a positive outlook on life. Be loving to the environment, animals and having good intention at the heart of everything you do. Express yourself truthfully. Thank you Tim! You can find one of his original recipe creations below!�� Visit for 10% off today when you sign-up to our newsletter. Tim can be found on Facebook

The Fermented Craze

2018-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

Well, this age old method has worked its way through to the mainstream and for good reason! Throughout centuries, different cultures have used fermented foods for their digestive health benefits. More and more of us are becoming health conscious and realising that it’s not normal to feel tired all the time. Food really does matter and what we eat has a big impact on how we feel and behave. Fermented foods are full of goodness and are an important step in getting your health back on track. It’s increasingly easy to buy delicious fermented foods now than ever before but if you can’t then making them at home is doable and fun for everyone. Fermented foods may taste strange at first as we’re not used to sour flavours and this is a shame because the liver loves sour flavours. It helps it to function the way it should, to filter and to detox. Foods high in sugars have dominated our supermarket shelves and so some people need to retrain their taste buds. Kombucha is a fantastic way to start as it has a sweet and sour taste that many people find delicious. A Personal Journey I've been an avid fermented foods maker since I rocked up in London looking for a new life, back in 2006. My diet of fried chicken, chips, cheese and cider had taken it’s toll on my digestion and so feeling desperate and very, very uncomfortable I went to see a Naturopath in North London. After my consultation, she told me all about fermented foods and I bought a big jar of Beetroot & Juniper Sauerkraut from her. I felt better and I felt nourished. I was hooked and I still am to this day. I started making my own Kombucha and Sauerkraut at home. Some with success and some disasters too! I went to a fantastic Sandor Katz event and was glued to every word he spoke about how fermented foods had helped him keep healthy with HIV....I highly recommend you check out his fermentation books if you haven't already. The fermented foods bug bit me because my IBS started to improve and my cravings for junk all but disappeared, including my sugar cravings. I had been addicted to bread, energy drinks, alcohol and fatty foods for years so when those cravings arose I would reach for a glass of Kombucha or a fork-full or two of Sauerkraut instead. I lost weight and my energy returned as I was able to make healthier foods choices and eat when I was truly hungry, not binge. With each meal I would have something fermented on the side. It wasn't easy to buy these foods back then, not unpasteurised anyway and you couldn’t buy Kombucha so I had to be disciplined in making them at home. Now there's so much choice in our health food shops and even supermarkets are starting to open up to raw fermented foods which is wonderful headway (thank you Waitrose!). I hesitate that this may sound sensational because there are a lot of misleading articles online that people in genuinely desperate need hang onto without the understanding that we need to address mind, body and spirit to be able to heal. So just to be clear, to help my digestion woes I did other things too like meditation, stress reduction exercises including chi-gong and deep belly breathing and also colonic hydrotherapy. I gradually changed my diet to a plant based one which still included small amounts of turkey, fish and eggs. It’s important to calm the nerves with IBS so you must be willing to recognise your life stresses and seek the appropriate help to get results. There's nothing like seeing a qualified health practitioner face to face. Let’s look at some of the benefits of fermented foods and drinks:

Fermentation creates natural acids that work in synergy with the body’s own pH balance (a stressed body is an acidic body).
The beneficial bacteria absorbed from fermented foods and drinks inhibit harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
Fermented foods aid digestion and help to break down other foods (when eaten together) making them easier to digest and thus more absorbable.
70-80% of our immune cells are in the gut. Fermented foods stimulate gut bacteria that help with immunity thus protecting us from viruses and pathogens. If you get colds often then try introducing fermented foods and reducing your sugar intake.
Fermented foods are natural detoxifiers, heavy metal chelators and can help us recover from antibiotic use.
Energy levels may increase as other foods become more digestible and their nutrients more absorbable.
Creates healthy terrain in our gut. When our gut is healthy and we're digesting properly,��brain fog, mood swings, depression, anxiety and even headaches can reduce. 90% of our serotonin (happy hormone) is actually produced in the gut so it’s vital to keep the gut in tip top shape!

Fermented foods are not a panacea but they will help you on your journey to better gut health which always leads to better overall health and immunity. I hope you all have a little take home inspiration from this article and will try adding some fermented foods to your diet today! ��Joanna

Kombucha Smoothie Recipe - Green Gaia

2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

We are sure that when you try this recipe you will be hooked! Super charge your January with added touches of Matcha and Chlorella to detox the over indulgence at Christmas. Not forgetting a boost of natural energy from our Original Kombucha! So here's the recipe...

Kombucha Smoothie Recipe - Copacobana

2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Take yourself right to the shores of a sandy beach with this delicious tangy kombucha smoothie! Full of tropical zest with bananas, mangoes and pineapple - you are getting a jam packed dose of Vitamin C along with a gut healing punch of paradise! So here's the recipe...

Kombucha Smoothie Recipe - Purple Power

2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Superfoods are indeed super and your day will be too with this berry smoothie! Acai (pronouced��ah-sah-EE) has a high concentration of antioxidants and it complements our Wild Berry Kombucha perfectly. All the beautiful berries in one smoothie! Yum! So here's the recipe...

Kombucha Smoothie Recipe - Raspberry Fizz

2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Baobab fruit powder gives this smoothie an extra zing along with the divine notes of our Raspberry and Elderflower Kombucha. Packed full of berries and antioxidants, you'll be starting your day in the most delicious and healthy way. So heres the recipe...

New Year Immune Makeover

2018-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

Did you have intentions to eat better or maybe go for a Dry January (no alcohol)? Maybe you’re struggling or springing your way along this January… Wherever you are, we have a few energising recipes we’d like to share with you that we developed with the help of Smoothie Superstar . We hope they inspire you to add some nourishing foods to your month and beyond…. New Year Intentions Over indulgence in the festive weeks can leave us feeling tired and guilty come the New Year and with lots of detox diets being offered on social media and magazines it’s often hard to know which ones are going to work for you…it can be confusing. But let’s just get clear on one thing...detoxing your body is not the same as cleansing your body. Detoxing Detoxing is the practice of supporting your liver and kidneys which are two of your main detox pathways. They need rest periodically, especially after all that rich Christmas food! To help us to gain more energy and to start releasing toxins from our bodies via these channels we can stop or reduce consuming certain foods and drinks (these include alcohol, fried foods, white flour products, sweets and coffee). Here at ��ϴ��¼� we are all drinking more water, eating more nutrient dense foods, including fermented foods and introducing new flavours which support the body’s natural detox process. The liver loves sour flavours whilst the kidneys love salty flavours. When eating salt, its best to chose an unprocessed salt like Atlantic sea salt which is trace mineral rich (surprisingly it contains double that of Himalayan salt). Don’t be afraid of healthy salt. If you have low blood pressure, you could be low in real salt so you should consider getting tested by a health professional for your sodium levels. Some sour foods to try are lemons and limes, kimchi and sauerkraut, tamarind, Greek yogurt or raw coconut yogurt if you’re vegan and of course Kombucha! Cleansing Cleansing has the main focus of cleaning out the digestive tract (small intestine) and colon from toxins, pathogens (such as parasites) and putrid undigested foods. Simpler, more nourishing foods and mindful eating will support you through a cleanse as will the right herbs and supplements. Our favourite cleanse in the office is bentonite clay with psyllium husk followed by a nutrient dense Kombucha smoothie 45 minutes afterwards. The recipes are below that will keep you feeling nourished and energised! Blended foods are fantastic to rest the digestive tract and you’ll have more energy, feel lighter and think clearer after you’ve cleansed your intestines Both cleansing and detoxing will help to remove toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, yeasts and possibly bacteria and virus’ that could lead to acute and long term health issues. Your gut health determines your immune system health! 70% or more of your immune system lives in your gut so, if you’re getting sick a lot, have foggy thinking, fatigue or you’ve generally lost your lust for life then look to your gut health and consider introducing a Kombucha smoothie each day. Kombucha contains acetic acids, which are known to be antimicrobial and beneficial for gut health. Remember to eat some protein if you’re prone to blood sugar swings. Everyone is different so you must monitor what does and doesn’t work for you. ��This is why off-the-shelf cleanses work for some and not for others. And lastly…the recipes are coming, promise! Going organic and reducing drinks/food ��that are packaged in plastic is also a great way to reduce the toxins going into your body and in addition contributes to helping the environment too. We’re pleased to hear that Theresa May has announced the phasing out of plastic packaging. It’s a long way off and no doubt irreparable damaged has already been caused by plastic to our Earth however we can start to make changes now. Lets all do our bit. ��ϴ��¼� Kombucha is Organic and comes in a glass bottle which is fully recyclable…by the way! Remember we have an offer code still running until the end of January. You can receive 15% off your order in our by using the code JANFB2018 at the checkout. Try this cleansing "Green Gaia" smoothie recipe this January. Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoy the recipes...there are more on our blog page. Gentle Bentonite and Psyllium cleanse

1 rounded tsp psyllium husks or psyllium powder
1 level tsp edible bentonite clay powder
250 ml ounces of water
250 ml water, kombucha or juice

Place the water in a shaker or glass then add the psyllium and bentonite clay powder. Shake or whisk vigorously to mix the ingredients together then drink immediately before it thickens. Important: Follow with 250 ml of plain water, kombucha or juice. Allow at least 45 mins before eating. Can be taken in between meals up to 3 x day for up to 2 weeks. Happy Cleansing!

New Year Kombucha Mocktail - Maiden Grape

2018-01-03T00:00:00+00:00

This is the ultimate classy mocktail for those quiet nights in (when you want to feel a little fancy) Grape lovers: rejoice! Mixed with the sweetness of the fruit and the tangy twist of our award winning kombucha, this delicate recipe will certainly win your hearts this January! So here's the recipe...

���ϴ��¼� Kombucha - The ���ϴ��¼� Blog | Gut Health, Recipes & Kombucha Tips

Explore the power of Turmeric

Turmeric, Lemon & Ginger could be our most powerful kombucha yet.

Functional benefits of turmeric

The kombucha effect

Finding the flavour balance

Why we don't use artificial sweeteners

Quality and low quantity

Tips from our brewing team

organic blood orange can

Organic white peach & Strawberry

Organic fiery ginger can

The downside of sweeteners

100% natural is the way to go

Growing a SCOBY

classic bottles multi-pack

original

mixed bottles multi-pack

Make your own kombucha

The Science Behind The Organic Acids in Kombucha

What are the organic acids in kombucha

Kombucha can help you feel like an Olympic medal winner inside

Why I am Vegan

10 Health Benefits of Mint

Health benefits of mint��

1. Filled with nutrients

2. Improved digestive health��

3. Boost your immune system

4. Better brain function

5. Support your pregnancy

6. Reduce cold symptoms

7. Keep your mouth healthy

8. Help manage stress

9. Improve allergy symptoms

10. Soothe irritated skin

Summing up

Does Kombucha help with bloating?

Can kombucha help you banish the bloat?��

Probiotics and bloating

Kombucha and bloating

Can Kombucha cause bloating?

Does kombucha have caffeine?

How much caffeine does kombucha have?

What influences the amount of caffeine in Kombucha?

Kombucha vs coffee

Coffee kombucha

What Are The Side Effects of Kombucha Tea?

Side effects of kombucha

Higher energy levels

Improved sense of wellbeing��

Improved gut health

Can drinking kombucha help to boost your immune system?

So, where does kombucha come into this?��

Kombucha For Gut Health

How to boost your gut microbiota and improve your health

What is the gut and gut microbiota?

Diet and the gut microbiota

Kombucha and gut health: what can we eat that is ‘gut beneficial’?

Probiotics

��Fermented foods

Polyphenols

Prebiotics

Summary

Health Benefits of Fermented Tea

Amuse ‘Booch’, anyone?

Fermentation: Probiotics

A little positivi-Tea.

Sugar-free Sugar

Health Benefits of Kombucha��

Hydration Nation

To summarise

References

Turmeric Bliss Balls - Pre-workout Recipe

Kombucha Face Cream

World Gut Health Day - What Can You Do To Support Your Gut?

Snacks on the go - Quinoa Porridge served with Original Kombucha

Snacks on the go - Ginger & Date Workout bars

How to keep your gut happy in 2019!

The History of DIY Kombucha

Meet us at Mind Body Spirit, Olympia 25-28 May

��ϴ��¼� Kombucha - The ��ϴ��¼� Blog | Gut Health, Recipes & Kombucha Tips