IS KOMBUCHA PALEO?
The Paleo List Answers:IS KOMBUCHA PALEO?
Eating paleo came about as a way to improve health by following the diet from a simpler time. Switching away from a Western diet became necessary to improve gut health and correct the damage that years of processed foods have wrought on your intestines. This is where many fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha come in. Today we’re going to take a closer look at one such fermented item, kombucha, and see if it has a place in your paleo lifestyle.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that is made by adding a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to sweetened tea. Most recipes call for natural tea (unflavored), fresh fruits or vegetables, a SCOBY, and a kombucha starter (or leftover kombucha from a friend or the store).
Although it is touted as a health drink, it’s important to remember that Kombucha comes with sugar, caffeine, and around 0.5% alcohol. Even though we’ve seen evidence that cavemen likely found and ate foods that were fermented in nature, some strict Paleo dieters like to avoid these foods. If you fall into that category, then Kombucha may not fit into your personal Paleo life. When taking a look at the benefits of kombucha, it might outweigh the sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
What Are The Benefits of Kombucha?
Fermented foods are a great way to help clean up the body’s gut, and probiotics are helpful in repairing and maintaining gut health. A healthy gut is free of digestive issues, constipation, colic, bloating, and can even clear up allergies. Kombucha is also touted as a way to battle sugar and alcohol cravings for those new to the Paleo lifestyle.
Is Kombucha Paleo?
Yes! Kombucha is Paleo, and even comes highly recommended by many Paleo lifestyle advocates such as Robb Wolf. There are plenty of different brands of Kombucha lining the refrigerated shelves at grocery stores and health food markets, but as always we recommend scrutinizing those labels to make sure they they’re free of additives and fake flavors. You can also make it yourself at a fraction of the cost. There are many Kombucha starter kits, or you can purchase your culture online and do a little research to make your own Kombucha home brew. We say go ahead an add this fermented probiotic to your daily diet, but remember to do so in moderation.
Sources:
http://robbwolf.com/2011/06/10/your-childs-health-starts-in-the-gut/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fermented-foods-health/#axzz2h35NGMdE
http://awakenedwarriors.com/caveman-diet/
Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo? Do you need help planning some Paleo meals? Check out this great Paleo cookbook:
