The benefits of water kefir and kombucha drinks

Water kefirs and kombucha drinks are all the rage these days. But what are they, what are their benefits, and is there anybody who should not take them?

Pregnant and nursing women (and children and people with weak immunity) should not have either drink, due to being unpasteurised and containing a little alcohol (kombucha also contains caffeine). 

Talk to your GP for medical conditions (diabetes, IBS, leaky gut, low-salt diets, histamine intolerance and awaiting transplants). And introduce them gradually, if safe to consume.  

ONE Living is a brand of kombucha drinks (raspberry or ginger flavour) and water kefirs, both good for digestion. These are packed with good bacteria. The brand was founded by rugby star Jonny Wilkinson who discovered how gut health is linked to mental health (when suffering with depression).

Rinse and recycle glass bottles. Before recycling cans, rinse and pop ring-pulls over holes. Then step on upper cans to pinch rims together, to stop wildlife getting trapped at recycling plants.

What is water kefir?

Unlike goat milk kefir, water kefir is made by fermenting sugar water (often from fruit) using water-kefir grains that contain bacteria and yeast. The end drink contains live bacteria and yeasts, and can help your gut, while still being okay for people who are dairy-free.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a slightly fizzy drink made by fermenting sweet tea with a SCOBY (culture of bacteria and yeast). The live microbes (like yoghurt) are good for your gut, and the tea contributes to antioxidants (especially green tea).

Lower in sugar than soda, though some brands still have sugar and caffeine.

So what’s the difference?

They are pretty similar. The main difference is that water kefir is caffeine-free, and kombucha contains antioxidants from tea.

Neither is ‘better’, it’s just what you prefer.