Kombucha vs Apple Cider Vinegar – Which Fermented Drink Is The Best?

Kombucha Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar are a hot topic—and for good reasons. These fermented drinks are not only beneficial for your gut and digestion, but they also claim to boost immunity, help with weight loss, and have many other amazing benefits.

Many people have asked me, which is better to consume, Kombucha Tea or Apple Cider Vinegar? 

In this post, I would like to give you a detailed overview of both of these fermented drinks. I will cover the benefits, usage, and many other frequently asked questions to help you decide which one might be right for you.

What’s The Difference Between Kombucha And ACV

Before we delve into the details of ACV and Kombucha, let’s cover the main differences between these two drinks.

In this video below, Dr. Berg will list all the pros and cons of Apple Cider Vinegar and Kombucha Tea.

Tea Mushroom – The Next Big Thing

Unlike Apple Cider Vinegar, Kombucha was a virtually unknown health beverage not too long ago. Now, it has skyrocketed in popularity. Throughout the world, this fermented tea drink has become available in both convenience stores and supermarkets.

In the United States, kombucha generated over $500 million worth of sales in 2017 alone. By 2020, it is estimated that it will generate roughly $2 billion in sales throughout the world. Kombucha is marketed as a superior health drink, which can virtually give you immortality.

Of course, this kind of wording has made some people skeptical over what the drink can actually do. People wonder if kombucha really has the health benefits that are advertised or if it’s just an overpriced soft drink.

What Is Kombucha And Where Did It Originate?

Historians believe that an Ancient Chinese civilization invented this drink roughly 2,000 years ago. Kombucha is made when black tea, green tea, or both are put through a fermentation process to make a fermented tea drink.

The drink includes bacteria, sugar, and yeast. First, you start out with sweetened tea by adding sugar to the tea. Then you add the yeast and bacteria colony to the tea. Let the tea sit for a couple of weeks to ferment.

Once you see the liquid separate from the yeast and bacteria colony, then you’ll know it is ready for consumption. 

Making Kombucha At Home

If you can get your hands on a SCOBY (you can get one here), then you can make kombucha at home. Just be aware of the risks involved when trying to brew this tea yourself. You need to let the scoby (active yeast and bacteria colony) sit in the green or black tea for 1 to 2 weeks.

You should see the colony settling at the very top of the beverage as time goes on. Once the fermentation period is over, you can scoop out the bacteria on top and serve the beverage underneath.

Check out my favorite Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit here>>>

Homebrewing kombucha can be quite challenging. If you notice your brews coming out as vinegary or sour in taste, then drink the health store bottles of kombucha instead.

Besides, you might find more nutritional value in store-bought drinks. These companies are always adding healthy ingredients to the drink to attract more customers.

One such company is Los Angeles-based Kombucha brewery Health-Ade. The video below shows you how they use green and black tea blends and mix them with cold-pressed vegetables and fruits. Scoby is then added to turn the sweetened tea into a delicious, bubbly, fizzy probiotic beverage.

Health-Ade is now on Amazon. You can check out the selection of their drinks here>>>

After watching the video, you’re probably discouraged about the sugar getting added to the drink. It gets added because the bacteria feed on the sugar. This is critical for the fermentation process to be successful.

By the end of the fermentation process, there is very little sugar left.

What Does Kombucha Taste Like?

If you like vinegary and sour taste, then you will like kombucha. But what you’ll really enjoy is the tingling feeling you get in your stomach after you drink it. One thing is for sure; it is a healthier replacement for soda. 

Kombucha comes loaded with probiotics, antioxidants, and lots of B Vitamins.

Of course, different brands of kombucha are prepared differently. Look at the nutritional label to verify which nutrients are in the drink. Most of the kombucha drinks sold in stores have between 2 and 8 grams of sugar in an 8-ounce serving. This is still less sugar than what you’d find in a soda or juice drink.

Does Kombucha Really Improve Digestion?

Yes, you will experience better digestion because of the probiotic properties that are created by the fermentation process. However, some nutritionists and researchers are still skeptical about the extent of the benefits that drinking kombucha can deliver.

Is There Caffeine In Kombucha?

There is some caffeine in kombucha because tea is one of the main ingredients. But it is far less caffeine than what you’d find in coffee or soda. Usually, around 33% of the caffeine still exists in the tea after the fermentation process has taken place. 

If you’re using black tea, then you can expect between 10 mg and 25 mg of caffeine per serving. This is not a lot of caffeine, so no one should experience health issues from just one serving.

How Much Alcohol Is In Kombucha?

The fermentation process causes some alcohol to be created. However, the amount of alcohol is so small that you won’t even feel it. In the United States, a product can only be marketed as non-alcoholic if it has under 0.5% alcohol. This means there could still be some alcohol in kombucha that is labeled non-alcoholic.

Always read the ingredients list on the nutrition label and see if alcohol is on there. This is important, especially if you’re breastfeeding a child or are pregnant.

How Much Kombucha Should You Drink A Day?

It is okay to drink kombucha on a daily basis, as long as you’re not pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weak immune system. Although there are no extensive studies conducted on it, it is recommended not to exceed 16 ounces (0.5 L) of kombucha a day. Ideally, it should be divided into 2-3 servings a day. Ask a doctor for their advice if you’re not sure.

Is Kombucha Bad For Your Teeth?

There are slightly high acidity levels in kombucha, which could spell trouble for your teeth. But there haven’t been enough studies done to confirm this.

Any acidic beverage could diminish the tooth enamel and cause discoloration to the teeth. To prevent this from happening, consume your kombucha drink in a short amount of time rather than sipping it over the course of the day. A straw could also reduce exposure to your teeth as well. When you’re done drinking the tea, rinse your mouth out with water.

Best Kombucha Brands To Try

Kombucha brewing companies are in tough competition with each other. They’re all trying to create the tastiest drink possible by adding extra flavors and cultures of yeast. But natural probiotics in kombucha are not all that’s being added.

These brands are even adding prebiotics to the tea, which are fibrous whole-food ingredients. In addition, they include adaptogens, such as ginseng and Rhodiola, in order to help reduce stress in the drinker’s body.

Remedy Kombucha Tea Organic Drink – Pack of 24

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• One of the best on the market
• 24 – 8.4-ounce cans
• Many different flavors
• Great taste
• Sugar-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free
• Non-alcoholic

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is nature’s miracle food because of its myriad health benefits. It has been used for centuries to alleviate various conditions.

Health enthusiasts believe that apple cider vinegar can replace just about every other remedy or ointment you require for common ailments.

ACV is made using a double fermentation process in which the apple juice is first made to ferment into hard cider in anaerobic alcoholic fermentation. Then, in the secondary aerobic fermentation, acetic acid bacteria convert alcohol into acid. 

Nutrition Facts 

Apple cider vinegar is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, including:

• Potassium: Regulates kidney, heart, and other organ cellular functions
• Magnesium: Essential for heart health
• Iron: Good for the blood
• Enzymes: Improve the body’s chemical reactions
• Calcium: Promote bone and teeth health
• Acetic acid: Slows down bacteria growth and starch digestion
• Malic acid: Protects from bacterial, fungal, and viral infections
• Pectin: Regulates cholesterol and blood pressure
• Ash: Maintains body at healthy alkaline levels

It is also rich in vitamins such as Vitamins A, B6, C, and E, Riboflavin, Thiamin Niacin, Beta-carotene, Pantothenic acid, and Lycopene.

What Is The “Mother “ In Apple Cider Vinegar?

Raw organic apple cider vinegar comes with the amazing “Mother.” It is a natural, stringy, and cloudy substance that forms at the bottom of the vinegar as it ferments.

Many brands of ACV that you find in grocery stores filter the “Mother” out to make the vinegar look clear and attractive. 

When choosing an apple cider vinegar, always go for a cloudy unrefined, and unfiltered one. That contains all the beneficial bacteria and living enzymes that are all stripped from the pasteurized clear-looking vinegar.

Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers countless health benefits. It is commonly used for:

• Regulating pH level
• Reducing inflammation
• Helping digestive problems
• Preventing flu
• Fighting nausea and heartburn
• Treating skin problems such as acne and wrinkles
• Increasing workout endurance
• Protecting against heart disease
• Preventing certain types of cancers from growing
• Promoting weight loss
• Eliminate bad breath
• Treating painful boils, athlete’s foot, corns, calluses, warts, jock itch, varicose veins, and fungal ear infections

There is sufficient scientific evidence to prove the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. For example, in a Japanese study, it was found that subjects who drank apple cider vinegar had lower waist circumference, lower BMI, and visceral group compared to the control group.

Apple cider vinegar contains certain enzymes, minerals, and vitamins that make it a wonderful addition to homemade energy drinks. Much healthier than reaching for chemical-ridden store-bought counterparts! 

Key To An Alkaline Body

Apple cider vinegar helps to alkalize the body. This is important because when your body is not pH balanced, it can invite many diseases because:

• Acidity steals minerals meant for cells, tissues, organs, and bones
• Lack of essential minerals compromises vitamin absorption
• It suppresses the immune system, and pathogens and toxins build up easily

15 Conditions That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Help To Relieve

Apple cider vinegar can be used to help and relieve a wide variety of conditions, including:

1. External Itching

External itching can result from allergies, dry skin, or some imbalances. If lotions and creams are not helping your itching, you should give our good old ACV a try. Just dilute one-fourth cup of ACV to a cup of water and dab the mixture onto the affected area with a clean cotton ball a couple of times a day. Keep applying till the itching subsides.

2. Sore Throat

No need to make a doctor’s visit for something as minor as a sore throat. A simple ACV remedy can help save that time and effort and provide quick relief. Just mix a quarter cup of ACV with a quarter cup of clean drinking water and gargle the mixture for about 30 seconds. Rinse your mouth after gargling, and repeat as many times as required.

3. Skin pH Balance

Your skin needs to have a good pH balance to look and feel nice. Apple cider vinegar has both antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help balance your skin’s pH levels.

So, you don’t need to spend your money on expensive cosmetics and skin products. All you need is ACV, which will balance the pH levels and help eliminate dead cells.

If you have dry and oily skin and you suffer from frequent breakouts, ACV is the best thing for your skin. Here is what you need to do to prepare your very own natural skin lotion. Just add half a cup of ACV to a small bucket full of water. Massage the solution all over your body until it is dry. Do not wash it off.

Another way you can use ACV to restore your skin’s pH balance is by pouring the mixture into a spray bottle and spraying the mixture on your skin right after taking a shower or bath.

4. Detoxification

In today’s world, we are all exposed to a variety of toxins and pollutants. If you have been exposed to some hazards such as heavy metal poisoning, ACV can help counter that. It is known to be a natural chelator.

To make your detox drink, just add a couple of tablespoons of ACV to about eight ounces of water and have this mixture thrice a day. It will help detoxify and also regulate the pH levels of your body.

5. Heart Health

We all know that you need to eat healthily and exercise regularly for a healthy heart. However, not many know that ACV too can boost heart health. ACV is a good source of magnesium and potassium, which are essential for heart health.

It also contains a chemical that helps make heart muscles stronger and regulates cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Recent studies have revealed that ACV can lower arterial plaque as well.

6. Diabetes

The effect of ACV on blood sugar levels has been widely studied. An Arizona State University study involving 11 people with type 2 diabetes has shown that taking 2 tablespoons of ACV before bedtime can lower blood sugar levels by about 4-6 percent in the morning.

Another study has shown that after taking 20 grams of ACV in 40 grams of water, the blood sugar levels came down by about 34 percent in insulin-resistant subjects.

A Japanese study has shown that acetic acid present in vinegar slows down the activity of certain enzymes such as maltase, amylase, and sucrose. This results in certain starches and sugars getting flushed out of the system, which keeps blood sugar levels under control.

7. Common Skin Problems

Apple cider vinegar can be highly beneficial in fighting problems such as dryness, sunburns, body odor, and swelling.  ACV can help detoxify your skin and clean out the pores.

To soothe sunburn, just soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected part. For body odor, rub a generous amount of ACV onto your armpits. If you have swollen hands and feet, just apply generous amounts of ACV to them, it will provide relief and lower the swelling.

8. Vaginal Thrush

Vaginal thrush can cause a lot of discomfort, and most women resort to antibiotics for treating it. However, before you do that, try out this all-natural remedy. Just dilute one-fourth cup of ACV in a liter of warm water and use it as a douche. You can use it regularly to maintain normal pH levels.

9. Headache and Nausea

For a headache and nausea, just have a glass of AVC regularly every day until the problem resolves.

10. Asthma

Millions of people across the world suffer from this respiratory condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. Medications can only relieve the symptoms. While there is nothing much you can do to stop asthma attacks, you can certainly take steps to reduce the damage it inflicts on you. Add a tablespoon each of ACV and honey and juice of a lemon to warm water and keep sipping the mixture throughout the day. Take it on a regular basis for the best results.

11. Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be a sign of the imminent flu, bacterial infection, or strep throat. Some common symptoms of tonsillitis include throat pain, pain when swallowing food, swollen neck glands, hoarseness, white patches on tonsils, and dry throat. If you come down with this painful condition, ACV could be of great help. It can help fight disease-causing bacteria, reduce pH levels of the tissues, help increase WBC and T cell count, and strengthen the immune system.

For tonsillitis, just mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a cup of water and use this mixture to gargle. Sip a small amount of this concoction and repeat this every hour till you feel better. You can even sip a small amount of undiluted ACV several times a day. Just drink some water after each dose.

12. Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers or canker sores are small, white-colored ulcers that occur inside the mouth and cause pain and difficulty eating and speaking. These ulcers can be triggered by spicy and oily food, deficiency of certain minerals, and vitamins, or even food allergies. To treat mouth ulcers the natural way, you can mix equal volumes of ACV and water and gargle using this mixture.

13. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

It is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects children. It is characterized by sores in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. You can combat this infection with ACV.  All you need to do is mix a tablespoon of ACV in about 8 ounces of water and drink this concoction. It helps the virus from replicating further. Drink it thrice a day.

14. Insect Bites

To cure your itchy and painful insect bite, you just need to mix about a tablespoon of ACV and a pinch of soda bicarbonate with water and rub a generous amount of this mixture into the affected area. You can also add a bit of lavender for a soothing effect. Leave the mixture on for 20-30 minutes and wash it off.

15. Chest Congestion

Chest congestion can make you feel tightness or pressure in the chest region, usually resulting from the fluid buildup around the lungs. It can cause difficulty breathing and cough. If you have developed chest congestion, try taking a shot of apple cider vinegar for some relief. You can also add a tablespoon of ACV to a glass of warm water and drink it.

Preparing The German Magic Potion With ACV

Apple cider vinegar could help combat a host of health conditions such as infections, influenza, chronic fatigue, high cholesterol, kidney stones, and vascular congestion. There is a traditional German recipe with ACV that has been used as a homemade remedy.

For this drink recipe, you will need:

Organic honey: It is rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants that help get rid of bad bacteria. It also contains hydrogen peroxide that kills germs.

Ginger: A powerful medicinal spice, ginger is known to ease many conditions. It contains a substance known as Gingerol, which is very effective against nausea. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory to relieve muscle soreness and pain. It also boosts digestion. Fresh ginger root is easily crushed. Use good quality fresh ginger that will release more juice after being crushed.

Garlic: It is one of the most potent spices against infections. Garlic has antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. It is also effective in treating skin problems caused by various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Garlic is rich in Vitamin C and potassium and can boost immunity.

Lemons: Lemons and lemon juice are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and folate. It has antioxidant and anticancer properties. Lemons also reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, indigestion, and fever.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Unpasteurized ACV contains an amino acid that could help ease fatigue, boost energy, and lower blood sugar levels. As we discussed earlier, ACV also helps treat a sore throat, lower mucus from sinus conditions, relieve acid reflux and heartburn, and aid digestion.

How to make it:

Crush the chopped ginger and garlic. Squeeze the juice out of a lemon. Mix these five wonderful ingredients into a natural potion and use it to treat any of the conditions I mentioned above. Believe me, there is no better way to relieve a condition than the natural way.

This homemade remedy can work wonders for your health. It is natural and inexpensive. You can easily make it a part of your daily diet and enjoy its limitless benefits. However, make sure you buy the raw, organic form of apple cider vinegar for best results.

Once you start using ACV regularly, you will need to make fewer doctor visits and you will feel healthier and more beautiful than ever before.

Check Out These Pungent and Spicy Homemade Wellness Shot Recipes Here

Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar offers one of the most effective and natural ways to lose weight as it is very powerful, lowering glucose and insulin responses. Add a couple of tablespoons of ACV to water and have it every morning. Gradually, you will notice a change in your BMI count, body fat, and waist circumference.

What Is The Best Apple Cider Vinegar To Drink?

Which Brand Should You Buy?

For me, it is The Bragg Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar With The ‘Mother,’‎ and here is why…

It is touted as the “fountain of youth” and is popular among celebrities, athletes, chefs, and health experts for its myriad health benefits. However, with so many brands of ACV available in the market, finding the best one can be a daunting task.

Here is one brand that has been around for a pretty long and has a proven track record of quality. We are talking of the Bragg apple cider vinegar. Let us check out why Bragg is the best-known brand of ACV.

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• Organic Raw
• Unfiltered, Unheated, Unpasteurized
• GLUTEN-FREE. NON-GMO CERTIFIED
• Delicious, Light Flavor
• Rich In Potassium And Enzymes
• Supports Immune System
• Helps Weight Management
• Promotes ph Balance And Digestion

About The Bragg Company

The Bragg company was founded in 1929. It is the brainchild of Paul Bragg, who is considered one of the pioneers of the American health food movement. Today, Bragg is possibly the most popular ACV on the market.

The company sells ACV as “youth in the bottle.” While it may not entirely be true that ACV reverses aging, it does provide energy, youthfulness, vitality, and many other proven health benefits.

So, why is Bragg ACV better than any other ACV on the market?

Here are the top four reasons that make Bragg ACV so popular among health enthusiasts.

What Makes Bragg Better?

Bragg ACV is organic and of high quality. Bragg is possibly the best and the highest quality product available anywhere today as claimed by most users. It has received various rewards for its top quality.

It is made using the finest quality USDA Certified Organic Apples. It is certified organic by Oregon Tilth and other Organic Certifiers.

Only organic vinegar contains The Mother of vinegar, a gelatinous substance that results from natural fermentation. Most commercial varieties, being chemically treated, lack many beneficial nutrients due to those harsh manipulations. 

Another great thing about Bragg apple cider vinegar is that it is unfiltered and comes with the amazing “Mother.” It contains apple peel, which is a storehouse of important polyphenol antioxidants. It is also raw and not pasteurized. Bragg ACV is made in a natural way and is rich in enzymes.

So, with Bragg ACV, you enjoy all the goodness of vinegar without having to worry about contamination from harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Another thing that makes Bragg ACV better than many other brands is the way it is produced. It is made by either a slow or fast fermentation process. Most apple cider vinegar brands are produced using quick methods, wherein the liquid is oxygenated by agitation, and bacteria culture is added to it to allow rapid fermentation.

On the other hand, Bragg ACV is made using the slow method in which the acetic acid bacteria culture grows on the surface of the liquid. The fermentation process proceeds slowly. When the fermentation period is longer, enzymes and acetic bacteria are known as the “mother” of the vinegar.

Many of the health benefits of ACV can be attributed to the enzymes contained in the Mother. So, even though the Mother of Vinegar may give it a cloudy and not-so-appetizing look, but it does impart a lot of goodness to it.

Due to the fact that Bragg ACV is unpasteurized and unfiltered, it retains the mother along with all the active acetic bacteria. When you hold the bottle up to the light, you can actually see the mother at the bottom of the bottle.

How Does It Taste?

While Braggs apple cider vinegar can add a sweet tanginess to your salads or certain dishes, but on its own, it does not taste too appealing. If you have ever tasted vinegar straight out of the bottle or even diluted, you would know what we are talking about.

Even the smell that you get when you open the bottle of ACV can be enough to put you off. However, thankfully, Bragg ACV tastes quite decent. You can just mix a teaspoon or two of it into the water, add some honey if you want, and it won’t taste bad.

In fact, Bragg ACV has a unique taste since it is aged in wooden barrels and made using organic, high-quality apples. It still has a distinct apple flavor that you won’t find in regular ACV brands.

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Reviews

Bragg enjoys a great reputation with the customers. You can find hundreds of positive reviews on various sites such as Amazon. Customers claim that Bragg ACV has helped treat their digestive issues, arthritis, and other health issues.

You can read some reviews here >>>

How To Use Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar?

There are various ways in which you can add Bragg ACV to your daily diet. You can add this pleasantly flavored ACV to your salads, succulent vegetables, and other meals. It can also be made into a refreshing drink by adding a teaspoon or two to water. It makes an ideal on-the-go drink for work, gym, and sports.

What Is It Good For?

ACV has been used as a natural remedy for centuries. Its use can be dated back to the times of Hippocrates. Studies have shown that ACV is effective in controlling insulin and blood glucose levels by bringing down the Glycemic index of foods. ACV has also been shown to aid weight loss.

It is also a great beauty aid. It can make your skin look youthful and healthy. It is also a wonderful toner and cleanser and can be used to soothe sunburns. You can just add a cup of ACV to your bath water to cleanse and refresh your skin. Rinse your hair with Bragg ACV after shampooing for nice, lustrous hair.

The Bottom Line

If you want to enjoy the many health benefits that apple cider vinegar has to offer, Bragg is a perfect choice. It is organic, raw, and unfiltered, which gives it an edge over other brands available in the market.  

Buy Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar Here >>>

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Is Safe To Take?

For most people, it is perfectly safe to consume it regularly on a daily basis. However, overdoing it can lead to unpleasant health consequences, such as teeth problems, throat burning, rashes, and potassium deficiency.

In general, it’s recommended to dilute 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily in water as opposed to consuming it straight – this reduces the likelihood of side effects.

If you’re just starting on it, try one tablespoon a day first and work your way up as required. Also, despite its numerous health benefits, apple cider vinegar is anything but a quick fix. Rather, it’s an addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Summary

• Making apple cider vinegar involves fermenting apple cider, which produces healthy enzymes and cuts the caloric content.
• Potential benefits include aiding weight management, controlling blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, maintaining stable blood glucose levels, promoting skin health, providing acid reflux relief, and many more. 
• There are numerous ways to use apple cider vinegar, from ingesting it to using it as a household cleaner.
• The best option is buying a raw, organic product that still contains the mother as this provides the most benefits.