Kombucha, an effervescent fermented tea, has been increasing in popularity lately and you’ve likely seen it on your grocery store shelves. What is it and is it good for you? Shayna Komar, a licensed and registered dietitian at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont weighs in.

“I recommend kombucha to my clients,” she says. “It’s full of probiotics, so I love it.”

Kombucha is naturally fizzy, sweet and slightly tangy, making it a healthy swap for soda.

“The probiotics in kombucha can help your digestion and create a good balance of healthy bacteria in your gut,” Komar says. “Kombucha has B vitamins as well, which can boost your energy and immune system.”

One word of caution: Kombucha contains naturally occurring sugar, caffeine and a very small amount of alcohol, so read the label carefully. Avoid kombucha if you are pregnant or sensitive to alcohol.

Not all kombucha is created equal and some contain added sugars or preservatives. Choose a kombucha from a reputable seller. Make sure it contains only fermented tea, fruit juice and fresh herbs or spices, avoiding added sugar.

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