Gut Health Mania

The importance of Gut Health is big and widespread news, bringing with it modern panaceas of every shape and form including fermented foods and drinks.

Originally drunk in China over 2000 years ago, Kombucha made its way onto the health stage back in the 90s only making it so far as a fringe dweller, but it has had a recent resurgence like no other. No longer only in hipster cafes, this beverage is widely available in supermarket fridges, corner shops, shopping centre food courts, and can even be ordered on tap, by the glass or re-fillable bottle.

Fermentation Benefits

The fermentation process whether applied to food or drink, creates beneficial probiotics which improve gut health by ‘crowding out’ bad bacteria thus improving gut immunity and boosting digestion.

The Kombucha fermentation process is a one or two step process using tea and a ‘Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast’ affectionately known as a SCOBY, that can be done in any home kitchen.

There is another fermentation process that has recently hit the retail scene, under the Henry Blooms brand. This one is a 5 stage process, utilising Lactic Acid which provides a surprisingly versatile drink with convincing health benefits due to added superfoods.

The New Kid on the Block

Using a base of Papaya leaf and fruit, these drinks are fermented using a lactic acid base and are manufactured using a traditional 5-stage fermentation process over 21 days, sometimes longer.

During fermentation, various other superfoods are added and 6 strains of probiotics being Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii).

Papaya Fire

Because a papaya base is used instead of tea, there is no caffeine in these drinks and they are also free from alcohol. As many health practitioners are aware, papaya contains the enzyme papain which supports and enhances healthy digestion. Many people’s digestive fire is compromised telltale signs are bloating, heartburn and gas. Longterm this can lead, to inflammation, pain, allergies and lowered immunity. Digestive enzymes such as papain, plus probiotics, support better digestion and can help out where diets fall short.

Nutritional Punch

Fermentation in general increases bio-availability. Lactic Acid increases the bio-availability of all ingredients exponentially, so added superfoods such as Hemp, Turmeric and Wheatgrass become enhanced and highly compatible with human cells.

Not only are these drinks highly bio-available (hence the ‘Bio’ in the name), they are also 99% sugar free and have a long shelf life. Packed with additional health benefits from added superfoods on top of the raw probiotics, they’re the perfect addition to a daily water bottle, juice, smoothie or bullet.

Clinical results

Clinical trials including Southern Cross university studies, have shown bio-fermented papaya

• Lessens overall inflammation
• May also lessen pain and inflammation associated with Rheumatoid arthritis
• Exhibits immunomodulatory effects
• Antioxidant properties that can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) food against age related and neurological diseases associated with free radicals.
• increases NKCA a level activity, making it an effective anti-viral treatment.

Last but Not Least

Oh, and did we forget to mention? They taste fantastic. Even the kid’s will ask for a second serve, so you may need to hide the bottle.

Check it out here