22 Hipster Health Trends That Need to Just Stop

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink made with sugar, bacteria, and yeast. The resulting mix containing vinegar and B vitamins supposedly can prevent and help manage serious health conditions like cancer and high blood pressure, but there is little scientific evidence to confirm these claims. While some studies have suggested this tea can act as a probiotic supplement, the validity of kombucha’s role in regards to human health is still fairly uncertain.

There have also been reported side effects of the fermented drink, such as stomachaches, infections, and allergic reactions. Brewing the tea also poses risks: making it at home leaves it open to contamination from the nonsterile environment, and larger-scale manufacturers can brew it improperly in ceramic pots, whose glaze often contains lead that can leach into the tea due to its higher acidity.

In short, there are not enough confirmed health benefits to support the inclusion of kombucha into your regular diet. Save your money and stick with safer tea options.