We Asked Experts If Kombucha Is Actually A Magical Health Drink

    Mmm, tea with a side of bacteria and yeast.

    If you've paid any attention to health trends over the past few years, then chances are you've heard of kombucha.

    Or maybe you know someone who drinks it regularly and swears it's made them healthier.

    But if you're like me, you've heard all of this and still have no clue what kombucha actually is.

    Kombucha starts with a bologna-looking gelatinous thing called a SCOBY, which stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.

    The SCOBY is then thrown into a jar of black or green tea and sugar, where it's given time to infuse and ferment.

    The finished product might still contain live bacteria and yeast.

    Aside from potentially boosting GI health and your immune system, most of the health claims about kombucha aren't proven.

    Heads up: Drinking homemade kombucha could actually put your health at risk if you're not careful.

    So, should you drink kombucha?

    CORRECTION

    Despina Gandhi is a registered dietitian. An earlier version of this post misspelled her name.