In recent years, apple cider vinegar, green juice and lemon water have become trendy wellness tonics.

More recently, the health virtues of an amber-hued, funky brew called Kombucha, have been extolled on the internet.

But is this subtly fizzy drink really a healthful potion or just another health fad? With all the fuss, it is fair to ask whether Kombucha is something to add to the health regime.

Kombucha is made by fermenting black, white, green or oolong tea with sugar and a blob-like SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast).

But before adding this potion to your health regime, here are a few things you should know.

1. Healthy skin from the inside out

The relationship between a healthy gut and good skin should not be overlooked.

Poor gut health does not cause bad skin in itself, but researchers believe that an imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to the development of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and even eczema.

Inflammation happens when the body is fighting off bad bacteria, and Kombucha is said to promote a healthier gut.

This potion is said to be jam-packed with whole-food probiotics, acetic acid and B vitamins. B2, B6, B12 are often found in skincare products and are known for helping to achieve clear, luminous skin.

Polyphenol is an antioxidant that is said to fight free radicals and is known to neutralise the molecules that cause inflammation.

The antioxidant properties of Kombucha are believed to be good for the liver and regular consumption is said to help prevent toxicity.

2. Natural probiotic

Kombucha contains good bacteria that may function as probiotics, which have been linked to good gut health.

Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus could potentially combat allergies and intolerance in the digestive system that could lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

The fermentation process also produces acetic acid, which is known to curb the growth of bad bacteria such as E coli, salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.

It is important to sustain the balance between the good and the bad bacteria in your gut as this helps to increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

SCFAs help to heal intestinal damage that could trigger unhealthy immune responses and help control gut inflammation.

3. Antimicrobial properties

The antifungal and antibacterial properties of Kombucha are often overlooked.

The black and green tea are said to contain strong antimicrobial compounds against harmful bacteria such as yeast and Candida.

Urinary tract infection, bloating and oral thrush are due to an overgrowth of Candida in the gastro-intestinal tract.

These properties in Kombucha are said to help strengthen the immune system, so it might be an idea when planning a vacation to top up the good gut bacteria beforehand to try and reduce the chances of an upset stomach.

4. Weight control

Kombucha is not a magic bullet to reduce body fat but its beneficial properties could help support the metabolism by keeping the body feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

5. Controlling sugar cravings

Ignoring sugar cravings is easier to be said than done, but Kombucha is believed to be able to help outsmart that sweet tooth.

It can be a great option when the craving strikes as Kombucha comes in dozens of flavours, sweet fruit ones such as mango included. So, it is a great alternative for sugary drinks

But as with any food and drink, quality matters. Always opt for brands that are labelled raw and unpasteurised or it could mess with Kombucha’s naturally occurring probiotic bacteria. So always read the labels.

This ancient brew has potential to support the digestive system and provide other health benefits but it should not be relied on as a silver bullet for good health. But it can be the icing on the cake for an already healthy diet and lifestyle.