Nutrition
Table Of Contents

Introduction: What is Kombucha?

You’ve definitely seen kombucha bottles in health food stores or maybe your local grocery. So, what’s the story behind this enigmatic fermenting tea? And does it actually deliver on its health promises? Everything you need to know about kombucha is right here.

Kombucha tea is a popular fermented beverage made from green or black tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast that was traditionally consumed in China, Russia, and Germany. It has a tiny fizz and is generally warned “do not shake before opening” on store-bought bottles.

When discussing the kombucha diet, you may hear the term “SCOBY“. SCOBY is an acronym that stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.” It’s the (odd-looking) rubbery disc (or “mother”) made of bacteria and yeast cultures that are used to brew kombucha in a procedure similar to manufacturing vinegar. Kombucha does have a nice, vinegar-like flavor.

Kombucha is an ancient meal that dates. It’s a fermented beverage prepared with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. The liquid that results in contains vinegar, B vitamins, and a variety of other chemical components. It is a low-calorie, fizzy beverage available in a range of flavors. It tastes like a soda with a hint of vinegar.

Kombucha can be found in most grocery shops’ refrigerated departments. There are recipes for making kombucha at home available online.

According to some, Kombucha can help prevent and manage significant health disorders ranging from high blood pressure to cancer. Unfortunately, scientific evidence does not yet support these statements. There have been few valid medical investigations on kombucha. 

According to some research, it may provide similar benefits to other probiotic meals such as yogurt. Probiotic benefits include boosting the immune system and alleviating stomach and intestinal disorders such as diarrhea and constipation.

How Many Calories Are in Kombucha?

How Many Calories Are in Kombucha?

Kombucha’s essential constituents are yeast, sugar, and black tea. The mixture is kept aside for at least a week. During that time, bacteria and acids, as well as a trace of alcohol, form in the drink. Fermentation is the process through which cabbage is kept as sauerkraut or kimchi, or milk is converted into yogurt.

These bacteria and acids combine to produce a film on top of the liquid known as a SCOBY. You can brew more kombucha with a SCOBY.

Lactic-acid bacteria, which are found in kombucha, can operate as a probiotic. Kombucha also contains a good amount of B vitamins.

Nutrition Information

One cup of regular kombucha contains:

  • Kombucha calories: 30 
  • Protein: 0 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Sugar: 4 grams

Kombucha tea contains many B vitamins, including:

  • Thiamine
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Folate
  • B6
  • B12

Thiamine is required for fundamental cell function and the conversion of food into energy. Riboflavin is essential for cell growth, development, and function in the body.

A single serving of kombucha tea has more than 100% of your daily vitamin B12 need. The nutrient maintains the health of your nerves and blood cells, which aids in the prevention of megaloblastic anemia. This anemia is an uncommon blood condition characterized by abnormally large and massive red blood cells.

The tea also has a good level of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Also, read – The Benefits of 24-Hour Fast Once a Week

Does Kombucha Help You Lose Weight – The Opinion of Nutritionists

Drinking kombucha is a simple, low-calorie way to supplement your diet with probiotics. It’s also an excellent option for vegetarians or anyone who cannot consume dairy.

Kombucha does contain small amounts of sugar and caffeine. As a fermented beverage, it also contains some alcohol. It’s always important to read labels because the amounts of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol in kombucha can vary. 

According to the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau, most store-bought kombucha will have around 0.5% alcohol by volume. By comparison, a typical beer will have about 5% ABV. This means you would have to drink at least 10 servings of kombucha to equal the alcohol content of a single beer.

Some of the “benefits” of kombucha may have been mentioned to you: These claims range from increased energy to hair loss treatment to cancer prevention. The crucial phrase here is “claims” – the jury is still out on the majority of them, and further scientific research investigations are needed. The ingredients and procedures used to manufacture the beverage, on the other hand, boast their own benefits.

“Kombucha diet has sugar in it,” you may be thinking. ” How could that be beneficial to weight loss?”

It’s vital to note that the fermentation process consumes around 90% of the sugar that was initially introduced. 

Remember that yeast and bacteria eat sugar, much like in the production of bread, wine, or beer. As a result, if you drink kombucha in its raw, organic form, it’s a long cry from the other sugary drinks you could be drinking — and it could be a terrific substitute for soda or fruit juice.

One of the most helpful aspects of kombucha is its probiotic content, which provides “good” bacteria. Bacteria are essential to nearly every cell in our bodies. And when the balance of healthy and bad bacteria in our stomach becomes unbalanced (a condition known as dysbiosis), our health might suffer. 

Cravings, candida, food sensitivities, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and skin problems are just a few of the symptoms of dysbiosis.

While kombucha can help with overall health and may even help with weight loss, it is not a magic pill or weight-loss potion. A few 8-ounce glasses a week can be good for your routine, but there’s no need to overdo it.

Also, read – 28 Day Fasting Challenge – Unleash Your Potential

Kombucha Intermittent Fasting – The Research 

Kombucha is a type of fermented tea. In order to ferment the tea, sugar must be added to the mixture. This provides bacteria with fuel to begin the fermentation process. 

As a result, 16 oz. of kombucha contains around 12 grams of sugar. This sugar can come from a variety of sources, including fruit liquids (such as kiwi juice) or cane sugar.

During Intermittent Fasting, anything that prompts the body to secrete the storing hormone insulin will break the fast. Sugar is the primary inducer of insulin release. kombucha while fasting will break a fast since it includes sugar from the fermentation process.

Not to mention that kombucha contains different amounts of alcohol. Some kombucha is available in a “hard” version with an alcohol concentration of roughly 3%. Most kombucha will have extremely low alcohol levels, but alcohol will also break a fast, thus kombucha is not a good option when fasting.

The Truth About Kombucha for Belly Fat

Replace high-calorie fizzy drinks with kombucha tea (and a splash of vodka for fun!) to fulfill your sweet taste while maintaining a flat stomach. Weight loss is one of the many kombucha health benefits that have earned the fermented beverage a reputation as a cure-all. As if we needed another reason to drink ‘booch—the tart tea is delicious on its own!

Fat loss with kombucha may appear to be too wonderful to be true. We’re here to tell you that you can have your cake and eat it, too. Continue reading to discover the link between kombucha and belly fat.

It may be difficult to imagine that a pleasant, bubbly drink like kombucha tea may help you lose tummy fat. That’s why we’ve produced a list of scientifically proven facts to demonstrate why you don’t have to give up your favorite beverage. Here are a few of the various ways kombucha might help you lose weight:

The Truth About Kombucha for Belly Fat

Kombucha boosts metabolism: 

One of the reasons people struggle to lose weight is that their metabolism isn’t working properly. A slow metabolism indicates that your body is unable to keep up with the number of calories it consumes each day. 

Kombucha can aid in metabolic regulation, improving the rate at which your body burns calories. This prevents carbohydrates from being deposited as belly fat. Consistent metabolisms burn calories as they enter the body, limiting how much belly fat you have to work off later!

Also, read – How To Fix Metabolism

You’ll stay inspired to exercise: 

When it comes to metabolism, a faster one can do more than just burn calories. People with high metabolisms have more energy, which makes sticking to a fitness schedule much easier. 

One of Kombucha’s benefits for weight loss is the potential of Kombucha to regulate metabolism and can help you resist the impulse to fall on the couch after a hard day at work. You might be amazed at how much energy you can gain by sipping booch, even after the effects of your afternoon coffee have worn off!

Antioxidants protect the liver: 

Kombucha is high in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and other toxins in the body. Antioxidants relieve the burden on your liver, allowing it to process less toxic compounds. You may be wondering what the liver has to do with losing weight… 

It all comes down to metabolism! A healthy liver promotes metabolism, which allows your body to metabolize calories more efficiently and lose belly fat.

Maintain a good attitude during your weight loss journey: 

Probiotic drinks are proven to improve digestive health by filling the gut microbiota with beneficial microorganisms. Because the gut and brain are so tightly linked, a healthy digestive system can improve your mood and overall mental health. 

A happy person is more likely to have a positive attitude and work toward their weight loss goal. When consumed on a daily basis, the kombucha diet can help you give yourself the pep talk you’ve been looking for.

Kombucha helps you feel full: 

This fizzy beverage will help you reduce portion sizes and limit your daily caloric consumption. Kombucha components including phenolic and polyphenolic chemicals make you feel fuller, making you less prone to overeat. 

The bubbly bubbles that naturally arise throughout the fermentation process will also fill you up. Instead of boring old water before meals, treat your taste buds to a can of booch.

Kombucha regulates blood sugar levels: 

In addition to improving metabolism, kombucha can regulate blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar is caused by skipping meals, which can occur when attempting to reduce weight. 

Because low blood sugar causes a desire for junk food, drastically lowering your caloric intake can set your weight loss goal back. When you drink kombucha in the morning, your blood sugar will be steady throughout the day, which will help you avoid sugar cravings.

Also, read – Baking Soda for Weight Loss – Shedding Pounds…

Does Kombucha Detox Your Body?

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the phrase kombucha is its delicious taste. Kombucha tea comes in a variety of enticing flavors that no one can refuse. Along with its capacity to captivate us with its flavor, the beverage provides a slew of health benefits that help people keep on top of their health. 

Kombucha is a fermented beverage high in microorganisms that are healthy for the gut. The tea also contains amino acids, acetic acid, B6, B2, vitamin C, lactic acid, and antioxidants, which aid in rebooting your body and mind and keeping you energetic all day.

Kombucha, sometimes known as the “medical health elixir,” can help you stay in shape and boost your immune. 

Kombucha as a probiotic-rich drink not only refreshes you when you’re fatigued or queasy, but it can also detoxify your body to keep you fit as a fiddle. 

  • Green tea is an important component of kombucha. All of the health advantages of green tea are passed down to the kombucha drink during the fermentation process. After absorbing the advantages, the drink transforms into a potent source of antioxidants that perfectly boosts immune function and reduces the danger of numerous life-threatening diseases.
  • You will be surprised to notice how kombucha eliminates all undesired toxins from your body once you start drinking it. Because it is high in probiotics, the drink can boost the health of your intestinal cells, keep your gut health accurate, and minimize your risk of chronic diseases and allergies.

This wonderful drink can be had at any time of day and in any weather. Here are some undeniable kombucha benefits and why you should incorporate them into your daily routine instead of that cup of coffee!

Kombucha Weight Loss Results: Are There Any Side Effects? 

Although its numerous potential health benefits, kombucha does have a few drawbacks. Several incidences of illness and at least one fatality have been documented in people who drank kombucha. Liver issues, lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the body), allergic reactions, and nausea were among the ailments.

Before drinking kombucha tea, keep the following in mind:

Concerns About Pregnancy: Kombucha includes living germs, which can be dangerous to a pregnant woman. It’s also unpasteurized, which means it could contain alcohol. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid the tea or consult your doctor before consuming it.

Exposure or Overfermentation: There are several hazards to making kombucha at home. For example, it could over-ferment. Contamination might also be an issue because most homes are not sterile.

Diabetes-Related Nutritional Issues: Many kombucha drinks have a lot of sugar, which helps them taste better. Too much sugar, on the other hand, might cause complications in diabetics. Added sugars may also raise the risk of diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and heart disease.

However, the FDA states that kombucha is safe when properly brewed. Experts recommend using glass, stainless steel, or plastic containers when creating them at home. Keep everything clean, including your hands and the equipment.

Also, read – Do Cold Showers Burn Fat? The Most Unexpected Way Explained

What Is the Best Time to Drink Kombucha for Weight Loss?

  • Kombucha can be had at any time of day, from first thing in the morning to after an exercise or even after a late-night snack. In this piece, we’ll go through what might be the greatest option for you.

If weight loss is your objective with Intermittent Fasting, it’s critical not to significantly increase the storing hormone insulin. Insulin inhibits the body’s fat-burning function, known as lipolysis. The larger the insulin rises, the greater the effect on shutting down the fat-burning mechanism. 

  • Starting the eating window with a protein, fat, and fiber-rich meal rather than breaking a fast with kombucha (which lacks all three) can aid in limiting the release of sugars from the kombucha into the body, preventing the storage hormone insulin from skyrocketing.

While the benefits of drinking kombucha tea are numerous, it is not a green light to consume excessive amounts of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking 115ml of kombucha up to three times a day. 

If you have special health or dietary issues, see your doctor and a nutritionist about the best approach to incorporate probiotics into your diet.

If you’ve never tried kombucha before, start with a tiny amount and observe how you feel after a few days. If you enjoy it, drinking 8 to 16 ounces per day will provide you with sufficient probiotics.

If you have any doubts about whether you should drink kombucha at all, consult a medical practitioner, who will be able to advise you more.

Is It Bad to Drink Kombucha at Night?

Kombucha is a delightful drink that many people, including me, appreciate not just for its taste but also for its health advantages. Some kombucha enthusiasts are concerned about whether it is safe to consume kombucha at night.

Kombucha contains caffeine since it is prepared from caffeinated green or black tea. This level of caffeine, however, is low enough, often ranging between 15 and 50 milligrams per bottle depending on the type, for most individuals to drink kombucha at night without it interfering with their sleep.

Obviously, if you drink a bottle of kombucha 15 minutes before bed, you’ll feel the effects of the caffeine more when you try to sleep than if you drank it 4 hours before bed.

Best Ways How to Drink Kombucha for Weight Loss

To get the most out of kombucha’s fat-burning properties, try these tips:

1. Drink a cup before meals.

Because the carbonation and phenolic chemicals help you fill up faster, kombucha is best served just before a meal. These kombucha qualities regulate portion sizes and prevent overeating. 

The daily serving size is 12 ounces, which divides easily into four-ounce cups for each meal (don’t skip breakfast).

2. Flavors that satisfy your sweet tooth. 

It’s difficult to give up sugary drinks. Mix in some low-sugar components like freshly chopped fruit, herbs, and spices to ease the transition to booch.

3. Use kombucha as a pre-workout drink. 

As you may have guessed, kombucha can increase your energy levels by regulating your metabolism. Drinking it 30 minutes before a workout will naturally wake up your body, eliminating the need for coffee or sugary energy drinks. 

The kombucha diet can help you get through a tough workout while also avoiding the inevitable coffee crash.

4. Choose green tea kombucha.

While any form of kombucha is beneficial for losing belly fat, green tea kombucha provides the most advantages. Green tea has far more antioxidants than black tea, which aids in metabolism. 

Natural fruit flavors that match well with green tea, such as our blueberry probiotic drink, are recommended.

Also, read – 10 Best Morning Energy Foods That Keep You Going All Day

Conclusion: So, Is Kombucha Good for Weight Loss?

Kombucha has gained popularity over the past few years for its health benefits, with many people advocating for kombucha’s potential as a weight loss aid. While scientific evidence has not conclusively proven kombucha weight loss reviews definitively help people lose weight, some studies have shown that it may be beneficial in achieving this goal. 

On the other hand, we do know that tea and probiotics, which are both found in kombucha, have plenty of research supporting their positive effects on physical and mental well-being. 

Although kombucha can be beneficial when produced under safe conditions, contamination risks must be taken into account. If you decide to brew your own kombucha at home, it’s essential to take proper sterilization precautions as contaminants can make it more dangerous than beneficial.

Additionally, many kombucha drinks are low in calories – making them a great alternative to higher-calorie options. As such, drinking kombucha regularly may be part of a successful strategy for achieving long-term sustainable weight loss.

Mia Wang
Mia Wang - Ph.D.

Mia Wang is Ph.D. in Nutrition. Passionate about helping others achieve their health goals through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle solutions.

William Read - Nutrition Consultant

William is from Canada, he is passionate nutrition & wellness writer. William understands that the topic of wellness is still not well understood, so his goal is to enlighten and teach people how to live healthier and happier in their bodies.