Does Kombucha Tea Contain Alcohol?

There has been no reputable study linking kombucha drinking to any health results in humans. However, there is some indirect evidence that drinking kombucha might be beneficial to health.

To begin, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers of Nutrition, both black and green tea (the key components in kombucha) include polyphenols, molecules that have a beneficial effect on health.

1. Probiotics
   • Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, grow during the fermentation process and are called probiotics.
   • Probiotics help fill your stomach with beneficial bacteria that ease digestion, strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and produce critical vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin K.
   • Because kombucha provides probiotics, it improves digestion and bowel regularity and reduces nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
2. Contains antioxidants
   • Kombucha is essentially green or black tea. They are high in antioxidants, including polyphenols, which increase metabolic rate, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, improve cognitive function, and lower the risk of chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and certain cancers).
3. Have antibacterial properties
   • The fermentation process of kombucha creates acetic acid, which can eliminate dangerous organisms in the stomach, such as invading bacteria and yeasts, and prevent illness.
   • Furthermore, this antibacterial activity appears to preferentially target unfavorable pathogens while maintaining helpful bacteria.
4. May help lose weight
   • Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This enhances metabolic rate and fat burning, particularly in the abdominal area.
   • When combined with a healthy calorie-controlled diet and physical exercise, choosing a kombucha produced with green tea may help reduce weight.
5. May improve blood sugar control
   • There is some evidence that drinking low-sugar kombucha daily helps reduce blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity.
   • Green tea helps manage blood sugar levels. So, as long as you are not drinking a kombucha loaded with additional sugars, you may reap some of these advantages.
6. May play a role in joint health
   • Kombucha provides glucosamine that helps form hyaluronic acid needed for healthy bones and cartilage. These are frequently used as supplements to prevent and treat arthritis.
   • Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is abundant in the joints and is thought to preserve the cartilages.
   • Hyaluronic acid is usually present in connective tissue and helps the joints retain moisture and lubricated.
7. May enhance athletic performance
   • Consuming kombucha boosts energy levels during exercise and hastens post-workout recovery.
   • Kombucha may help clear lactic acid from muscles during exercise.

Kombucha tea is considered safe for most adults if it is brewed according to regulations, in a sanitary atmosphere, and in glass jars. Any side effects may be caused by harmful bacteria development, increased bacteria levels, and even increased alcohol levels.

Drinking too much kombucha might result in some unpleasant side effects, such as:

• Stomach pain
• Allergic reaction
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache

Scientific investigations, however, suggest that most side effects in patients had a pre-existing ailment or drank a tainted batch of kombucha.

As with any food or drink, it is best to gradually increase the amount you consume to enable your digestive system to adjust. Start with 100 mL per day for the first week and gradually increase.

Kombucha may not be healthy for people who are pregnant or nursing or have a compromised immune system. So, consult the doctor before including it in the diet.