Fad or Fact: Does Drinking Kombucha Have Real Health Benefits?

Mar 29, 2017 / Nutrition

Kombucha has become a fast trending drink in the world of fitness and healthy eating, but is this fermented tea beverage really the miracle liquid many people are claiming it to be? We asked one of our Nutrition Education Specialists, Christianna Moran, to weigh in:

“Once it is pasteurized it no longer contains live probiotics, but will still contain organic acids such as gluconinc, lactic and acetic acid which are good for maintaining a healthy gut. Although it does contain  phytochemicals, phytonutrients and organic acids, it’s not a miracle drink and no one food/drink will cure anything. There isn’t enough research  to recommend it as a remedy.” Moran advises.

So what should we look for when selecting a drink? “Ones that are labeled ‘pasteurized’ will not have the live cultures you may be looking for. Also, many kombucha drinks contain about 30-60 calories per 8 ounces depending on the brand, so we do have to take that into consideration. Look for ones with minimal added sugar.” she suggests. A couple popular brands that are low in sugar and non-pasteurized are GT’s Enlightened Organic Raw Kombucha and Kevita Master Brew Kombucha.

What about brewing kombucha at home? Moran has a few cautions: “If brewing at home, it will contain probiotics, but it’s important to get a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) from a reputable source and use safe cleaning and brewing techniques to minimize any chance of potentially harmful bacterial contamination. Home brewed Kombucha has been linked to heart attacks, lead poisoning (because of the storage or brewing container) and death.”

With all that said, Moran’s bottom line on kombucha is this: “I personally think it tastes good, it is a healthier alternative to soda and juice, and may even encourage people to make other healthier lifestyle choices.”

3 Responses

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  1. Posted by Sebastian C

    So, all that writing and reading for a weak answer ( I am sorry but I feel I wasted my time reading your conclusions) To conclude nothing or vague answer. Why write at all? The question is, is kombucha good for your body or not? In extreme consumption, everything is bad for the body, soul and mind. everyone knows that by now. We need for someone that will stick to the question. Is it good? yes or no answer. This is not a state exam. Answer or let someone the knows theory, practice and self experience answer please.. thank you.

    January 20, 2019 10:53 am Reply
    • Posted by Reliant Medical Group

      Hi Sebastian, unfortunately, there isn’t enough research on this topic for there to be an easy yes or no answer. We just wanted to provide the information we know up to this point.

      January 21, 2019 9:39 am Reply
  2. Posted by Mark G

    fad…it’s just moldy vinegar that marketing executives conned people into drinking.

    January 17, 2019 6:57 pm Reply

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