Kombucha tea has been linked to several potential benefits. May support liver health: In one animal study, kombucha tea was more effective than black tea and enzyme-processed tea at protecting the liver against harmful substances, as well as treating damage ( 23). However, human studies are unavailable ( 21, 22). May lower the risk of certain cancers: Test-tube studies indicate that kombucha tea antioxidants may suppress the growth and spread of various types of cancer.Additionally, it may protect LDL cholesterol against oxidation ( 18, 19, 20). Lowers heart disease risk factors: Animal research shows that kombucha tea may lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise “good” HDL cholesterol.Manages blood sugar levels: Animal research demonstrates that kombucha may reduce the amount of sugar entering your bloodstream ( 18).High in probiotics: Kombucha tea is a great source of probiotic bacteria, which have been linked to improved digestive health, weight loss and reduced feelings of depression and anxiety ( 15, 16, 17).Here are some potential health benefits of kombucha tea: While kombucha tea has its downsides, it’s also associated with health benefits. Because of the potential for contamination, homebrewed varieties are potentially dangerous and even life-threatening. Kombucha tea contains caffeine, may be unpasteurized and could cause headaches or migraines. If you worry about contamination, it’s best to drink store-bought options. If you make kombucha tea at home, be sure to prepare it properly. Keep in mind that homebrewed varieties may contain upwards of 3% alcohol ( 2, 5). That’s because homebrewed kombucha has a higher likelihood of contamination, which may cause serious health problems and even death ( 5, 13, 14). Homebrewed kombucha teas are considered riskier than store-bought alternatives. If drinking kombucha tea gives you headaches or migraines, consider abstaining. Though it’s unclear why it happens, several studies have linked tyramine intake to headaches and migraines in some people ( 11, 12). May Cause Headaches or Migrainesįermented foods and beverages, such as kombucha, can be high in tyramine, a naturally occurring amino acid ( 10). If you refrain from caffeine, kombucha tea may not be right for you. While caffeine has health benefits, some people choose to avoid it because of its side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, poor sleep and headaches ( 8, 9). Kombucha tea is made by fermenting green or black tea, which naturally contain caffeine. People with weakened immune systems, older adults, children and pregnant women should avoid homebrewed kombucha tea because it may cause serious harm if it carries harmful bacteria ( 7). Some types of kombucha teas - especially homebrewed varieties - are unpasteurized and may host potentially harmful bacteria. This process is designed to kill harmful bacteria and has significantly lowered the risk of tuberculosis, diphtheria, listeriosis and many others diseases ( 7). Pasteurization is a process in which high heat is applied to liquids or foods. Here are some common concerns about kombucha teas. SummaryĬommercial kombucha teas contain less than 0.5% alcohol, while homebrewed kombucha teas may have significantly higher amounts.Īside from its alcohol content, kombucha tea has other properties that may pose certain risks. What’s more, homebrewed kombucha tea is unpasteurized and may raise the chances of miscarriage ( 6).īreastfeeding mothers may want to avoid homebrewed kombucha as well, as alcohol can pass through breast milk. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid drinking homebrewed kombucha tea as it may contain significantly higher amounts of alcohol.įederal agencies recommend avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy. The alcohol content of commercial kombucha teas shouldn’t concern most people. In fact, some homebrews have as much as 3% alcohol or higher ( 2, 5). However, homebrewed kombucha teas tend to have significantly higher alcohol content. This meets regulations set by the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau ( 4). Fermentation involves the breakdown of sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.Īs a result, kombucha tea does contain small amounts of alcohol.Ĭommercial kombucha teas are labeled “non-alcoholic” because they contain less than 0.5% alcohol.
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