

What are the negative effects of kombucha? Thanks to the fermentation process, kombucha can contain trace amounts of alcohol, usually ranging from 0.5% to 3% alcohol by volume. Pregnant woman and kids should steer clear of the beverage altogether, Gans says. "However, the potential health risks are unknown for those with preexisting health problems or those who drink excessive quantities of the tea," the CDC stated. (Note: The research was done in the mid '90s). Not much research has been done on the subject, but consuming about 4 ounces daily may not cause any adverse effects in healthy people, according to the Centers for Disease Control. How much kombucha can you drink in a day? Drinking kombucha can also help you meet your hydration needs, London says.īelow, we're answering some common questions around kombucha. Generally, you should sip a minimum of 8 cups of water and other unsweetened beverages (like seltzer or black tea) a day. Premyuda Yospim // Getty Images Kombucha can help you stay hydrated. Kombucha can contain a lot of sugar, but sometimes it’s a better choice than other sweetened drinks. "Since it's lower in sugar compared to other options, it's often a better choice and a step to cutting back on sugar from drinks overall," London says. One 16-ounce bottle of GT's Kombucha Gingerade contains 4 grams of sugar compared to 28 grams you'd find in the same-sized Starbucks Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte, for example. Replacing sports drinks, juice, and sweetened tea and coffee with kombucha could help you dial back.

Kombucha can help you cut back on sugary drinks.īeverages are the number one source of added sugar in the American diet. Or you can simply drink green tea for tea-related health benefits. Check labels to make sure you're choosing kombucha versus a kombucha-like product and look for actual tea in the ingredients list. These compounds support healthy cell function and help you stay healthy overall, but commercial brews may not supply as much, says Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D., author of Dressing on the Side (and Other Diet Myths Debunked). As with other teas, you can sip a slew of antioxidants and polyphenols. Past packing a probiotic punch, just how much (and how) kombucha can keep you well is a bit murky. SOPHIE-CARON // Getty Images The antioxidants in kombucha can help you stay healthy. Kombucha is made by fermenting tea and sugar with bacteria and yeast.
