Kombucha is a fermented drink with probiotic properties to which benefits are attributed for health in general and, specifically, for the intestinal microbiota (a set of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that populate our intestine), since it promotes its balance and this affects better functioning of the entire organism.
Kombucha is prepared by mixing green or black tea with sugar and a symbiotic product of bacteria and yeast known as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast) or kombucha mushroom. During the process, bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, organic acids and vitamins are generated.
A clinical trial has now revealed that consumption of kombucha green tea “improves most gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with excess body weight undergoing weight loss treatment, mainly helping in the feeling of complete emptying of the intestine and hard stools.” , something important for optimal function and motility of the intestine,” as explained by its authors in an article published in the magazine Foods.
Kombucha improves the metabolic health of overweight people
Overweight people often have an altered intestinal microbiome, lower microbial diversity and a weakened intestinal barrier, factors that contribute to inflammation and the development of metabolic disorders. Previous studies conducted in animal models had shown that kombucha could reduce intestinal dysbiosis and improve intestinal health.
This research evaluated for the first time the effects of kombucha green tea on gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal permeability, microbiota composition and serum metabolites in overweight people undergoing weight loss treatment. The study included participants with excess weight (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m² and body fat percentage > 30% in women and > 25% in men), who were divided into two groups at random: a control group who followed a healthy low-calorie diet, and a kombucha group who, in addition to the same diet, consumed 200 mL of green tea kombucha daily for 10 weeks.
In the group that drank kombucha, metabolites associated with anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were found that can improve the health of overweight people.
Among the exclusion criteria were the presence of metabolic or chronic diseases, the habitual consumption of supplements or fermented foods, and the frequent consumption of tea. The kombucha green tea used was homemade and had a probiotic content of one billion colony-forming units per serving.
Although the researchers did not observe significant changes in the composition of the microbiota or intestinal permeability, consumption of this drink improved gastrointestinal symptoms and modified the serum metabolome, influencing metabolites related to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Another important result was the worsening of intestinal permeability markers and fecal pH only in the control group, suggesting that kombucha intake could partially prevent these negative effects,” say the researchers, who add that the consumption of kombucha could partially prevent these negative effects. green tea kombucha affected the serum metabolome and that “some of the metabolites found strictly in the kombucha group are related to anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can improve the general health of people with excess of body weight.” Therefore, they consider that the results suggest possible benefits for metabolic health in overweight people.
