Last Updated on November 1, 2020 by James Matthews
The first creation of kombucha dates back to around 200 B.C. in Northern China. At this time, many of the locals flocked to this brand new carbonated beverage because they believed it was loaded with antioxidants and other healing characteristics.
Now at several millennia since its initial development, kombucha has become a worldwide phenomenon and somewhat of a superfood. But, just because it boasts tons of benefits doesn’t mean you should just drink it whenever you please.
Here’s why.
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha comes from either black or green tea, so that begins to explain why it’s so healthy! During the creation process, bacteria and yeast (called SCOBY) are added to tea and sugar and given a decent amount of time to ferment.
After weeks or even months, what was once green tea is now a completely different beverage.
This brand new drink is now carbonated, ultra sweet, and considered an alcoholic beverage. You heard that right. As the kombucha continues to ferment, it becomes slightly alcoholic, ending at about 0.5% alcohol.
What Can Kombucha Do?
Kombucha can do just about anything for the human body, all thanks to the polyphenols in this sweet drink. Polyphenols are an intense type of antioxidant that can help to treat plenty of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, digestive issues, and cardiovascular disease.
Here’s a look at just some of the things kombucha can do for you once added to your diet.
- Reduce all types of inflammation in the body
- Improve gastrointestinal issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (probiotics)
- Limits the growth of tumors and cancerous masses
- Increases metabolism, which can lead to eventual weight loss
- Helps to lower blood sugar levels
Based on these benefits, you might think it’s a good idea to load up on kombucha and completely optimize your body and your health.
But, not so fast!
While you can drink kombucha several times per day up to about 12 ounces a day, there are some possible negative effects that might occur. You need to consider what’s in kombucha and how this can impact you at each time of day.
Let’s go over how the timing of kombucha consumption can vary!
Morning Kombucha
Kombucha might be a great addition to your morning routine because it still contains some caffeine from the green or black teat that it started out as. But, the amount of caffeine in kombucha probably won’t give you much of an energy boost first thing in the morning.
That’s because kombucha only has about 15 milligrams of caffeine for a huge serving.
That’s about 15% of the amount of caffeine in a single cup of coffee. That’s great if you normally don’t drink caffeine, but kombucha probably won’t make a dent in your daily energy levels if you’re already a coffee or tea drinker.
You also need to consider the fact that kombucha does have a little alcohol in every serving. This definitely won’t be getting you intoxicated first thing in the morning, but you might be a little wary about starting your day off with an alcoholic beverage of sorts.
Morning?
Probably not the best time to drink kombucha.
But, we do want to point out that some people believe that drinking kombucha on an empty stomach might give you the greatest health benefits.
Afternoon Kombucha
When you come home from a long day at work, you might be used to treating yourself to a cold beer or a glass of wine. While this might be relaxing, this also gets you into the habit of drinking alcohol on a near-daily basis.
Try replacing your alcoholic drink with kombucha.
Instead of getting sluggish, fatigued, or disoriented right after you get home from a long day of work, why not target your health instead? Kombucha is a great way to get a little caffeine in your system to wake your body and mind up after a rough day on the job. This can give you a little more energy to do chores around the house.
Plus, the little bit of alcohol in every serving will help you to relax just a little bit.
Afternoon?
Most likely the best time to drink kombucha without negative consequences. Better yet, you’ll feel just a little bit relaxed and a tad bit energized.
Night Kombucha
Since kombucha definitely has some alcohol in every serving, you might be thinking this is the perfect replacement for beer, wine, or even hard liquor. After all, there aren’t that many options out there when you’re looking for healthy alcohol!
Sadly, this is not one of them.
Though kombucha is definitely healthy, it only has about 0.5% alcohol in every serving. That means you might have to drink nine or more bottles of kombucha to equal the effects of a regular beer.
So, you’d definitely have to drink a ton of kombucha to even get slightly intoxicated.
Drinking kombucha at night time also has the ability to absolutely destroy your sleep schedule. That’s all thanks to the caffeine found in every serving. The closer your drink caffeine to bedtime, the more difficult it’ll be to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Night?
Not a good time to drink kombucha unless you don’t plan on falling asleep.
The Best Kombucha
Now that we know kombucha is best consumed around mid-day or in the afternoon, it’s time to get yourself some great-tasting kombucha. Here’s our favorite!
Why take the time to brew kombucha when you can drink it out of can that has incredible flavoring? That’s exactly why we love the Organic Kombucha from Better Booch.
What’s great is that this kombucha comes in a 12-pack of cans and offers seven different flavor variations (though a variety pack is also available). So, you can choose between options like citrus sunrise, ginger boost, or golden pear, among others.
Though a little expensive, this kombucha is definitely the best out there. It’s low sugar, low calorie, and has unmatchable flavoring.
Give it a try!
