From BZ/dpa
It is said to strengthen the immune system, regulate blood sugar and improve intestinal function: Kombucha tea is often touted as a miracle cure on the internet. But not everyone should drink it.
Did you know that children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should stay away from Kombucha? This is because the tea drink contains alcohol, as the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian consumer center explains.
Kombucha is made with the help of the tea fungus – also called kombucha fungus. However, this is not a fungus, but a mass of different yeasts and bacteria. These convert the sugar into alcohol, among other things. The finished kombucha tea therefore tastes sour and contains carbon dioxide.
Even if the alcohol content is low: children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should keep their hands off home-made kombucha, advises the consumer advice center. Because it is precisely in it that the alcohol content can be over one percent.
It is usually lower with purchased kombucha.
In addition, kombucha is often made with green or black tea and therefore contains caffeine.
Kombucha, the “elixir of life”?
Health-promoting effects are often attributed to tea on the Internet: Among other things, it is said to strengthen the immune system, regulate blood sugar and even alleviate and prevent cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.
However, these effects have not yet been scientifically proven. Statements like these are therefore not permitted, according to Sandra Reppe from the consumer advice center in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Nevertheless: Kombucha has around 20 kilocalories and between four and six grams of sugar per 100 millimeters – compared to other soft drinks – a very low calorie and sugar content.