Can Kombucha Give You an Energy Boost?

Known by some as the ‘elixir of life’, there are many benefits of Kombucha, including that it can give you an energy boost. If you are looking to find a healthy alternative to caffeine for that much needed energy kick, then a ‘booch buzz’ could be the answer. In this blog, we go into more detail about what causes this energy boost and how it differs from a coffee buzz. 

• Does Kombucha give you energy?
• Where does the ‘Kombucha buzz’ come from?
• Kombucha vs coffee
• Does Kombucha keep you awake?

Does kombucha give you energy?

Yes, Kombucha is known to give you an energy boost. This is mainly due to the small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine and B-Vitamins produced in the fermentation process when Kombucha is brewed using the traditional methods. At Equinox, we brew in batches, allowing time for the Kombucha culture to work its magic with our organic ingredients. This means that there is a small amount of caffeine left to fuel your healthy booch buzz!

Where does the ‘Kombucha buzz’ come from?

A key factor in creating the healthy buzz are the levels of B-Vitamins found in authentically brewed Kombucha. Not to get too technical, but B-vitamins act as coenzymes that catalyse reactions within our bodies. B-vitamins use glucose to generate ATP (Adreno triphosphate) in the mitochondria of our cells. ATP is the driving force for many bodily functions that require energy, such as muscle contraction. 

It’s worth flagging that the levels of B-vitamins will vary for different Kombuchas as they are naturally produced when yeast breaks down sugars in the fermentation process. The sorts of B vitamins found in authentically produced Kombucha can include B1, B6 and B12.

Iron

Minerals, such as Iron, are also naturally occurring in Kombucha, as well as other fermented drinks like Kefir. It is known that low iron levels can lead to a lack of oxygen in your cells which can result in you feeling tired and fatigued. This is because iron produces haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. So, the naturally-occurring Iron found in Kombucha also contributes to that classic ‘Kombucha buzz”.

Probiotics

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria often found in our guts that have a multitude of benefits, such as supporting good digestive health, mental wellbeing and a healthy heart. Probiotics can help with your energy levels in a variety of ways, including:

• Improving our sleep, since poor gut health can lead to poor sleep. 
• Improving our nutrient absorption, providing us with the essential nutrients our body needs to function – be that for revision or exercise.
• Reducing cortisol levels. Studies show a correlation between high cortisol and lower energy levels. Probiotics can lower cortisol levels, resulting in higher energy levels and less stress. 
• Releasing neurotransmitters, like serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemical that is produced in the gut. 

So, when we consume Kombucha, we get a rush of energy and a feel-good sensation from the serotonin. 

Caffeine and Theanine

Just to be clear, the energy from Kombucha does not come from caffeine, as there is only a small amount of caffeine left in real Kombucha if it has been fermented properly. The caffeine comes from the tea the Kombucha is made from, but this is reduced by at least a third during the fermentation process. This makes Kombucha a great option for someone looking to cut down their caffeine intake, whilst still enjoying an energy boost. 

The Kombucha boost comes from the high levels of L-Theanine in tea, an amino acid that stimulates the brain’s alpha waves, which are known to increase creativity and enhance your ability to absorb new information. A combination of caffeine and L-Theanine provide the perfect balance for concentration, relaxation, and sustained energy levels. 

Kombucha vs. coffee

The energy boost we gain from Kombucha is generated from B vitamins, Iron, Probiotics and L-Theanine, whereas coffee only provides an instant energy boost from caffeine. Caffeinated coffee has extremely high levels of caffeine, which can become addictive and lead to sleep problems, leaving you more tired than before. 

On the other hand, Kombucha contains much less caffeine and provides an energy boost without the crash. This makes it a fantastic pick-me-up for long study sessions or challenging workdays.

However, if like me you are a die-hard coffee lover and just can’t bear the thought of life without your coffee ritual then perhaps Equinox Kombucha’s Coffee Kombucha is for you? Fermented from coffee beans instead of green tea, this Kombucha is a unique low-caffeine alternative for those wishing to switch up their morning routines. 

Does kombucha keep you awake? 

Kombucha is unlikely to keep you awake at night, enabling you to get a good night’s sleep and ensure you’re fresh for the day. Find out more about how Kombucha can improve your sleep.

So, we hope you have been inspired that by drinking Kombucha you can give yourself a great way to enjoy a healthy energy boost to help you throughout the day. Why not try some of our authentically brewed, real, living Kombucha for yourself and see how you feel?