Recent research has shown that black tea and kombucha can play a significant role in reducing obesity – related harmful gut microbes, thus contributing to better health.
A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that the polyphenols in black tea alter gut microbiome profiles in a way that inhibits weight gain. Experiments on mice showed that the proportion of bacteria linked to obesity decreased in those given black tea, while bacteria associated with a lean body mass increased. The anti – obesity properties of black tea are due to alkaloids, its principal active components.
Kombucha, a fermented tea drink mainly based on black tea, also has a positive impact on the composition of gut microbes. A research team from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil conducted an 8 – week follow – up study on 46 adults. The subjects consumed 200 milliliters of laboratory – made kombucha daily. After 8 weeks, the results showed that the beneficial bacteria in the intestines increased, while the harmful bacteria related to obesity decreased. In particular, beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidota and Akkermansiaceae increased, and the butyric acid – producing bacteria Subdoligranulum, an indicator of intestinal health, also increased significantly. Conversely, Ruminococcus and Dorea, which are associated with obesity, decreased significantly.
These findings suggest that both black tea and kombucha may offer a natural and accessible way to improve gut health and potentially aid in weight management. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and to determine the optimal consumption levels for maximum health benefits.
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