Latest news with #Sbooch
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Kombucha can rebalance gut ecosystem in people with obesity: study
From Instagram reels to supermarket shelves, kombucha — the fizzy, fermented tea drink — has found a growing audience among health-conscious consumers in India. Promoted as a probiotic powerhouse, it's touted for its supposed benefits to digestion, immunity, and metabolism. According to one estimate provided by Indian company Sbooch, the kombucha market in India grew from $45 million in 2020 to $102 million in 2024. Yet much of the enthusiasm has outpaced science. While kombucha's traditional use and composition suggest potential health benefits, few rigorous studies have tested these claims in humans. Most research until now has focused on kombucha's biochemistry or has been limited to animal models. This is why a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition stands out: it takes a closer look at kombucha's effects on the human gut microbiome and how they matter for human health. The study followed 46 healthy adults in Brazil — 23 with obesity and 23 of normal weight — over eight weeks in a pre-post trial. The participants were classified using (World Health Organisation cut-offs of) BMI and waist circumference. Every day, each participant consumed 200 ml of kombucha that had been prepared in the lab using black tea and fermented with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). All participants were otherwise healthy and had no recent history of drugs, antibiotics or supplements. Stool samples were collected at the beginning and end to assess gut microbiome changes. The researchers used genomic tools to profile bacterial and fungal communities. They also measured fasting blood glucose, insulin, and proteins linked to gut barrier integrity since a weakened gut lining can allow harmful molecules to enter the bloodstream, trigger low-grade inflammation, and ultimately engender insulin resistance. What we know, what changed After eight weeks, the overall microbial diversity was largely unchanged but the abundance of certain bacteria had changed in ways that suggested kombucha may help positively rebalance the gut ecosystem. Notably, the population of Akkermansiaceae bacteria had increased in individuals with obesity. Previous research has linked this shift with better blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. The levels of Prevotellaceae also increased, specifically in the obese group. Certain strains of Prevotella copri have similarly been linked to improved insulin sensitivity, hypertension, and inflammation. Both groups also reported higher abundance of Bacteroidota, which play significant roles in digesting complex carbohydrates. Bacteria associated with less favourable outcomes including Ruminococcus and Dorea declined, becoming similar to the normal-weight group by the eighth week. Ruminococcus gnavus has been positively associated with inflammatory bowel disease and liver fat accumulation, while Dorea with high BMI and cholesterol markers. In normal-weight participants, Parabacteroides increased modestly. Parabacteroides goldsteinii has been known to reduce tissue inflammation, ameliorating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Helicobacter pylori infections. The populations of Exophiala and Rhodotorula, two fungi associated with cystic fibrosis and obesity respectively, decreased as well. While the study offers promising clues about kombucha's influence, especially for individuals with obesity, the researchers urged caution. The microbial shifts were modest and didn't improve metabolic markers like blood glucose, insulin, or inflammatory proteins. The team also pointed out that microbial responses vary by diet, genetics, and overall health, thus reducing the generalisability of the findings. And with a short duration and a modest sample size, the findings remain a proof-of-concept. The results are still valuable in what they reveal, however: kombucha does appear to nudge the gut microbiome in directions associated with better metabolic health after two months. Kombucha and India Whether the effects will hold for Indian populations remains an open question. Studies have indicated gut microbiota in India are unique. Indian guts, particularly among those consuming traditional plant-based diets, harbour more Prevotella, an inversion of the typical Western microbial pattern. Since consuming kombucha increased Prevotellaceae abundance in the study, it may not drive the same degree of change in local populations. Even within India, while North Indians have more Prevotella, South Indians carry a higher load of Bacteroides and Ruminococcus. Women from rural high-altitude areas have greater gut diversity than their urban counterparts. Ethnic tribes from Ladakh, Jaisalmer, and Khargone can be differentiated based on their gut microbiomes alone. Taken together, the new study is proof that no single brand of kombucha can claim to be 'good' for all consumers across geographies. The drink may support gut health but whether that translates to long-term metabolic benefits remains to be seen. Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
News18
26-05-2025
- Health
- News18
From Cola to Culture: The Shift from Sugary Sodas to Fizzy Tea Alternatives
Last Updated: Fizzy tea is fast replacing soda as the drink of choice for a health-conscious, culture-savvy generation. In India's rapidly evolving beverage market, a quiet revolution is fizzing to the surface—one that swaps out sugary sodas for elevated, health-conscious tea-based alternatives. From sparkling teas crafted like fine wines to fizzy probiotic brews rooted in tradition, a new wave of brands is redefining what it means to sip, savour, and celebrate. The Sparkle of Sophistication 'There's a growing appetite for sophisticated, wellness-driven beverages that align with mindful lifestyles," says Siddhaarth Jalan, Co-Founder, Bebida Hospitality Private Limited, the brand bringing Copenhagen Sparkling Tea to Indian consumers. 'Sparkling tea is poised to become a mainstay in the premium non-alcoholic segment here." The brand's teas offers three distinct blends—LYSERØD, LYSEGRØN, and BLÅ—each made from a blend of 11–13 organic teas, designed to mimic the complexity of fine wine. With elegant packaging and zero alcohol, they're ideal for both celebrations and everyday indulgence. 'Our teas deliver the elegance of champagne without the guilt," Jalan explains, pointing out that their calorie and sugar content is far lower than traditional sodas or even mocktails like the virgin mojito. For instance, LYSERØD contains just 3g of sugar and 12 kcal per 150ml serving, a stark contrast to the 16g and 60 kcal found in most fizzy colas. More than a drink, the brand presents a lifestyle choice—one that celebrates conscious indulgence and universal appeal. 'It's the one drink you can serve to a 10-year-old or an 80-year-old at the same party," adds Jalan. While sparkling tea plays to the luxury palate, kombucha—a fermented, probiotic-rich tea—is making waves for its gut health benefits and artisanal flair. At the forefront of India's kombucha culture is Sbooch, founded by Nirraj Manek, who insists on one distinction: 'Kombucha is not soda—it's a living, naturally fizzy tea." The result is a refreshing alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or tradition. 'Choosing better doesn't mean sacrificing flavour—it means rediscovering it," says Manek. 'Each bottle is clean, honest, and full of heritage." Wellness in Every Sip The third front in the fizzy tea movement is wellness-led iced tea, and The Infused Kettle is leading the charge. Founded by Shalini Sinha, the brand marries the elegance of small-batch Darjeeling and Assam teas with time-tested Ayurvedic botanicals like giloy, turmeric, amla, and ginger. 'Consumers today want real benefits, not empty calories," she says. 'There's a demand for authenticity, transparency, and efficacy." According to Sinha, the shift away from high-sugar sodas isn't a passing health trend—it's a systemic redefinition of how we hydrate. 'We're seeing consumers gravitate towards teas that serve as functional tonics," she notes. 'Drinks that balance blood sugar, aid digestion, and support daily self-care." As iced tea climbs the popularity charts globally—ranking third in a U.S. survey of top beverages—it's clear that flavour alone isn't enough. 'Forward-looking brands must adopt clinical evidence and transparent sourcing," Sinha asserts. 'Only those who deliver efficacy with ethics will thrive in the beverage market of tomorrow." Tea, But Make It Modern Whether it's the celebratory clink of sparkling tea, the probiotic punch of kombucha, or the healing notes of Ayurvedic infusions, fizzy tea alternatives are not just replacing soda—they're rewriting the rules of refreshment. In the age of wellness, tea has become more than a comfort ritual. It's a symbol of taste, transparency, and transformation. First Published: May 26, 2025, 18:34 IST
