If you’re a health-conscious individual who counts every calorie, you may be curious to know whether kratom, a natural herbal supplement gaining popularity, has any nutritional value. You may be asking, “Does kratom have calories?”
While there’s no scientific evidence suggesting that the kratom plant is a rich source of calories, it does possess a unique chemical composition with alkaloids that may provide certain benefits to the human body. Let’s dive deeper into the nutritional profile of kratom to understand its calorie content and potential health benefits.
Does Kratom Have Calories?
Kratom is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. Many are interested in knowing if kratom has any calories. The answer is yes, but the amount of kratom calories is very low. A typical dose of kratom contains around 5-10 calories, which is relatively insignificant compared to other foods and drinks. According to one source, 2 grams of kratom contains 7.4 calories. Even this amount of kratom calories is considered negligible for most people’s diets.
Here are the calorie counts of some popular kratom products like kratom powder, kratom tea, and kratom leaves:
- A cup of kratom tea = 80 calories
- One-ounce kratom shot = 35 calories
- One-ounce kratom supplement = 110 calories
- One teaspoon of Red Thai kratom powder = 15 calories
- Three grams of Great White kratom = 15 calories
- One tablespoon of kratom powder = 45 calories
- One kratom capsule = 6 calories
- One bar chocolate kratom bar = 200 calories
- One kratom cookie = 45 calories
- One gram Maeng Da kratom = 12 calories
- One capsule of green Malay kratom = 15 calories
As you can see, kratom’s calorie count is quite low compared to other foods and drinks like green tea or medicinal tea. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to limit their caloric intake.
What Nutrients Does Kratom Contain?
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, contains various biologically active compounds and essential nutrients. The primary active ingredients in kratom are alkaloids, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids are responsible for the majority of the psychoactive effects associated with kratom use. In addition to alkaloids, kratom leaves contain other compounds and nutrients, including the following:
1. Other Alkaloids
Kratom contains over 40 different alkaloids, including speciogynine, paynantheine, and speciociliatine, which can contribute to its various effects.
2. Flavonoids
These are a group of phytonutrients responsible for the vivid colors in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They have antioxidant properties and can contribute to overall health benefits.
3. Polyphenols
These are natural compounds found in plants that have antioxidant properties and can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
4. Terpenoid saponins
These are natural compounds found in many plants and are known for their potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
5. Glycosides
These are compounds formed from a simple sugar and another compound through a condensation reaction. Some glycosides have potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
In terms of nutrition facts, kratom has negligible amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates but does contain essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Can Kratom Help With Burning Calories and Losing Weight?
While there’s no scientific evidence that kratom can directly burn calories, consuming kratom may be able to help with weight loss indirectly. Kratom may increase your basal metabolic rate, which means it can help you burn more calories throughout the day. It may also reduce appetite, making it more manageable to keep a healthy dietary routine. Additionally, some kratom strains are known for their energizing effects, which can keep you more active and shed more calories.
Overall, while kratom won’t directly cause you to lose weight, it’s said to help kratom users with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing metabolism. However, bear in mind that kratom shouldn’t be used as a replacement for healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
The Benefits of Using Kratom for Weight Loss
Kratom can have a substantial role in your weight-loss journey. Here’s how kratom can help you in your weight-loss efforts:
1. Energy Boost
Are you looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels before your workout? White-vein kratom strains might just be your answer. With powerful stimulating effects that people describe as similar to drinking several strong cups of coffee, this kratom strain can help eliminate lethargy and provide you with some extra gas in the tank to power through your training. Just take 2 – 6 grams of kratom 30 minutes to an hour before starting your workout, and you’ll find yourself breezing through your exercise routine with ease and maybe even getting in a few extra reps.
2. Better Sleep
Did you know that getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight? Evidence suggests that when you don’t get enough sleep, losing weight can be a difficult battle. And to top it off, exercising becomes less effective when you’re low on sleep.
Kratom is, therefore, a natural solution to help you unwind before bed and improve your sleep quality. Some kratom strains, like red vein and certain green vein varieties, have sedative effects that can help you relax and drift off to dreamland. Taking just 2-6 grams of a red-vein kratom strain 30 minutes before bed is a game-changer for most people.
Lessen Stress
Stress isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s becoming increasingly common in our fast-paced lives. And it’s not just about nervous snacking anymore. When we experience stressful situations, our body releases cortisol, which can lead to unwanted weight gain. However, the good news is that kratom can help alleviate stress. Red vein kratom, in particular, is known for its calming effects, making it an ideal choice for those with hectic schedules. While it may be a bit too sedating for daytime use, taking some before bed can have an enduring effect throughout the day.
3. Curb Your Appetite
Did you know that some strains of kratom could actually help you lose weight? By decreasing your appetite, these strains can give you that extra push you need to shed those unwanted pounds. Of course, not everyone wants to lose weight, and for those people, a loss of appetite might be an unwanted side effect of taking kratom. But for those looking to slim down, this could be just the solution you’ve been searching for.
What Strains Can Help You Lose Weight?
Several kratom strains can help you on your weight-loss journey. Here’s a look at what these are:
1. Red Maeng Da
As the stresses of daily life pile up, it can be tough to find a sense of calm, leading to sleeplessness and even weight gain. Luckily, Red Maeng Da kratom may be the solution you need to unwind and drift off to dreamland. This natural remedy is known for its relaxing properties, making it an ideal choice for those who struggle with stress and a restless mind.
2. White Thai
If you are struggling to stick to your weight loss plan and lacking the energy and motivation to keep going, give white Thai kratom a try. Many users have found it to be an uplifting strain that helps improve their mood, increase their energy levels, and make it easier to stay motivated. It can also serve as an appetite suppressant for most people, making it a great tool for achieving your weight loss goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can kratom help with weight loss?
Kratom can help with weight loss by potentially reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and decreasing your appetite. It may also provide sustained energy to power through your workouts, which is essential for losing weight.
Does kratom have calories?
Yes, kratom has minimal amounts of calories. This is negligible compared to the daily calorie intake recommended for most people and shouldn’t impact your weight loss efforts significantly.
Conclusion
Kratom can be a useful tool for those looking to lose weight, but users should always consult a doctor before starting any new diet and exercise program. If used correctly, kratom can play a role in helping you reach your fitness goals. Just be sure to choose the right strain for your needs, as kratom varieties provide different benefits. With a little bit of trial and error, you can find the best option for achieving optimal results.