Is Kava Keto Friendly? Kava and Keto: Can you Drink Kava on a Low- Carb Diet?

Are you a keto dieter wondering if kava can be part of your low-carb lifestyle? You’re not alone! Kava, the traditional drink from Hawaii and the South Pacific, has gained popularity worldwide for its relaxing and calming effects. But with its rich, earthy flavor and potential health benefits, comes the question: is kava keto-friendly?

To answer this, we’ll delve into the carb content of kava, exploring the research from Dr. Vincent Lebot and the Cabalion study. We’ll also examine Fiji Vanua Kava productS, to see how it fits into a keto diet. By the end of this article, you’ll have the scientifically-backed insights you need to make an informed decision about enjoying kava while maintaining ketosis.

What is Kava?

Kava is a traditional South Pacific Islands drink, and has been a staple in Pacific Island cultures for centuries. Native to the islands of Fiji and the Pacific, kava is made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant. This ancient beverage is renowned for its calming and relaxing effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

Benefits of Kava

Find calm in the chaos with kava, a natural, non-addictive solution for anxiety and insomnia. Kava has a lot of benefits to and has been used for centuries to:

• Promotes relaxation and reduces stress
• Improves sleep quality and duration
• Relieves anxiety and insomnia
• Enhances mental clarity and focus
• Reduces muscle tension and pain
• Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression
• Supports immune function and reduces inflammation

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced mental clarity.

Key Principles of the Keto Diet

To maintain ketosis, it’s essential to:

• Keep carb intake extremely low (typically under 20-50 grams per day)
• Focus on low-carb foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and vegetables
• Include healthy fats, such as avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, and nuts

By understanding the basics of the keto diet and the benefits of kava, you can make informed decisions about incorporating this traditional Fijian drink into your lifestyle.

Is Kava Keto-Friendly? What does the Research Suggest

Kava has gained popularity worldwide for its relaxing and calming effects. Kava in comparison to alcohol is relatively low in carbs. Dr Vincent Lebot, a leading expert on kava research says kava root contains a small amount of carbohydrates. But how small? According to the book (The Pacific Elixir), Lebot and Cabalion’s study (1986) analyzed the chemical composition of kava. Here are some key findings:

• Kava contains a small amount of carbohydrates (5-6g per 100g of dry root)
• Carb content is relatively low compared to other foods and beverages
• Kava’s carb content is primarily composed of starches and fibers

Nutritional Composition:

Dried Kava root contains;

• 43% starch
• 20% fiber
• 15% kavalactones
• 12% water
• 3.6% protein
• 3.2% minerals

Carb Content and Keto Implications:

Assuming a serving size of 8 tablespoons (56 grams) of kava:

• Carb content: approximately 28 grams
• Calories: around 112 calories
• 50% of the carb content is starch, sugar, or protein

Implications of Kava’s Chemical Composition

• Low in Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat: Kava’s relatively low carbohydrate, protein, and fat content make it a potentially keto-friendly ingredient. However, individual keto needs and guidelines may vary.
• High in Fiber and Kavalactones: Kava’s high fiber content can contribute to digestive health, while its kavalactone content is responsible for its medicinal properties, including relaxation and anxiety relief.

Kava’s Macronutrient Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate of kava’s macronutrient breakdown:

Recommended Products:

Fiji Vanua kava offers high-quality kava products that are low in carbs and additives. For those looking for traditional kava options, consider trying:

• Premium Old Roots Powder
• Talanoa Mada
• Santa Cruz

Or, if you prefer instant kava options that are keto-friendly:

• Borogoru Signature Instant
• Instant Gold

Comparison to Other Keto-Friendly Foods

Kava’s carb content is relatively low, making it a potentially keto-friendly ingredient. But how does it compare to other popular keto-friendly foods? Here are a few examples:

Vegetable Comparison

• 1 cup of celery: 3-4g carbs
• 1 cup of cucumber: 4-6g carbs
• 1 cup of spinach: 1-2g carbs

Kava’s carb content is comparable to these low-carb vegetables. A serving size of kava (about 8 tablespoons or 56g) contains approximately 28g of carbs, which is relatively low compared to other foods.

Nut Comparison

• 1/2 cup of macadamia nuts: 2-3g carbs
• 1/2 cup of almonds: 6-8g carbs
• 1/2 cup of walnuts: 4-6g carbs

Kava’s carb content is higher than that of nuts, but it’s still relatively low. Nuts are a popular keto snack due to their low carb content and high healthy fat content.

Oil Comparison

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil: 0g carbs
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil: 0g carbs
• 1 tablespoon of avocado oil: 0g carbs

Kava’s carb content is significantly higher than that of oils, which are essentially carb-free. However, kava’s unique nutritional profile and medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to a keto diet.

Tips for Incorporating Kava into Your Keto Lifestyle

Here are some tips for enjoying kava while maintaining ketosis:

• Pair kava with other low-carb foods or drinks, such as coconut oil, MCT oil, or unsweetened almond milk
• Experiment with different kava flavors and products to find one that suits your taste preferences
• Consider adding kava to your keto smoothies or fat bombs for an extra boost of relaxation and calmness

Keto Kava Recipes to Try

Here are some delicious and keto-friendly kava recipes to try:

• Kava Coconut Smoothie: Blend 1 tablespoon of Instant Gold kava powder with 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, and 1 scoop of keto-friendly protein powder
• Kava Fat Bombs: Mix 1 teaspoon of Borogoru Signature Instant

kava powder with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of cocoa butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of stevia powder, 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Final Words

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of kava’s keto-friendliness, it’s time to experience its benefits firsthand. Consider incorporating Fiji Vanua Kava products into your keto lifestyle and discover the tranquility it offers.

Our premium Fijian kava collection ensures a high-quality and authentic experience. With its low carb content and potential health benefits, kava can be a valuable addition to your keto journey. Explore Fiji Vanua kava collection today and find your new favorite way to unwind while staying on track with your keto goals.