Does kratom have calories, and can I use it even if I'm on a diet? Let's talk about it. In this full overview of kratom's nutritional profile, you'll discover what kratom is made of, the different types of products available, their benefits, and how to add it to your everyday routine.
What Is Kratom Made Of?
Kratom products come from a tropical, Southeast Asia-native tree. Farmers harvest, dry, and process the leaves to be converted into wellness products, including extracts, tablets, gummies, and capsules.
Like other leafy products, kratom contains a mixture of alkaloids, fibers, and other compounds we'll discuss below.
Overview of Kratom’s Active Compounds
The two main compounds in kratom are 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. These alkaloids play a crucial role in shaping the identity and characteristics of kratom varieties. The concentration of alkaloids can vary based on factors such as where the tree grows, the maturity of the leaves, and how farmers process the product.
Nutritionally, alkaloids don't contain many calories. They are present only in small amounts compared to macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Also, kratom leaves are predominantly fibrous, which means that they offer minimal digestible energy.
As such, the caloric value of kratom is relatively low unless you also consume added ingredients like binders, fats, and sugars.
Does Kratom Contain Calories?
Again, not really. In its raw and unprocessed leaf form, kratom is mostly fiber, water, and plant alkaloids.
However, the traces are so small that the overall calorie count in kratom is often negligible. If you use a moderate serving every day, like a few grams, the total might only add up to a handful of calories, if any.
That said, the calories in kratom products come from sweeteners, additives, and flavorings. If you are closely monitoring your daily caloric intake, always read the label on the product packaging and look for transparent product information to maintain your daily energy intake.
Understanding Kratom’s Caloric Impact
As you're aware, kratom is available in capsule, tablet, gummy, and extract form. Let's take a closer look at these kratom products and their caloric impact.
Processed Kratom Products
Koi offers a wide collection of products, from capsules, tablets, gummies, and even liquid shots. Here's what you need to know about each product and the estimated calories.
Kratom Capsules are an easy way to enjoy kratom without measuring out powder and making a mess.
These products may introduce a few extra calories from the capsule casing, which is often made from vegetarian alternatives or gelatin, but the amount is small. For a vegan option, try Koi's Kratom Capsules. Each capsule contains approximately 5mg of MIT.
Koi's Kratom Tablets are stronger than capsules, and they contain 80mg of MIT per tablet. They're vegan and made from natural kratom extract. They contain almost no calories.
Kratom Gummies are tasty edibles that typically contain sweeteners and flavorings. Some contain sugar, so if you are mindful of your daily intake, double-check the ingredient list on the product packaging.
Koi's Kratom Gummies contain high-quality, lab-tested ingredients, and they pack 50mg of MIT per piece. They're also vegan-friendly.
Liquid kratom shots are a concentrated liquid that produces fast-acting effects. You can find unflavoured and flavored formulations that balance the naturally bitter taste of kratom. These sweeteners can boost the calorie count, but the amount is on the lower end, especially if you use the product sparingly.
Koi's Liquid Kratom Shots come in Lemon and Zen Berry varieties. The Lemon option contains distilled water, 70 percent kratom extract, UPS kosher VG, citric acid, and organic lemon flavor.
Remember, kratom itself contains almost no calories, and the sweeteners and additives are what can boost the calorie content. Make sure the product you’re buying is lab-tested and made with quality ingredients.
Is Kratom a Good Choice for Health-Conscious Users?
Yes, you can use kratom for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Quality kratom products are suitable for people who track their daily energy intake or individuals who are health-centric.
Avoid high-calorie additives and choose unsweetened varieties to reduce calories further. If you are mixing kratom with a drink, try to avoid sugary syrups and heavy creamers to minimize calories. Instead, try adding zero-calorie sweeteners and dairy-free alternatives to your kratom beverages to keep the calories low.
All in all, unsweetened and minimally processed forms of kratom can easily fit into any weight management plan.
How Long Does Kratom Last?
The stimulating effects of kratom usually last around two hours, but the exact time frame can vary based on factors like the speed of your metabolism, the amount you take, and the type of product. If you use Kratom Shots, you'll experience the benefits in minutes.
FAQs About Kratom’s Nutritional Profile
Can you use kratom on a diet? Is it a good choice for a wellness-focused routine? Here are your most frequently asked questions and what the experts say!
Do Kratom Drinks Have More Calories?
The calories in kratom drinks can be zero, minimal, or high, and it all depends on how you make the drink. For instance, you can make kratom plain, unsweetened kratom coffee, and it will contain almost no calories.
At the same time, adding creamers and other ingredients to coffee can boost the overall calorie intake.
Can Kratom Help with Weight Loss?
Kratom itself is not explicitly marketed for weight loss. Essentially, kratom in its raw form contains minimal calories, so it is suitable for people who live a healthy and balanced life.
If you are interested in trying kratom and you're tracking your daily calories, try using plain products like tablets or capsules that don't contain added ingredients like sugars.
Are Kratom Capsules Higher in Calories?
Both capsules and powders contain dried kratom leaf as the base ingredient. The only difference is that capsules contain the powder within a vegan or gelatin shell, which typically adds a few calories per serving.
Can Beginners Use Kratom?
Kratom is suitable for beginners, but be aware of the dosages you are using. Also, certain varieties like Bali Kratom are preferred by beginners because they produce a more mellow and balanced effect than Maeng Da.
How Does Kratom Compare Nutritionally to Other Herbal Products?
Besides kratom, you can sip on herbal teas and use other plant-based products for nutritional benefits. But how does kratom compare to these popular herbal products, especially in terms of calories?
Kratom vs. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas such as peppermint and chamomile contain zero calories if you serve them without sweeteners and additives.
The same is true for kratom tea. Both options are suitable for calorie-conscious people. The main difference between kratom vs herbal teas is this: kratom has plant alkaloids, while most herbal teas contain compounds like caffeine or essential oils.
Kratom vs. Energy Supplements
Many commercial energy supplements contain artificial flavors, sugars, and high caffeine content. They are also often high in calories and sugar.
For instance, a single serving of a generic energy drink can contain anywhere from 50 to 200 or more calories, and these come mostly from sugar. In contrast, kratom in its pure form is sugar-free. If you want to avoid sugary drinks, try preparing kratom beverages without added ingredients.
Keep in mind that kratom is not a direct swap for energy drinks. Some people prefer kratom alone on days when they want to feel calm and relaxed, while others enjoy it with coffee or tea.
Why not have both? Just make sure that your product is high-quality and free of unnecessary fillers and additives. The best kratom is laboratory-tested, which means that it is free from pesticides, additives, and other potentially harmful ingredients.
Conclusion
No, plain and pure kratom contains almost no calories. This means that you can enjoy kratom products without worrying about messing up your diet or going over your daily caloric intake.