Meet Koso: the fermented Japanese beverage that has the potential to support your microbiome, boost your immune system, and improve your sleep cycle. This drink has been a popular staple in Japan for over 100 years. It derives from raw fruits and vegetables that undergo a careful fermentation process to deliver a boost of nutrients and antioxidants.
R’s KOSO is a Japanese drink that uses historical fermentation techniques dating back over 100 years. This liquid supplement is infused with nutrients, including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, polyphenol, vegetables, fruits, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Nutrients are sourced at their peak potency from non-GMO produce. R’s KOSO’s quality also extends to its manufacturing facilities, which have been making Koso drinks for almost 80 years.
R’s KOSO makes taste a priority, since they want consumers to enjoy their drink. The recipe has Japanese plum extract and several kinds of sugar to make the drink flavorful. However, there is no refined white sugar. For consumers who need to watch their sugar intake for health reasons, R’s KOSO Lower Sugar has the same health benefits and great taste, but with a lower sugar index.
I tried fermented drinks like kombucha in the past, but found the taste to be too strong. I recently tried R’s KOSO because I was looking for a healthier option to replace my morning coffee. Consumers can use the drink as a cleanse or as a daily supplement. I drank R’s KOSO for two weeks, using it as a replacement for my usual cup of coffee, and was pleased with the results.
The drink can be mixed with either flat or sparkling water at a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio. It was nice to have the option to switch between flat and sparkling Koso, depending on my preference. The original R’s KOSO had a savory umami taste with a hint of sweetness, which made for an enjoyable start to my day.
I thought I would miss my morning coffee, but I was surprised how quickly my body adjusted to R’s KOSO. The drink was easy for my sensitive stomach to digest first thing in the morning. After two weeks of consistent use, I noticed an uptick in my energy. Usually I have an afternoon crash where I need to reach for a sweet snack to hold me over until dinner. While I used R’s KOSO, my mid-afternoon craving for sweets was gently curbed.
To my surprise, my sleep quality improved as well, with my sleep tracker clocking an extra half hour of sleep. Since the drink contains ingredients that support the gut’s microbiome, it has the potential to support a longer, deeper night’s sleep. I reached out to R’s KOSO to learn more about how sleep studies influence product development.
The brand responded, “Some studies have found that probiotic intervention helped to reduce stress-induced corticosterone secretion and conferred ‘antidepressant-like effects.’ Thus, rich sources of probiotics and prebiotics such as KOSO may be beneficial in nourishing the gut microbiota and helping to ensure a healthy gastrointestinal environment. In conclusion, our gut and its microbiota influence our sleep quality by regulating our circadian rhythm, promoting resilience to stress, anxiety, and ameliorating inflammation.”
R’s KOSO offers transparency about the clinical studies it uses in its product development. This enzyme-rich drink has been linked to a 2018 study that shows its positive effects on gut health. R’s KOSO outlines some other clinical studies on its website, as it looks to science for continued innovation.
Curious to learn more about the science behind Japanese Koso’s historical health benefits, I asked Dr. Danielle Kelvas, M.D., for her perspective.
“When you support the healthy bacteria in the gut, you support a critical part of the immune system called the MALT—mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue. This protective layer inside our intestines helps control the permeability, or how easily the intestines absorb things. When our diet or levels of healthy bacteria are off, this causes the MALT to be a bit more permeable to unhealthy things, which can cause systemic inflammation (inflammation throughout the body). This worsens just about every chronic illness, from depression to heart failure to diabetes. In vitro tests show that Japanese KOSO has antioxidant, antihypertensive, antibacterial, anti-allergic properties because it supports microbiome health.”
Dr. Kelvas also commented on Koso’s other health benefits. “Studies show that supporting the gut’s microbiome with fermented plant extracts like Japanese KOSO reduces the amount of inflammation in the gut. You can also see a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL (artery-clogging cholesterol) if taken consistently for several weeks.”
With a great taste and science-backed results, I’m pleased to report R’s KOSO has become an integral part of my daily routine. If you’re looking for a gut-friendly nutritional supplement with a great taste, be sure to check out R’s KOSO.
Shop R’s KOSO and R’s KOSO Lower Sugar at the brand’s website.
*Before adding a new supplement to your wellness routine, be sure to check in with your doctor.
