Types Of Kefir And Health Benefits Of Its Consumption

For centuries, kefir has been used in European and Asian folk medicine due to the large number of diseases in which it has a positive effect.

Kefir is made from a kefir mushroom, which is a "grain", a combination of bacteria and yeast that interacts with milk and makes a light fermented beverage suitable even for people with lactose intolerance. It can be made from any type of milk - cow's, sheep's, goat's, as well as vegan alternatives, such as soy milk, rice or coconut. You can even use coconut water (a variant of which we will tell in the article).

Fermented drink is very good for health, with it you can stimulate your immunity, improve your digestive system. Yeast contains 30 strains of good bacteria that will help you fight some tumors and bacteria.

Health benefits

1. Increases immunity

Kefir contains many compounds and nutrients, such as biotin and folic acid, that stimulate the immune system. It contains a large amount of probiotics and a specific type - lactobacillus, which helps the body protect itself from salmonella and Escherichia coli. This bacterial strain, along with others, helps boost the immune system and suppress the growth of harmful bacteria.

Kefir contains another powerful compound found only in this drink - an insoluble polysaccharide called kefir, which has proven to be antimicrobial and helps fight candida. Kefir also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.

2. Helps build strong bones

Osteoporosis affects a large percentage of people today. Deteriorating bone condition is the result of calcium deficiency, which is essential for bone. Kefir, made from whole milk products, has a high content of the element coming from milk.

More importantly, kefir contains bioactive compounds that support the absorption of calcium by the body. Vitamin K2 is vital for improving bone health, density and calcium absorption, while its deficiency can lead to problems. The probiotics in kefir improve the absorption of nutrients, and the dairy products themselves contain everything necessary for healthy and dense bones, including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and K2.

3. Improves the condition of some cancers

Cancers are very serious and common all over the world. Kefir can play a big role in helping the body fight the insidious disease. Probiotic compounds found in the drink help cancer cells to self-destruct.

The advantages of kefir in the fight against cancer are due to its great anticancer role in the body - it can slow down the development of tumor cells. A study conducted at a university in Canada showed that kefir reduced breast cancer cells by 56% (as opposed to yogurt, which reduced them by 14%) in animal tests.

4. Improves digestion and fights irritable bowel syndrome

Achieving a good intestinal balance is not an easy task, and kefir helps to restore this balance and helps fight against gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. Probiotics help restore the intestinal flora after taking antibiotics, help treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects caused by medication.

5. Improves the condition of allergies

The various forms of allergies and asthma are associated with inflammatory processes in the body. Some studies in mice have shown that kefir reduces inflammation in the cells of the lungs and airways and reduces the accumulation of mucus.

The living microorganisms in kefir help the immune system naturally suppress allergic reactions. Some scientists believe that some allergies are the result of a lack of good bacteria in the gut.

6. Improves the condition of the skin

Poor bowel and stomach conditions can irritate the skin and cause various problems such as psoriasis, eczema and rashes.

Kefir, which is contained in the drink, helps heal wounds and improves the condition of connective tissue.

7. Improves the symptoms of lactose intolerance

The good bacteria found in many dairy products are essential for the health of the body. However, there are many people who can not consume them because they feel unwell after taking lactose - a basic milk sugar. The active ingredient in kefir helps break down lactose into lactic acid, which facilitates digestion. In addition, the drink contains many useful strains that help eliminate lactose in dairy products. However, it is best to use kefir from goat's milk, not cow's milk, as some people are intolerant to it. If you decide to try to include kefir in your diet and you are allergic to dairy products, start by doing some tests. Put a drop of the drink on the inside of the arm to the bend of the elbow and wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction. If this occurs, do not consume kefir, but if you have no problems, add 1-2 drops of kefir to a drink, take it and watch again for symptoms. When you are sure that there are none, gradually increase the amount.

In short, kefir contains many useful substances and vitamins for the body - such as folic acid, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K2, biotin, enzymes and probiotics.

Types of kefir

Even if you suffer from lactose intolerance, there are many other types of kefir through which to get the useful elements and probiotics, and without taking even a minimal amount of lactose. There are essentially two main types of kefir - one is milk kefir (made from cow's, sheep's, goat's milk, but also from coconut milk) and water kefir (made from sugar water or coconut water, both of which do not contain dairy products).

While the base liquid used for different types of kefir varies, the production of the valuable beverage is the same - through the fermentation of yeasts, which feed on sugars and carry out the fermentation process.

Here's how to make different types of kefir:

Milk kefir

Milk kefir is widespread and is usually sold in supermarkets and health food stores. Kefir is most often made from goat's, cow's or sheep's milk, but there is also the option of making it from coconut milk, thus it does not contain lactose.

The taste of milk kefir resembles that of kefir, and how strong it will be depends on how long it has fermented.

The drink itself is not very sweet, but some people add different flavors, such as vanilla or other fruit flavors.

Coconut kefir

It can be made from both coconut milk and coconut water. Both drinks are lactose-free and are considered the perfect base for making kefir, as they have natural sugars that are needed to nourish yeast and create healthy bacteria.

Water kefir

Water kefir has a lighter and finer taste than milk and is usually made with sugar water or fruit juice. Its method of production is the same as the other two types, except for the addition of sugar.

How to make homemade kefir

Making homemade kefir is not a difficult task at all. For this purpose, you need to get a kefir sponge, which will be your "yeast", thanks to which the fermentation takes place.

Take 1 clean jar, pour into it 2 teaspoons of milk and add for each cup 1 tablespoon of beans.

Cover the jar with gauze and leave at room temperature for 1-3 days (not in direct light) to start the fermentation process. You will judge the readiness by the aroma you like. Colder temperatures will slow fermentation. Ideally, after 24 hours the drink is ready for consumption.

You will know that kefir is ready when the milk has acquired a slightly carbonated taste, has thickened and looks like kefir.

Strain the liquid and put the yeast in a new batch of milk.

Kefir from coconut water and milk is made in the same way, but will not have the same nutritional value as milk. This option will not contain calcium, but you will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of probiotics by consuming the drink. Keep in mind that coconut water and milk contain fruit sugar from which to feed kefir grains, so you do not need to sweeten further.

If you decide to make kefir water, you need spring water, sugar and a little lemon juice to feed the mushroom and help ferment it.

If you want to take a break from kefir production, you can stop the development of the fungus by storing the beans in the refrigerator, covered with fresh water or milk. Change the liquid once a week and do not squeeze the nipples. Use non-metallic containers for transfer, if necessary you can rinse the kefir sponge with cold spring water. Before use, you will need a few days to "wake up" it by starting to feed it sugar.

In general, kefir intake is not associated with many side effects, but it is possible that some people may initially suffer from constipation, cramps (especially those with severe intestinal health). Kefir can be added to various soups and pastries.