Discover the 9 Health Benefits Of Consuming Kefir and side effects.

The health benefits of consuming kefir are abundant, it is a cultivated and creamy product with surprising attributes for the body.

Its refreshing, sour taste is similar to drinking yogurt but contains beneficial yeast and ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt

What is kefir?

Kefir is known to be a fermented drink made from kefir grains, specifically from the Caucasus mountains between Asia and Europe. The word ‘kefir’ originates from the Turkish word ‘keyif’, which means ‘to feel good.

Kefir grains contain several species of bacteria and yeast. They are small, yellowish-white in color with the appearance of miniature cauliflowers.

The history of kefir

Kefir has a very particular history that goes back a few centuries ago, were shepherds in the Caucasus mountains discovered that fresh milk transported in leather bags occasionally fermented into a fizzy drink.

In the Caucasus Mountains, legend has it that the resulting kefir grains (which are not a true grain) were a gift to the Orthodox to the Prophet Mohammed, who instructed them on how to use the grains.

Mohammed strictly forbade them to reveal the secret of Kefir Preparation to other people, or to pass kefir grains to anyone, because they would lose their “magic force.”

Legend explains why kefir grains and the method of preparing kefir have been shrouded in mystery for so long.

For most of recorded history, kefir was hardly known outside the Caucasus Mountains, although Marco Polo mentioned it when recounting his travels.

This self-carbonated dairy-based drink continues to be popular in Russia, Southeast Asia, and Eastern and Northern Europe and has recently gained some popularity in the United States.

Kefir production

The microorganisms and yeasts that are originally produced in kefir are adopted symbiotically to offer superior health benefits when ingested or consumed regularly.

This food is loaded with excellent vitamins and minerals, it already contains complete proteins that are easily digested and have natural antibiotic properties.

For those who are lactose intolerant, the abundance of yeast kefir and beneficial bacteria provides lactase, an enzyme that consumes most of the lactose that remains after the cultivation process.

Kefir can be made from any type of milk, cow, goat, or sheep, coconut, rice, or soy. Although it has a slightly mucous formation, the mucosa has a “clean” quality that creates the ideal conditions in the digestive tract for the colonization of friendly bacteria.

Kefir is made from white or yellow gelatinous particles commonly called “grains.” This makes kefir a unique food, as no other culture is known to give milk to form grains.

The grains have a combination of bacteria and yeast agglomerated with casein, which is the protein in milk, and also sugars.

The grains ferment the milk, incorporating their friendly organisms to create the cultivated product.

The grains are then removed with a strainer before consumption of the kefir and added to a new batch of milk.

Health benefits of Kefir

The health benefits of consuming kefir are considered a long-lived elixir.

This fermented drink from the Caucasian plains is true food medicine, packed with good bacteria, vitamins, and protein.

1.- Rich in vitamins and proteins

Kefir milk is as nutritious and complete as milk.

It includes protein, calcium, and B vitamins, including folic acid.

It allows you to vary dairy products and is as interesting for your health as milk or yogurt.

2.- Kefir protects our flora

The “good” bacteria present in kefir enrich our endogenous flora (the microbiota) and make it more resistant to pathogenic microorganisms. They play an immune barrier role.

Also, drinking this beverage can restore a balanced microbiota after taking antibiotics.

3.- Kefir is very digestible

Immersed in milk, kefir grains coagulate casein and convert lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, alcohol, and carbon dioxide.

The result is a creamy, white liquid whose consistency and flavor are reminiscent of whipped milk.

It is highly digestible, it can be consumed by lactose-intolerant people, allowing them to enjoy all the benefits of milk without its drawbacks (bloating, flatulence.)

4.- Strengthens immune defenses

Kefir contains many nutrients, such as biotin and folate, that boost the immune system and protect cells.

Contains a large number of probiotics, ideal for fighting germs.

One specific to kefir is called Lactobacillus kefir and it helps defend against bacteria such as salmonella and escherichia coli.

This bacterial strain protects the immune system and prevents the growth of many bacteria.

Kefir also has another potent compound that is only present only in this probiotic drink.

This is an insoluble polysaccharide called kefiran. Which is also an antimicrobial that manages to cure Candida fungus.

5.- Heals skin problems

The lactic acid content of kefir can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria, while the lactic acid, peptides, and serum contained in kefir can lighten the skin

Skin lightening products can help reduce the appearance of birthmarks, moles, and lentigo spots to better suit the surrounding skin area.

This can also work with vitiligo. Some people also lighten their skin for general cosmetic reasons (this is common in Asia).

So if you want to clear up your skin or treat acne, kefir can help you achieve a more even skin tone and clearer skin overall.

6.- Kefir can protect you from cancer

Cancer is caused by cells in the body that mutate and grow in an uncontrolled way.

A tumor is an example of this. Studies have shown that the good microorganisms found in kefir can prevent the growth of tumors.

These probiotics can delay the enzymes that transform certain compounds into carcinogens in the body.

Kefir can also act as an antioxidant and support the immune system. Kefir has been tested for its role in the protection against colorectal cancer.

In test-tube studies, it has been found to stimulate the destruction of tumor cells. Kefir was also found to help stimulate cancer cell death in leukemia research

7.- Helps prevent osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mass and a deterioration in the structure of bone tissue.

This can lead to brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture which is a global problem.

Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people and is responsible for 1.5 million fractures

One of the most successful ways to maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis is to get enough calcium.

Calcium is not the only nutrient that can help prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 has been found to play a vital role in helping the body use calcium.

Making kefir with whole milk can increase the amount of vitamin K you eat and provide benefits to your bones.

Studies have found that kefir can improve bone mass and structure in postmenopausal women.

Therefore, although a glass of milk and a glass of dairy kefir may contain the same amount of calcium, kefir can improve bone health more than milk, they attribute this to kefir’s ability to increase the body’s absorption of calcium.

8.- Helps detoxify the body

In this modern age, toxins surround people, we consume it through food, and it is absorbed through cosmetics and other products.

Kefir can be used to detoxify the body. It is especially effective against aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are common toxins that we are exposed to in food.

They are spread through mold and tend to contaminate peanuts.

9.- Kefir can combat the effects of aging

Aging and age-related diseases are strongly linked to damage from oxidative stress.

Both the milk and kefir in soy milk are high in antioxidants, so much so that they may be among the most promising food components for preventing mutagenic and oxidative damage.

This means that they can help prevent several age-related diseases, such as cancer or dementia, and can also serve to extend lifespan. Consuming kefir can help slow down oxidative damage in the body.

Why is it good to drink kefir?

• Kefir is simple and inexpensive to make at home.

• is used therapeutically around the world to alleviate chronic fatigue syndrome

• because it works as a natural tranquilizer and antibiotic.

• Kefir is an excellent food for pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, and people with compromised immunity