Kefir drink: discover all the benefits for your body
Have you ever heard of kefir ? More and more popular, this drink is even regularly recommended for its many beneficial effects on the body and health. What is kefir, how to consume it and where to get it ? In addition to discovering all the benefits of kefir, you will even find 2 must-try recipes to make at home.
Qu’What is Kefir ?
Kefir is a drink made from the fermentation of milk fermentation of kefir grains mixed with water or milk. Kefir is what we call a probiotic It is composed of living micro-organisms such as yeast, bacteria and casein.
Milk kefir grains are opaque and ferment on contact with water lactose. Water (or fruit) kefir grains are almost translucent and ferment on contact with water sucrose (sugar).
Water kefir is also known as “Champagne of the Caucasus” because it is native to the Caucasus, slightly sparkling and refreshing.
What are the benefits of kefir ?
The benefits of kefir are numerous. It is increasingly recommended to consume kefir on a daily basis, or at least to make a cure regularly. The many beneficial bacteria in kefir thins our intestinal transit by fermenting and allow you to strengthen our immune system :
milk kefir: rich in proteins, vitamins A and B, potassium and folic acid, is a natural antibiotic. It relieves ulcers, strengthens the biliary system, acts against asthma, hypertension and cholesterol, and is compatible with lactose intolerance ;
Fruit kefir: rich in vitamins B1, B2 and B6, it improves and soothes skin problems (eczema, irritations, skin rashes); prevents common allergies, food intolerances, risks of diabetes or cancer; strengthens cardiovascular functions; brings energy to the body, etc.
What are the health benefits of kefir ?
Kefir has a wide range of health benefits. However, it is possible that consuming kefir has some disadvantages (especially when you start drinking it), such as constipation, abdominal cramps or bloating, because your digestive system needs time to adapt to this probiotic.
In people with a weakened or unbalanced immune system (autoimmune diseases), kefir could increase the risk of infection. It is therefore highly recommended to consult your doctor before you start consuming kefir on a daily basis.
Does kefir make you fat? ?
Milk kefir is often compared to drinking yogurt (color, texture), although its consistency is lighter. It too contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium, but milk kefir is also rich in saturated fatty acids, in proteins, probiotics and carbohydrates. It is therefore recommended not to abuse kefir, as any product consumed in excess can be harmful to your health.
For your information: 100g of water kefir contains only 40 kCal. This drink does not make you fat.
Fruit Kefir Recipes
milk kefir, creamy and smooth:
- put 30 g of milk kefir grains in a 1.5 L jug or bottle;
- pour 1L of milk;
- cover without closing tightly (cloth or towel for example);
- let stand for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature.
Fruit Kefir, a delicately acidic and flavored kefir:
- put 70 g of water kefir grains in a 1.5 L glass container;
- pour 1 L of water;
- add 2 tablespoons of unrefined sugar (or cane sugar), a slice of lemon, 2 dried figs or 2 prunes ;
- you can add pieces of fruit of your choice (raspberries, strawberries, bananas, etc.).) or edible flowers ;
- let it sit for 24 to 48 hours, at room temperature.
Kefir is an excellent ally for your daily health. Economical, it is also simple to grow and produce, to make healthy drinks yourself, easily.