Milk can be processed into various types of food and beverage products. In addition to being fermented into cheese or yogurt, milk can also be fermented into kefir milk. What is kefir and what are the Kefir Health Benefits? Check out more in this article!
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a fermented dairy product using kefir granules. Kefir grain itself is a breeding of yeast and bacterial symbiosis. Kefir milk is generally made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. Although equally a fermented dairy product, kefir has a difference with yogurt, which is a more liquid texture.
The nutritional content in kefir is not inferior to other dairy preparations. Kefir contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and vitamin K. Kefir also contains a variety of amino acids and also minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, Zinc, copper, and manganese.
Kefir Health Benefits
With so many nutrients in it, kefir has a lot of benefits for human health. The Kefir Health Benefits, namely:
Contains many nutrients
As previously described, kefir is a fermented drink traditionally made from cow’s or goat’s milk. It is done by adding kefir seeds (consisting of yeast and lactic acid) into milk.
For 24 hours or more, microorganisms in kefir seeds multiply and ferment the sugar in the milk, then turn them into kefir. Afterwards, kefir seeds are removed from the liquid. Kefir seeds can be stored and reused as long as they are not exposed to chemicals and extreme temperatures that can kill bacteria in kefir.
So essentially, kefir is the drink, but kefir seeds are the “starter kits” that are used to produce the fermented beverages. Lactic acid bacteria found in kefir change the lactose in the milk into lactic acid, so that kefir has a sour flavor like yogurt, but more dilute than yogurt.
Vitamin B12
The next Kefir Health Benefits is maintaining the health of blood cells and nerves in the body.
Kefir is also a source of vitamin B12 that the body needs. Vitamin B12 plays a role in maintaining the health of blood cells and nerves in the body. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in animal and dairy food products.
Kefir can be a source option of vitamin B12 for those who undergo a vegetarian diet.
In addition, fermentation process can also increase the availability of nutrients in kefir. This means that kefir may contain more nutrients than regular milk
Preventing and combating cancer
The next Kefir Health Benefits is preventing and combating cancer.
Kefir milk Drink, it is one of the fermented beverages that you can count to become a daily health intake. Because, the Journal of Dairy Science states, fermented beverages has been shown to be able to eradicate the types of tumors and cancers tested in rats. The content in kefir also can add to the immune system of rats and stop the growth of cancer in the breasts.
Helps detoxify poison
If you are allergic to peanut, do you know that drinking kefir milk can relieve symptoms of peanut allergies? An aflatoxin substance is a substance that is widely produced by fungi and peanuts.
This aflatoxin has a bad impact on the body, such as causing allergies or reducing immunity. Kefir milk contains lactic acid that is able to resist the substance of aflatoxin. Thus, indirectly kefir drinks become detoxifying intake that helps you fight against certain food allergies.
Controlling blood sugar
The next Kefir Health Benefits is controlling blood sugar.
In 2015, a small study compares the effects of consuming kefir and conventional fermented milk at blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Participants who consume kefir have significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who consume conventional fermented milk.
Participants in the Kefir group also decreased hemoglobin A1c value, which is a measurement of blood sugar management for 3 months.
Lowering cholesterol
A 2017 study observed changes in cholesterol levels among women who drank low-fat or kefir milk. The participants drank 2 servings a day of low-fat milk, 4 portions a day of low-fat milk, or 4 portions a day of kefir.
After 8 weeks, those who drank kefir showed a significant reduction in their total levels and “bad cholesterol” compared to those who only drank 2 portions of low fat milk per day. Participants who consume 4 portions of low fat milk per day have also lowered cholesterol levels.
Helps to lose weight
This fermented beverage is a powerhouse packed with many good bacteria, such as Lactobacillus Gasseri, Lactobacillus Amylovorus, Lactobacillus Paracasei, Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
Bacteria that are in kefir proved to be helpful in weight loss. The bacteria will regulate ANGPTL4, a protein serum hormone fat burner in your body. Studies have revealed the impact of kefir consumption on weight loss, revealing that individuals who consume kefir lose 3-4 percent of their body fat within six weeks.
Antitoxin and Antibacterial
Kefir milk benefits are one of the beverages that are anti-toxin and anti-bacterial, so as to fight bacteria and toxins that enter the body. Diligently drink kefir milk and you can feel your body getting fresh and lighter every day.
Enhance immunity
Nutrients such as folate and biotin that exist inside kefir can help boost immune system function. Many good bacteria in this drink will also help strengthen the immune system and stop the growth of predatory bacteria. The bacterial Lactobacillus Kefiri in kefir will help the body in resisting harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella.
Kefiran, an insoluble type of polysaccharide found only in probiotic drinks has antimicrobial properties. It can help fight Candida yeast infection. By contributing to the enhancement of the immune system, kefir has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Burn fat
Drinking kefir with cinnamon helps to burn fat. Just add a pinch of cinnamon in a glass of kefir. You can also add honey or grated ginger.
Help launch the digestive system
Drinking kefir with flax in the evening helps to launch the digestive system, stabilizes the function of the liver, and blood circulation. Add one teaspoon of flax seed into a glass of kefir.
Read also: How To Cure GERD Permanently
Supports intestinal health
Kefir has strong probiotic properties. There are more than 30 strains of bacteria and yeast in kefir that can help support intestinal health. No wonder Kefir is considered one of the superfood. Kefir contains probiotics and fibers, both of which are known to contribute to a healthy gut.
Read also: Lazy Bowel Syndrome: The Causes, and How To Treat It
Preventing lung inflammation
Because kefir milk is one of the beverages that is anti-inflammatory, milk can be used as a prevention of the emergence of pneumonia. If you have a flu or breathing problem, this milk can help relieve your breath quickly.
Maintaining Bone health
Calcium in kefir milk is supplemented with vitamin K2 and vitamin D that is important in the process of absorption of calcium in the bones. Folate or vitamin B9 in kefir will help bone density be more optimal. This can prevent you from experiencing disorders of the bone health, such as calcification, strengthening bone structure and also preventing osteoporosis.
