Kefir has many health benefits, including its ability to clean out the digestive tract, detoxify the body, improve the immune system, eliminate harmful bacteria, help lose weight, manage lactose intolerance and diabetes, protect against various viral and fungal infections, and boost hair and skin health and appearance.
Due to its many health benefits, kefir has become known as magic milk. It’s basically milk from sheep, cows, or goats which have been mixed with kefir grains and allowed to ferment. The yogurt-like substance which is then created is packed with yeast, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and nutrients.
It has been connected with many health benefits which can’t be acquired from other forms of yogurt or milk and can be an option for lactose intolerant. Kefir grains are actually combinations of bacteria and yeast, along with many sugars, lipids, and proteins which form clusters of clumps of bacterial colonies within the fermenting milk, thus resulting in the thick texture of the drink.
It has recently become popularized in many western nations, including the United States, due to the rise of lactose intolerance and the desire for a healthy alternative to traditional drink and food. In culinary applications, it is a replacement for buttermilk in many recipes and is commonly used to make sourdough bread.
1. Digestion
Kefir is a probiotic-rich substance and for that reason, it can be very beneficial for digestion and intestinal health. The probiotics eliminate many harmful bacteria in our digestive tracts. Furthermore, they also help to absorb food in an efficient way. In addition, kefir is packed with dietary fiber, which can eliminate constipation and stimulates peristaltic motion. One serving of kefir contains more than 20% of the daily requirement of fiber.
2. Lactose intolerance and diabetes
Kefir can be an excellent choice to stay healthy for people who suffer from diabetes. Kefir grains are made up of lactose-eating bacteria and sugar. This means that excess sugar is removed from the system before it can flood into the bloodstream and cause the spikes or plunges in blood sugar which diabetics try to avoid. The lactose-eating bacteria can keep the stomach from reacting violently for people who are lactose intolerant. However, they still get the important nutrients from milk.
3. Immune system
Kefir provides a big amount of vitamin C, which is an important component of the immune system. It also contains all of the beneficial bacteria which will eliminate other harmful bacteria in our bodies. Its antioxidant properties can prevent many diseases, including heart disease and various cancers.
4. Overall health
Kefir is a very good source of protein. For that reason, it promotes the efficient functioning of the organ systems and can boost the metabolism of our bodies. In addition, it helps wound healing, cellular growth, and injury recovery time.
5. Heart health
The kefiran can be found in kefir. It has been connected to reducing serum cholesterol and suppressing blood pressure. Both of those things result in a healthier heart which is less prone to conditions, such as strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.