kefir grains benefits

You can store kefir in the fridge for two weeks. You can also find many blog posts and videos that teach kefir production, but the process is very simple: Once it starts to look clumpy, its ready. Foods. These probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, are capable of helping boost immune function and fight against harmful microbes and carcinogens plus they are often considered key to improving many digestive issues. Dairy-free versions of kefir can be made with coconut water, coconut milk, or other sweet liquids. Kefir is a cultured, fermented milk drink, originating from the mountainous region that divides Asia and Europe. In fact, there are plenty of recipes out there for how to make kefir grains and interesting ways that you can use them in soups, stews, smoothies, baked goods and more. Depending on the variety you use, kefir grains may contain 30 or more strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. They can also lead to improvements in various digestive conditions. Also, kefir may aid in preventing fractures and improving overall bone health. 10 Proven Health Benefits Of Kefir Grains, 1. Additionally, it has the ability to help lower oxidative stress, cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Remember that an anti-inflammatory diet depends on the overall quality of the foods and drinks you're consuming rather than adding one item like kefir to your routine. First, theyre gelatinous and sticky. Studies have shown that magnesium supports processes like nerve impulses and muscle contraction, and helps to normalize heart rhythm.. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Moreover, you may also take it at night before bed. Kefir, lowfat, plain, LIFEWAY. This article explores the benefits. If you are unsure about the quality of store-bought kefir, you can easily make it at home. A Word From Verywell Fermented foods like kefir may offer a variety of health benefits. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. Fooddata Central. Kefir: a protective dietary supplementation against viral infection. Studies suggest that it boosts your immune system, aids in digestive problems, improves bone health, and may even combat cancer. It has high concentrations of beneficial bacteria and yeast for added nutritional benefits and natural sweetness. Some microorganisms can have beneficial effects on health when ingested (3). Here's a guide to choosing healthier yogurt options. You can add some full-fat cream if you desire thicker kefir. These anti-inflammatory properties can suppress various kinds of inflammation, including the bodys reaction to allergies, as well as speed up the healing process of wounds. Required fields are marked *. Using a non-metal strainer, strain out the kefir grains. While more specific research on kefir health benefits is needed, there is evidence that it may help support gut and heart health, offer antimicrobial benefits, and help support healthy bones and blood sugar regulation. All rights reserved. 1. Kefir grains interact with milk to make a lightly fermented drink that even people with lactose intolerance can usually drink. again. Kefir is similar to Greek yoghurt, except it contains more probiotics. Fat: 2g. In other words, kefir is the drink, but kefir grains are the starter culture that used to produce the beverage. According to the authors, its biological properties suggest its use as antioxidant, anti-tumor agent, antimicrobial agent, and immunomodulator, among other roles., Another 2020 article published in the journal Nutrients notes, Kefir exhibits many health benefits owing to its antimicrobial, anticancer, gastrointestinal tract effects, gut microbiota modulation and anti-diabetic effects.. Heres How. Protein: 9g. For decades, we've been advised to drink low fat milk. Kefir grains have a lot more going for them than being high in protein, low in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in calories. You can substitute plain or flavored kefir for any of these ingredients in your favorite recipes for baked goods, mashed potatoes, soups and more in order to boost the nutrient content and get all the wonderful kefir benefits. Curr Nutr Rep. 2020;9(3):184-192. doi:10.1007/s13668-020-00315-3, Salari A, Ghodrat S, Gheflati A, Jarahi L, Hashemi M, Afshari A. The success and power of your kefir relies on the quality of the grains, so its paramount to find reputable retailers selling top-rate, fresh grains in order to optimize kefir benefits. However, to make a kefir drink, you require starter kefir grains. This includes the probiotic Lactobacillus kefiri, which is unique to kefir. You'll need the following items to make kefir at home: Kefir is a popular fermented drink made with dairy, non-dairy, water, and kefir grains, yeasts, and healthy bacteria. However, it can also be thickened to form kefir yogurt. And in addition to having antibacterial properties, another health benefit of consuming kefir grains is that the probiotics it contains also offers many anti-inflammatory properties. This condition is called lactose intolerance (25). This folklore led to many more recent scientific studies, which have also shown that a daily dose of kefir strengthens health and has many benefits on the body. However, kefir contains a higher amount of protein and vitamins than kombucha. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"c65f1":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"c65f1":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-4)","hsl":{"h":206,"s":0.2727,"l":0.01,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"c65f1":{"val":"rgb(57, 163, 209)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.62,"l":0.52,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Kefir shows anti-bacterial properties against several harmful microorganisms. This is thought to be due to a number of mechanisms, including an inhibitory effect on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the subsequent relaxation of veins and arteries. Furthermore, the combined effects of anti-inflammation, hypercholesterolemia and probiotics found in kefir may result in a healthy weight loss. Add 4 tsp of kefir grains, and then stir the grains for a few seconds. They originated in the North Caucasus in Russia and were consumed widely as an oatmeal-like dish before spreading to other parts of the world. Some test-tube and animal studies indicate that kefir can inhibit cancer cell growth. Read our, 10 Foods That Wont Spike Your Blood Sugar Levels. Therefore, it can help you maintain a healthy diet plan. Is it safe to drink kefir every day? Does kefir cause weight gain? Yes, kefir is good for acid reflux. Both kefir and Greek yoghurt provide many health benefits. The best time to drink kefir is on an empty stomach is at the start of the day or night. The primary reason people drink kefir is its probiotic benefits. Kefir Grains Have Anti-Cancerous Properties, Complete Guide to Understanding the Importance of Grains in, Can You Revive Kefir Grains? It is due to the minerals, vitamins, and probiotics present in it. Its delicious, nutritious and highly sustainable. The probiotics in fermented dairy products are believed to reduce tumor growth by stimulating your immune system. The grains are then added to milk and a natural fermentation process occurs. It can also improve digestive health by providing a rich source of probiotics. Yes, kefir is good for gut health. Drinking kefir everyday has long been believed to promote long life and increase overall health. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide a health benefit when consumed. Probiotics in human immunodeficiency virus infection: a systematic review and evidence synthesis of benefits and risks. The probiotics in kefir feed the good bacteria in your gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live throughout your digestive system. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. Yes, consuming kefir is a good way for healthy weight loss. Kefir is a probiotic drink made by fermenting milk. Here are 9 ways to improve your gut bacteria with diet. This is what makes kefir taste sour like yogurt but it has a thinner consistency. Benefits of Eating Milk Kefir Grains Tons of probiotics. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Then, add 1/4 cup of your water kefir grains to each jar and stir. in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics from Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Pune. Kefirs also lowers inflammation, which means you're less likely to be allergic to asthma attacks; plus, it may play an essential role against cancers such as breast cancer. Simultaneously, the probiotics in kefir can help reduce the load on the kidney by filtering out toxic waste. 3. Calcium is essentially responsible for our bone health. Recent animal studies associate kefir with increased calcium absorption in bone cells. As for the vitamins in kefir grains, vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell formation, vitamin B2 reduces inflammation, and vitamin D supports bone health and improves mood. Since kefir contains a large population of probiotics, it may not be safe for everyone to consume it. It all comes down to the uniqueness of the kefir grain. Most sources recommend aiming for about one cup per day to maximize the health benefits of this power-packed beverage. 2021;12(4):1239-1285. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa181, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Complement Ther Clin Pract. However, the grains used are different. Gut Microbes. Therefore, one should consume 1-2 cups of kefir every day for best results. Last but not least, kefir grains are also low in lactose a natural sugar thats hard to digest and break down for people who are lactose intolerant. To make a mild tasting kefir, use 5-10g grains per litre of milk. As the process used to make kefir can vary, its difficult to monitor its potency; some products may be richer sources of probiotic bacteria than others. It can be applied on the skin for 15-20 mins 2-3 times a week for optimal results. Follow her on Twitter @nutri_jo. Here's How, 13 Delicious Harvest Grains Blend Recipes You Will Love. Therefore, it is essential to reintroduce healthy bacteria into the gut. Kefir can also reduce blood pressure or hypertension. Nutritional Benefits & How to Grow Them, 18 Keto Snacks: Full of Healthy Fats + Delicious, Top 5 Benefits of Taro Root (Plus How to Add It to Your Diet), The Major Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (Plus How to Follow It). A separate study observed kefir's ability to inhibit certain strains of bacteria and fungi, which is attributed to certain good bacteria in the beverage. Therefore, kefir kills harmful bacteria, helicobacter pylori, salmonella typhi, escherichia coli, streptococcus aureus. However, you should refer to your GP if you think this may be relevant to you. In the kidneys, the probiotics in kefir can also break down unwanted waste such as uric acid and creatinine, helping the kidneys to function optimally. Best of all, its extremely easy to make in your own home. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can find it in many flavors, from plain to fruit or chocolate, or add it to smoothies. Kefir Grains Have Antibacterial Properties, 6. Kefirs antimicrobial effects were comparable to common antibiotics like ampicillin. Kefir grains are not actually grains at all theyre small gelatinous beads that look like grains and contain a variety of bacteria and yeasts. This article explores the health benefits of Greek, Amid the rise of plant-based diets, many people wonder whether about the pros and cons of dairy consumption. In fact, kefir contains up to 60 different types of bacteria and yeast, as well as millions of probiotics essentially good bacteria that your body needs to fight off bad bacteria and function optimally. Beyond just drinking milk kefir, there are other clever ways to use it in recipes: Coconut kefir can be made either using coconut milk or coconut water. For example, by ripening kefir another 24 hours, the content of folate is increased 116%. Drinking this beverage may help slow the growth of early tumors and their enzymatic conversions from non-carcinogenic to carcinogenic. The active ingredient in kefir helpsbreak lactose down and makes it easier to digest. Also, kefir creates a feeling of fullness for an extended period. Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? Chronic inflammation is intrinsic to numerous disease conditions, including irritable bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It also has a reputation for helping with weight loss. Benefits of Kefir: More Than Just Gut Health. It can even be made using coconut water. The bacteria in your gut are incredibly important for your health and weight. Second, theyre made of living yeast and bacteria. Consumption of kefir can lead to regulation of metabolism. For this reason, kefir may be useful if you have trouble with digestion. You can use kefir as a face mask. However, kefir contains more protein and probiotics than Greek yoghurt. 12 ( 4 ):1239-1285. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa181, Dinan TG, Cryan JF and evidence synthesis of benefits risks! Stimulating your immune system, aids in digestive problems, improves bone health with milk to a... Kefir helpsbreak lactose down and makes it easier to digest of bacteria yeast!, coconut milk, or other sweet liquids some microorganisms can have beneficial effects on health when ingested ( kefir grains benefits! Content of folate is increased 116 % growth of early tumors and enzymatic! 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