The benefits of kefir are a result of the probiotics contained within this tangy, yogurt-like cultured product.
Milk kefir "grains"
Firstly, while it is not widely realised,
the word ‘probiotic’ = “for
life”.
That is the opposite of ‘antibiotic’ (against life).
Probiotics are the micro-organisms (bacteria & yeast) that are prevalent and thrive in cultured foods and beverages. Probiotics can also be obtained in a variety of supplements, however as with any supplement, are far less beneficial than when found in fermented products.
Researchers suggest a whole range of benefits are provided by probiotics, including;
Believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, kefir is made
from milk (cows, coconut etc) and combined with a “culture” (known as
‘grains’).
These 'grains' undergo a fermentation process
(under ideal conditions,
between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius)
to create a probiotic-rich, tangy,
yogurt-like substance.
The tangy flavour in kefir is a result of the bacteria, Lactobacillus
caucasius which turns the lactose to lactic acid.
The yeasts used are Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir, which ferment the lactose
into a small amount of carbon dioxide and alcohol.
Some of the other strains of bacteria contained in kefir include;
Kefir contains a variety of essential
nutrients and minerals that are vital for proper functioning of the body.
These
include;
Kefir also contains various beneficial probiotics (mentioned above). These microorganisms assist in maintaining digestive health and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Researchers have suggested some other benefits including;
Great question!
While both provide their own benefits, kefir contains some probiotic strains which cannot be found in yogurts.
Kefir is said to contain 3 times the amount of probiotics that are in yogurt.
Kefir comprises 30 - 40
billion probiotic organisms
per half cup serving.
Click here to discover the benefits
of yogurt, because while kefir is my personal preference due to the strains
of probiotics it contains,
yogurt is also an excellent source of probiotics
with its own benefits!
I love this tangy, delicious cultured product, and when used as part of a balanced and active lifestyle, the benefits of kefir are many and varied.
Have you had yours today?