But does it live up to its name? Kefir is a cultured, fermented yogurt-like drink made of ‘grains’ that are in fact a combination of yeasts, milk proteins, and bacteria. What sets Kefir aside from other yogurt drinks is its high content of good bacteria. Kefir can contain up to 50 strands of good bacteria in comparison to yogurt, which contains just one or two.Kefir is traditionally made with cow or goat milk but non-diary varieties are becoming more readily available, including coconut water and rice milk.Here are six research backed benefits of Kefir.
1. Aids digestion and combats gastrointestinal problems
Kefir is rich in probiotics and high in fibre, which make it particularly beneficial for digestion and gut health. The probiotics work to eliminate some of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and help to absorb food efficiently. Foods rich in probiotics can be beneficial for people who suffer with digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Bone strength
Kefir contains microscopic organisms that help the body to absorb calcium and prevent bone degeneration. It also contains vitamin K2, which is important for bone health, density and calcium uptake.
3. Boosts the immune system
The good bacteria in kefir works to clear out other harmful bacteria in the body, which can help to prevent a wide variety of diseases, including some cancers and heart disease. Kefir also contains a high amount of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system.
4. Heart health
A powerful compound called kefiran found in kefir has been connected to reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol, which results in a healthier heart that is less prone to heart conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
5. Improves allergies and asthma
Although further studies are needed to better understand the effects, some researchers believe that allergic reactions are the result of a deficiency in good bacteria in the gut. Vanderbilt University Medical Centre reviewed 23 different studies with nearly 2,000 people and found that probiotics cut the severity of the symptoms much more effectively than a placebo.
Animal studies have shown that kefir can suppress the inflammatory cells disrupting the lungs and air passages as well as mucus build-up, which causes allergies and asthma.
6. Radiant skin
Kefir provides many essential vitamins, including vitamin A, B2, B12, K, and D. It also contains important minerals calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Kefir acts as an antioxidant to combat free radicals in the body that damage cells and tissues. As a result of this reduction in cell damage, it can slow down the ageing process.