The Fabulous Benefits of Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, made by introducing Kefir grains into cow, goat or sheep milk.(Personally I prefer it made with cows' milk.) Kefir originates with the shepherds of the Caucasus mountains who discovered fresh milk carried in leather pouches would ferment.

 It has been consumed in Russia, after being brought there by the Czar at the beginning of the twentieth century, and in Central Asia for centuries. Its popularity is now increasing in Japan, the USA and Europe. It was tradtionally made in skin bags, which were then hung near a doorway so that people entering the doorway would knock the bag as they passed through, keeping the grains and milk well-mixed. The kefir grains, which range in color from white to yellow,  initiate the fermentation process. They are a combination of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts mixed with proteins, lipids and sugars. Lactobacillus species of bacteria are always present as well as several varieties of probiotoc bacteria.. Kefir is usually fermented overnight at ammbient temperatures. It has a sour taste, similar to yoghurt. Kefir contains many more beneficial microorganisms than other cultured milk products.

The Fabulous Health Benefits of Kefir

Good health begins with good digestion and kefir greatly benefits general intestinal health. It is a more potent source of probiotics than yoghurt and contains many nutrients.

 Kefir is a balanced and nourishing food, which is easily digested allowing more absoprtion of naturally present nutrients.It activates the flow of saliva and stimulates presitalsis and the digestive juices in the intestinal tract. It can relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement and relieve flatulence. It also has a soothing effect on the nervous system.A major benefit of kefir is that it can be digested by people who are normally lactose intolerant as the lactose is broken down by the lactic acid it contains. Kefir curd breaks up easily into small particles, which facilitates digestion, whereas yoghurt curd holds together or breaks into clumps.

Kefir produces antibiotic substances, which are anti-carcinogenic and control undesirable microorganisms. It generally improves the immune system and gives protection from the negative effects of radiation as well as inhibits the  growth of cancerous tumors.

Kefir has mild laxative properties.

It aids in the restoration of intestinal flora in people who are recovering from illness or from treatment with antibiotics.It  reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It contains an abundance of natural sugar enzymes, which help break down the complex sugars in the bowel, reducing bloating and gas.

Not only is kefir a wonderful source of calcium, but it also facilitates calcium absorption. Therefore it reduces the risk of osteoporosis. 

Kefir has been shown to suppress inflammatory   responses related to allergies and asthma.

The excellent nutritional content of kefir makes the body feel well-nourished and balanced. This  assists in eliminating unhealthy food cravings.

When to Drink Kefir

It is best to drink kefir at the beginning of the day so that the dose of probiotics it provides will help with the digestion of everything eaten afterwards. It also coats the stomach with a protective lining, which is especially good for those who don't have breakfast.

Risks of Kefir

Kefir contains tyramine and histamine, which are produced in the bacterial fermentation process. So it should be avoided by people with conditions that require a reduction of histamine and tyramine and by people with histamine intolerance.

Care must also  be taken by people who are taking anti-depressants as some of these can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure when taken with kefir.