Kefir is the fabulous health drink that has been taking the world of healthy eating by storm. While you may just be hearing about kefir now, it has actually always been here. Kefir originated in the Caucasus Mountains over 5,000 years ago. Its popularity has risen in large part due to the rise of lactose intolerant people. It is a great healthy alternative to traditional milk products. Kefir is essentially animal milk that has been mixed with kefir grains then left to ferment over time. The milk drink ends up becoming a type of yogurt like consistency (it basically is yogurt). And like yogurt, kefir comes with a whole range of health benefits that is particular to it.
What is Kefir?
Yogurt products, no matter the consistency are all some type of fermented milk. This carries its own series of health benefits all on its own, including being a probiotic. What separates kefir from other yogurt products is its use of kefir grains. These grains are primarily amalgamations of yeast and bacteria, with some sugars, proteins, and lipids sprinkled inside. The kefir grains create clusters of bacterial colonies that form into clumps. This is what gives kefir its signature thick texture.
Kefir Health Benefits
The basis of kefir’s health benefits come from its unique nutritional profile; it is rich in probiotic bacteria, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the more important ones are: the protein kefiran, lactic acid bacteria, nicotinic acid, polysaccharides, folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, and sodium.
Kefiran all on its own makes kefir a worthwhile investment in your regular diet. It has some great health benefits:
- Lowers and regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels.
- Reduces atherosclerosis.
- Reduces lung inflammation caused by allergy induced asthma.
- Has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Increases immune cell production.
- Can reduce the size of tumors.
