What is kefir?
Kefir is a cultured, creamy product with amazing health attributes.
Kefir’s tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria found in yogurt the naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine symbiotically to give superior health benefits when consumed regularly, it is loaded wit valuable vitamins and minerals and contains easily digestible complete proteins.
For the lactose intolerant, kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose left after the culturing process
How is kefir made?
Kefir can be made3 from any type of milk, cow ,goat or sheep ,rice or soy. Although it is slightly mucous forming, the mucous has a “clean” quality to it that creates ideal conditions in the digestive tract for the colonization of friendly bacteria.
Kefir is made from gelatinous white or yellow particles called “grains” this makes kefir unique ,As no there milk culture from grains. these grains contain of bacteria/yeast mixture clumped together with casein(milk proteins) and complex sugars. they look like pieces of coral or small clumps of cauliflower and range from the size of a grain of wheat to that of hazelnut. Some of the grains have been known to grow in large flat sheets that can be big enough to cover your hand! The grains ferment the milk, incorporating their friendly organisms to create the cultured products. The grains are then removed with a strainer before consumption of the kefir and added to a new batch of milk.
Kefir benefits
The benefits of consuming kefir regularly in the diet
Easily digested, it cleanses the intestines, providing beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins. Because kefir is such a balanced and nourishing food, it contributes to a healthy immune system & has been used to help patients suffering from AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes & cancer. Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer sleep disorders, depression & ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
The regular use of kefir can relive all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence & create a healthier digestive e system. In addition it is cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balance inner ecosystem for optimum health & longevity.
Kefir can also help eliminate unhealthy food cravings by making the body more nourished & balanced. Its excellence nutritional content offers healing & health maintenance benefits to people in every type of condition.
Nutritional content of kefir
More than just beneficial bacteria !
In addition to beneficial bacteria & yeast , kefir contains minerals and essential amino acids that help the body with healing and maintains functions. the complete proteins in kefir are partially digested and therefore more easily utilized by the body. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir .is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also offers an abundance of calcium and magnesium ,which are also important minerals for a healthy nervous system. kefir in the diet can have a particularly profound calming effect on the nerves.
Kefir’s ample supply of phosphorous. the second most abundant mineral in our bodies, helps utilize carbohydrates, fats and proteins for cell growth, maintenance and energy
Kefirs is rich in vitamin B12,B1 ,Vitamin K. It is an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin which aids the body’s assimilation of other B vitamin, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid ,and B12 . the numerous benefits of maintaining adequate B vitamin intake range from regulation of the kidneys, liver and nervous system to helping relieve skin disorders, boost energy and promote longevity.
Done by: Azadeh Mohammadi
Student of II year B.pharm