Kefir Benefits

Kefir, taken from the Turkish word 'kef' meaning foam and 'shir' which means milk, was discovered by the shepherds of Caucasus. The shepherds noticed that fresh milk that was kept in leather pouches would ferment and become an effervescent drink. Thus, kefir was prepared by mixing grains with goat, sheep or cow's milk. Kefir comes in two varieties - water kefir, which has small transparent grains that are used to ferment sweetened water and milk kefir, having cream colored or white grains resembling a cauliflower floret which is used in the fermentation of milk.

The grains are a mixture of yeasts and bacteria and are an excellent source of probiotics, or beneficial bacteria. These grains are actually a symbiotic growth of yeasts and bacteria which self replicate to form a structure resembling a cauliflower. These grains are added to the milk or water that needs to be fermented. The bacteria present in the grains multiply and release certain chemicals from their body, which ferments the milk, giving it a sweet and tangy taste. It is also a rich source of essential vitamins like vitamin A, B2, B12, D and K, and minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Consuming this fermented drink has known to cure many health related disorders.

Benefits of Kefir

Kefir is rich in amino acids, essential minerals and valuable vitamins. It also has numerous antioxidant and therapeutic properties. Given below are some positive effects of kefir on the overall health of an individual.

• Lactose intolerant people can consume kefir as a healthy alternative to milk and get the same nutrients present in milk.
• This drink is easily digested by the body and helps in getting rid of the toxins present in the intestines and cleaning the gastrointestinal tract.
• One of the major kefir benefits is that it aids in proper digestion and helps in curing stomach related disorders like indigestion, gas, bloating etc. It improves bowel movements and hence cures constipation.
• It is rich in antioxidants which help slow down the aging process by neutralizing the free radicals by oxidizing them and reducing the impact of the damage caused to the body cells and tissues due to them. It is also known to be an effective remedy for weight loss.
• Since kefir has certain anti fungal properties, it proves helpful in treating conditions like psoriasis, candidiasis (yeast infection) and eczema.
• Kefir can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and can prevent certain type of cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer etc. and reduce the size of tumors.
• Kefir helps in stimulating the immune system and improves the body's tendency to fight against diseases. It is also a good natural remedy to fight allergies.
• It is a great stress buster that has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Drinking kefir is known to cure hypertension and regulate the blood pressure. It also treats sleep related disorders and depression.
• Kefir is also helpful in treating a number of disorders like pancreatitis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers etc.
• Treats gum related diseases like periodontitis and cures bad breath.
• Beneficial in treating bone related disorders like arthritis, gout, rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.
• This energy supplement is beneficial for diabetics as it reduces the level of glucose in the blood and maintains the normal blood sugar level.
• Other benefits of kefir grains include providing nourishment to the hair, glowing and acne free skin, and replenishing the body of good bacteria.

Kefir is an energy drink that is packed with rich and health beneficial nutrients and can be included in the diet. As there are many kefir benefits, it is also safe for consumption for kids. However, it is always better to consult a health care provider before you consume any supplement or health drink.