Have you heard of kefir? Kefir is a powerful probiotic that promotes healthy gut function. Derived from the Turkish word “keif” which means “good feeling,” kefir does exactly that; it leaves you and your body feeling good after consumption.
A popular medicinal remedy used in Europe and Asia, kefir is made from the fermentation of bacteria and yeast to make kefir grains, which are added to milk or coconut water to make a fermented drink that comes with a health kick.
If you’ve tasted kefir before, then you probably know kefir has a unique flavor. The fermented beverage tends to have a tart, carbonated quality, which is a result of the fermentation process.
If you want to say goodbye to digestive issues and give your immune system a little boost, then grab a kefir-infused drink to enjoy with your next meal.
5 Powerful Benefits of Kefir
Adding kefir to your diet can improve your health in many ways. Here are 5 reasons to include kefir in your diet:
1. Improves Bone Health
Kefir that is sourced from dairy products, such as milk, is rich in calcium. This calcium is absorbed by the body to make our bones stronger and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
The vitamin K and other essential nutrients present in kefir further promote bone health, bone density, and calcium absorption.
2. Lowers Cholesterol
The healthy probiotics in kefir might be beneficial in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. A study conducted in 2017 followed cholesterol levels in participants for 8 weeks. Participants were divided into 3 groups, with one group that was given 2 servings of dairy products (the control group), a second group given 4 servings of low-fat milk, and the third group given 4 servings of kefir.
The study showed that the participants who drank kefir showed a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) levels as compared to the control group. Results between the kefir group and milk group were similar.
3. Aids Digestion
Probiotics promote good bacteria in the stomach and are responsible for a healthy digestive system. Kefir is rich in probiotics that can maintain healthy bowel movements and protect the body from gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Taking antibiotics can stress the body and affect bowel movements. Drinking kefir could help to keep the gut functioning properly and avoid uncomfortable side-effects from these types of medications.
4. Improves Lactose Intolerance
Individuals who are lactose intolerant are able to consume kefir due to its natural bacteria that helps to digest lactose. This is good news for those who are unable to consume dairy products such as milk and yogurt.
The ability to help individuals digest lactose eventually leads to improvements in lactose intolerance and prevents symptoms of inflammation or indigestion.
5. Prevents Cancer
We all try to stay healthy and do as much as we can to prevent the development of harmful diseases like cancer, which can destroy our body and mind. Working as an anti-carcinogenic agent, kefir fights to not only protect the body from developing cancer, but it also fights the spread of cancerous cells to other parts of the body.
With this in mind, kefir proves to be a very powerful substance that should be included in our diets, starting today.
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References:
Axe, J. (2018, March 09). 7 Kefir Benefits, Plus Nutrition Facts & How to Make. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from https://draxe.com/kefir-benefits/
LD, M. W. (n.d.). Kefir: Benefits and risks. Retrieved April 15, 2018, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318353.php
