What is Kefir? Benefits, Nutritional Value, Calories, Harms

Kefir is a unique drink with its roots dating back to ancient times. Although we have forgotten a little about this healing drink, we have started to give it the value it deserves in recent years. Kefir, which has a slightly sour taste, is a beverage identified with the Caucasus today. Gradually becoming famous around the world, kefir is frequently mentioned thanks to its high nutritional values.

If you are trying to eat healthy, you can easily benefit from the natural power of kefir. Moreover, you can prepare this unique drink naturally at home!

What is kefir?

• Kefir is a beverage known for its sour taste, obtained by fermentation and dating back to Central Asia.
• Kefir, a dairy product, is fermented by bacteria, as in yogurt.
• You can ferment kefir with cow, sheep or goat milk.
• The color of kefir, which is a thick and foamy beverage, may vary depending on the type of milk it is made from.
• The grains that make up the yeast of kefir are similar in shape to cauliflower.
• Live kefir yeast, which grows under suitable conditions, can be used regularly by keeping it for the next preparation processes.
• In the fermentation process of kefir; You need to pay attention to many details, from the material you use to the physical condition of the environment in which you perform the operation.

What Are the Benefits of Kefir? What Does It Do?

• Among the benefits of kefir, the most well-known is its immune-boosting effect. It will help you strengthen your body’s defenses, especially during seasonal transition periods.
• Kefir’s metabolism-boosting effect contributes to your health in many ways.
• Kefir regulates the working process of the digestive system. It is especially useful for intestinal flora and ensures ideal functioning of the intestines. It also has a digestive effect.
• Kefir helps the body get rid of toxins.
• Kefir has beneficial effects on heart health and circulatory system.
• Kefir is very beneficial for bone health thanks to its ingredients. It contains magnesium and meets a significant part of your daily calcium needs on its own.
• Kefir is thought to help hair regain its vitality.
• It is very rich in vitamin A. It also contains an ideal amount of vitamin C. It is a very useful drink for those who are deficient in these vitamins.
• Kefir benefits include its positive effects on skin health. It is thought to help heal problems such as eczema.
• Kefir supports the elimination of sleep problems. It also helps to protect the body from negative effects of stress.
• When using kefir, you should be careful not to exceed the ideal amount. Also, do not consume kefir without consulting your doctor to avoid adverse effects or allergies.

Is Kefir Weakening? When to Drink

• It is also a matter of curiosity whether kefir, which is famous as a healing store, helps to lose weight. You may come across some regimen lists such as kefir diet in various sources.
• However, kefir alone does not have a weakening effect.
• Thanks to its effects such as activating the digestive system and accelerating the metabolism, it can help you experience an ideal nutrition process.
• In addition, if you want to lose weight, you should do this with a doctor and dietitian.
• Adults can drink kefir any time of the day.
• The key here is not to overdo it. Kefir is a very useful food if consumed in ideal measures.

Kefir Calories and Nutritional Value

Kefir is extremely rich in nutritional value :

• About 120 mg of calcium per 100 grams,
• 150 mg Potassium, 0.1 mg iron,
• 53 IU of vitamin A
• It contains 1 mg of vitamin C.
• Kefir protein ratio There is approximately 2.7 grams of protein in 100 grams of kefir.
• In addition, 100 grams of kefir contains 52 kcal in calories.

Harms and Side Effects of Kefir – Who Shouldn’t Drink It?

• Although kefir is known for its benefits, it can also cause some side effects for people with sensitive structures.
• Most of these side effects are related to the digestive system.
• Drinking kefir can have negative consequences such as constipation, indigestion or bloating.
• Pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children should not drink kefir.
• To avoid the negative effects of kefir and possible allergic reactions, consult your doctor before consuming kefir.

How to Store Kefir?

• You can put kefir yeast in milk in a bowl and store it in the refrigerator. It is possible to store kefir yeast in this way for about 10 days.
• If you want to store it for a longer time, you must use a freezer. For this process, you must first wash the kefir yeast with clean water and then wrap it with a clean towel. You can easily store the wrapped kefir yeast in the freezer for a long time.