Consume kefir and feel its benefits for your own health and well-being. Kefir is considered to be a real elixir of youth, life, and longevity.
Kefir is a milk drink made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, and due to its healing properties it is also called “magic milk”.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other nutrients, and can be consumed by people who are lactose intolerant.
Also is important to note that industrially produced kefir is not obtained with the help of the “kefir mushroom”, but from hops and cultures of bacteria that give the drink the same taste, but not quality.
For that reason, it is best to prepare kefir at home.
Origin of kefir
The word kefir is considered to come from the Turkish word KEIFU which in free translation would mean “good feeling”.
Logically because the drink itself with regular use leads to general health and well-being.
This magical potion originates from the Caucasus region and has a history of more than 2000 years. The inhabitants of the Caucasus owe their vitality and longevity to the daily enjoyment of this medicinal drink.
Today, kefir as a beverage is widespread and known around the world, especially because of its already scientifically proven health benefits.
The nutritional profile of kefir
Also is very interesting that in a glass of kefir there are only about 100 calories, 10 grams of protein, and 20% of the daily needs for calcium.
Kefir is rich in iron, iodine, and the whole B complex is present, as well as vitamins K2, folic acid, and vitamin D.
On top of all this, kefir is significantly depleted of lactose, so it is also suitable for people lactose intolerant. Kefir has a feature Important to emphasize the presence of the amino acid tryptophan, which is present in kefir in large quantities.
Kefir is a great source of probiotics. Contains up to three times more types of good and beneficial microorganisms than yogurt!
It is obvious that kefir is rich in many vitamins and minerals for more energy and well-being of our body.
That is why we should make the most of them in our daily lives.
Kefir health benefits and longevity
Kefir obtained from dairy kefir crops acts as a super cleanser of the body.
Removes and neutralizes all toxins that reach our body in various ways (food, polluted air, poor quality water, and beverages, etc.)
This amazing Kefir nourishes the cells in the body with vital substances and purifies them. It also rejuvenates and at the same time eliminates dead and degraded cells from the body.
Today, kefir is considered one of the most powerful and safest natural antibiotics.
It is a powerful natural stimulant of the immune system and is indispensable in maintaining a healthy intestinal flora and a healthy digestive system.
Regular daily use for a period of at least 2-3 months can significantly help or completely eliminate the symptoms of gastritis. If consumed in the long run, kefir also helps with stomach ulcers.
Among other things, regular consumption of kefir can help:
- To normalize high blood pressure
- Relief from symptoms of fatigue, depression, and insomnia
- Removal of stone and sand in the yolk and kidneys
- In bronchitis, asthma, and allergies
- In conditions of lazy bowel and frequent constipation
- help In rheumatism and arthritis
- Ideal in diets and maintaining a healthy body weight
Due to the high content of protein and other important nutrients, the satiety effect of kefir can significantly help reduce hunger attacks. All of this, coupled with its low calorie content, makes it ideal for anyone who cares about their appearance and health.
Why kefir have health benefits
Kefir has the ability to cleanse our body and digestive tract. Drink like kefir successfully eliminates bad bacteria, improves the immune system, controls diabetes, and lactose intolerance.
It is very useful for those who want to lose weight, improve the health of the skin and hair, and protect themselves from fungal and viral infections.
This drink is much better for digestion because it contains healthy probiotics, which can flush out bad bacteria from the gut and help us better absorb and digest food.
In addition, it contains dietary fiber and prevents constipation. Patients with diabetes and those who are lactose intolerant should consume kefir regularly.
Kefir contains sugars, but also bacteria that “eat” lactose. Excess sugar is expelled from the body before it causes a problem with blood sugar.
Those who consume kefir should keep in mind that this drink really cleanses the body, so you may visit the toilet more often.
General health benefits with kefir
It contains vitamin C and good minerals, so it is good for strengthening immunity. Also, It is rich in protein and speeds up the metabolism, but it also helps for faster healing of wounds and infections.
Kefir should also be consumed by people who have a problem with atherosclerosis or those who have suffered a stroke or heart attack.
Make a mix of kefir and beet juice for an extra healthy drink.
What is the difference between kefir and yogurt?
Kefir contains important bacteria that are not present in yogurt.
Also contains yeasts that make the body more resistant to Escherichia coli and intestinal parasites. Active yeast in kefir has twice the effect on the digestive system, unlike yogurt.
Kefir contains much more calcium and magnesium, which are minimal in yogurt. Kefir is rich in phosphorus, which is not found in yogurt.
How to make kefir yourself?
1. Kefir with milk
All that is needed is kefir culture and milk. Easy to prepare at home.
It can be made from different types of sheep’s, goat’s, or cow’s milk. All you need is milk and kefir fungi.
Lots of kefir or “fungi” can grow like a walnut, but it is not unusual if they are as big as a fist.
Kefir beans can not be bought in the trade network, so most often “a friend is called” or someone who already has them, grows them, and wants to share them.
Proportions for obtaining kefir are:
- 1 flat spoon of kefir culture per 250 ml of milk,
- 2 per ½ liter of milk
- and 4 tablespoons per 1 liter.
The preparation is simple:
Put the kefir grains in a glass jar and pour milk at room temperature. Cover the jar with gauze or a plastic lid, but not completely, so that the culture can breathe.
Allow the dish to stand for 24 hours at room temperature. It is best to always do the procedure at the same time (evening or morning).
After 24 hours, strain the obtained kefir through a plastic strainer, stirring with a plastic or wooden spoon (do not use metal in the process).
24 hours and kefir is ready
Wash the culture left in the strainer under a stream of clean cold water, then return it to the previously washed jar.
Fill with milk and repeat the cycle every day. The procedure is simple, but it is very important to be every day.
If it is not repeated every day, the color may change, the healing properties may be lost and part of the culture (kefir) may die out.
By repeating the procedure, the crop multiplies, so the amount of milk to prepare kefir increases in proportion to the number of grains.
If you do not want to prepare a larger quantity, it is best to give the excess to someone instead of throwing it away.
When you are absent for a few days and you are not able to take care of it every day, you can store the kefir grains in a 3-liter glass jar and pour half the water and half the milk over them.
Upon return, wash the grains and restart the cycle as before. If you do not have enough milk to prepare a new drink then it is enough to put the fungi in a glass of milk enough to be immersed.
They can stay in the fridge for 1-2 days and the next kefir will ferment normally.
And if you want to prepare a new drink right after that, you need the dish in which you will prepare it to be well washed and the whole procedure is repeated.
Kefir can last for several days in the refrigerator, preferably 2 to 3 days.
If, on the other hand, you are absent in the long run, you can put the kefir culture in the freezer (without milk or water).
To renew it, take it out and keep it in the water at room temperature until it thaws completely. Wash it off and start the cycle.
2. Kefir with water
Milk kefir grains, if washed well with water to remove traces of milk can be prepared with water, as the so-called. Japanese crystals.
With this method of preparation, kefir remains a probiotic with all its properties, only we get a different taste of the drink which is actually carbonated juice.
Ingredients needed:
- one glass jar of 750 ml
- wooden mixing spoon
- gauze or coffee filter to cover the jar
- plastic strainer
- 3-4 teaspoons of kefir mushrooms, well washed with water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- water 1/2 liter
- 10 grapes of raisins
- 1/2 lemon
- dried fruit to taste as desired
Procedure:
Put the water in the jar (the water should be at room temperature if it is from a tap to be boiled and it is best to use mineral water), add the grains of kefir, sugar, and raisins (usually seven grains per 2 liters of water, you can add figs, plums, cranberries, apricots…) for fermentation, half a lemon (maybe orange, lemon, etc.) to taste.
Then cover the jar with gauze and tighten it. The longer you leave it, the longer it ferments for 24 to 72 hours.
48 hours is enough to get the necessary taste. After 48 hours, strain the liquid through a plastic strainer into another container or jar.
Add sugar and water to the fungi again and repeat the procedure. It is important not to use metal objects in the preparation.
How to consume kefir
The drink is intended to maintain health and vitality, and you can drink it daily. It is best to start at 100 ml per day.
The standard daily dose is 200-250 ml which can be taken at once or divided into several doses.
If used purposefully for therapeutic purposes, depending on the purpose, it can be drunk from 500-1000 ml.
The last dose is recommended to drink about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Kefir health benefits for weight loss
Kefir is great for healthy weight loss, so if you are struggling with excess weight, try this diet. This diet is one of the most popular diets for fast weight loss.
What is the secret of its popularity?
First of all, the reason is kefir: one of the most useful dairy products that are used as prevention and therapy.
Real, homemade kefir has a calming effect on the circulation and the nervous system.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals, helps to restore the work of the intestines, heals the body and rejuvenates the skin, improves the condition of hair and nails.
In addition, a diet based on the use of kefir helps to lose weight easily. Another special advantage of kefir is its low carbohydrate content.
Most experts agree that the most common cause of excess weight is excessive carbohydrate intake. So if we eat kefir we will solve this problem as well.
Kefir health benefits and diet
There are many varieties of kefir diet. They are all based on the daily intake of kefir but differ in the number of additional foods and the duration.
Of course, the number of pounds you will lose with this great diet.
1. Kefir diet – or diet as if you are not on a diet
Using this diet is provided for three days and should not be used more than that.
The weight that you can lose with this diet depends on the individual characteristics of the organism and usually ranges around 2 kg.
Breakfast
Suggestion 1: Bleach of 2 eggs, salad of small cucumber, coffee with a teaspoon of milk;
Also: Grits/polenta and yogurt;
Suggestion 3: Egg, 1 toast with butter, tea with honey.
Snack
300 ml homemade kefir.
Lunch
Suggestion 1: Chicken soup, boiled carrot and white chicken (100 gr), beet salad, a piece of bread;
Suggestion 2: Mushroom Stew, and fresh cabbage salad.
Snack
300 ml homemade kefir.
Dinner
Suggestion 1: Grilled fish (150 gr), lettuce, and herbal tea;
Suggestion 2: Larger baked potatoes, tea with honey.
2. Kefir fruit diet – great for detoxification
You need to drink 1.5 – 2 liters of kefir from skimmed milk daily and eat fruits and vegetables (it can be easily cooked) in sufficient quantities to satisfy hunger.
With this diet, you can lose 2 kg in three days.
3. Kefir apple diet – a difficult diet to prepare for the new season
Kefir – apple diet lasts 7 days. You need kefir and apple days to change during this diet.
You can drink 1.5 liters of kefir or eat 1.5 kg of apples a day.
This is a fairly strict diet and is not recommended in the winter but during the transition from one season to another.
Let’s say spring – summer and summer – autumn. Weight loss is significant: up to 6 kg in 7 days.
Conclusion
Amazing kefir is a drink that is powerful and with many benefits for our health.
Kefir has few calories in its nutritional composition, and many vitamins, proteins, and minerals necessary for our health.
You can make from milk, and it can be made with water, it is not expensive and anyone can prepare it.
Kefir is great for our health because it helps with bronchitis, asthma, improve blood pressure, weight loss, arthritis, and other problems.
Start using it in your daily diet, and reap its benefits for your health.
