If you need to improve your eating plan, kefir is a food worth considering due to its significant benefits. You can use it as an alternative to yogurts, for example, due to its lower sugar content. There are also many people who use it as a single meal in one of their four or five meals a day.
Regarding weight loss diets, the food that concerns us on this occasion is compatible with them. You just have to bet on varieties low in sugar and without added flavors. Afterwards, you can try flavoring it at home in many ways.
What is kefir?
It is a dairy product. It is made by fermenting milk (cow, sheep or goat milk can be used) with kefir nodules, which are composed of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and polysaccharides. The origin of this milk drink is in the Caucasus region, although it can currently be found in most supermarkets - take a look in the yogurt section.
Rich in protein, B vitamins, minerals and good bacteria, this food has a thick consistency. In regards to taste, it is sweet and sour (stronger than normal yogurt). Some are slightly fizzy. Since the fruity versions can contain a couple of teaspoons of sugar per serving, it's best to go for a regular variety. You can take it on its own or add it to your smoothies and salads.
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Probiotic qualities (surpassing normal yogurt) are attributed to it, infused by the kefir nodules. In this way, helps maintain balance in intestinal bacteria, as well as treating diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Its good bacteria reduce flatulence, promote the ability of the intestines to move and offer relief from an upset stomach. Unlike the bacteria and yeasts in yogurt, those in this beverage can remain in the gastrointestinal tract for a long period of time.
It has also been associated with benefits for eczema, stress, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation and cancer. However, more research is still needed on this.
Due to its probiotics, kefir can also help treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Likewise, many people with lactose intolerance can take it because it uses lactose to produce lactic acid, which is responsible for most of their acidity.
Water kefir
Water kefir is dairy-free, which helps it taste smoother and lighter in texture than milk kefir. It is advisable for vegans, as well as to keep the line.
Do you need to lose weight? Water kefir can help you cut a few calories from your diet. You can get a sugar-free alternative to your regular soft drinks by adding sparkling water..
If you prefer to drink it on its own, make sure it is low in sugar. You can add flavor at home through fruits, herbs and spices. On the other hand, vegetable milk can be added to prepare a dairy-free milk kefir.
Cow kefir
Cow kefir corresponds to milk kefir. Cow's milk is the most consumed in the West. The large number of varieties represents an advantage over the rest, since can be better tailored to one's personal preferences than other milk kefirs.
It should be noted that cow's milk provides many nutrients, including numerous essential amino acids that remain in the final product. You can make homemade kefir using cow's milk, as well as any other kind. Kefir nodules must be soaked in milk for a minimum of 24 hours. The intensity of its flavor increases as the fermentation process continues.
You can use the cow's kefir or any other milk to replace ingredients like butter, sour cream and of course yogurt in your favorite recipes for baked goods, mashed potatoes and soups. The result is more nutritious meals with all the amazing benefits of kefir.
Goat kefir
Goat milk is considered one of the best for preparing kefir. Its advantages include that apparently goat's milk is better tolerated than cow's milk. A good sign in this regard is its tendency to produce less surface cream. This quality also helps to produce a finer milk kefir. However, its flavor is stronger, something that can be seen as a cons by some and as a pro by others. As with everything, this also depends on personal preferences.
Whether you bet on cow kefir or goat kefir, the important thing to get the best benefits from kefir, according to the experts, is that the milk used is organic and of high quality.