Kefir is packed with impressive health benefits. Some of the health benefits of Kefir includes supporting digestive system, a good source of probiotics, fighting infection, treating lactose intolerance, preventing cancer, combating osteoporosis, treating allergic reactions, improving skin conditions, acting as a detoxifier, healing wounds and treating food poisoning.
You may not believe it, but you can replace yogurt with kefir. The latter contains almost similar health benefits and nutritional value as yogurt. Nutritionists have revealed that consuming kefir helps prevent you from digestive problems.
It is a powerhouse of probiotics that your body needs regularly. Kefir could become a nutritious food option. People can even combat allergic reactions by incorporating the adequate quantity of kefir.
What is Kefir?
It is a fermented drink made from grains. The latter is a combination of yeast and bacteria. They are small and white particles. You can find varieties of kefir such as water and milk. Each variety contains numerous health benefits – and this is why nutritionists encourage people to incorporate kefir into their daily diet.
Nutritional Value of Kefir
- Calcium 20%
- Calories 104 Kcal
- Carbohydrates 7 g
- Fat 6 g
- Magnesium 5%
- Protein 6 g
- Phosphorus 20%
- Riboflavin 19%
- Vitamin B12 14%
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Kefir
1. A Source of Probiotics
Your body needs probiotics as much as it requires other nutrients. The former has potential to treat numerous health problems maintaining your energy levels throughout the day. Probiotics are microorganisms that can perform various body functions. Moreover, probiotics are essential to maintain gut health and to boost immunity.
Studies have revealed that kefir, enriched with probiotics can ward off the symptoms associated with infectious bacteria. You can replace yogurt with kefir as it contains around 40 bacteria strains along with six yeasts strains whereas yogurt contains both components in relatively less quantity.
2. For Digestive System
Fermented dairy products such as kefir are essential to maintaining gut health. and the latter aids in digestion as well. You can reap plenty of nutrients from kefir along with improved digestive health. Nutritionists recommend consuming kefir to treat diarrhea.
The properties found in it will not only regulate your irregular bowel movements but will increase energy levels as well. However, it is suggested to consult with your primary care provider in this context to avoid further digestion problems.
3. Fights Infection
Viral infections and infectious bacteria bring fever, flu, diarrhea, and nausea in most cases. You can consume kefir as it is potent enough to fight disease-causing bacteria. Nutritionists suggest destroying bacteria from a healthy source like kefir and avoid consuming antibiotics regularly.
The latter surely ward off bacteria, but they might eliminate good bacteria as well. This condition will lead to bacterial imbalance. When consumed daily, nutrients found in the kefir fight bacteria effectively and prevent you from the viral infections.
4. Treats Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance means your body cannot digest specific milk sugars. You can treat the lactose intolerance by incorporating kefir into your daily diet. It can break down milk sugar effectively converting it to lactic acid that your body needs.
Also, kefir contains minimum lactose than milk and the enzymes found in it are said to allow your body to process milk sugar further. However, you can also consider a professionals advice before treating lactose intolerance.
5. Prevents Cancer
Cancer is indeed a life-threatening disease that spread by uncontrollable growth of cancerous cells and tumor. Studies have concluded that the amount of good bacteria found in the kefir has potential to impede the tumor development.
Moreover, probiotics found in it function to slow down the conversion of specific components into carcinogens in your body. Kefir is said to work as an antioxidant as well that is necessary to strengthen your immune system.
6. For Osteoporosis
You should consume enough calcium to combat symptoms that contribute to osteoporosis. The condition leads to weakening bone and risks of fractures. Every year around 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis. Experts suggest that lack of vitamin D and calcium intake contribute to this health problem. You can find calcium abundantly in kefir. Nutritionists recommend consuming at least 2 -3 serving of it in a week to strengthen your bones. However, in case of a severe bone problem, it is suggested to seek professional help and refrain from self-medication.
7. For Allergic Reactions
Children and adults are prone to allergic reactions alike. However, you can treat this condition by incorporating kefir into their diets. Studies have shown that kefir contains anti-inflammatory effect that can ward off symptoms associated with the condition.
Moreover, nutritionists suggest asthma is widely caused by allergens and inflammation that you can control via kefir. Therefore, incorporate moderate portions of it into your diet and let it do the job for you.
8. A Detoxifier
External factors can affect your body as much as internal ones do. Thus, you need to opt for a health-friendly solution. A recent study has claimed that kefir can be utilized as a detoxifier. Your body needs detoxification regularly to discard toxins, chemicals, and poisonous waste.
And it would be better if you consider a product enriched with plenty of nutrients. When consumed regularly, kefir helps remove toxins, and its health beneficial properties will function to strengthen your internal body.
9. Improves Skin Condition
The lactic acid found in the kefir is said to be your skin’s best friend. It goes deep into your pores and rejuvenates cells and tissues that free radicals have damaged. Free radicals cannot only contribute to oxidative stress but they are potent enough to destroy your skin cells.
The condition results in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagged skin. You can also call it early aging. However, consuming kefir regularly will allow you to reap plenty of nutrients along with lactic acid that promotes collagen leaving your skin smooth and baby soft.
10. Heals Wounds
Enriched with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, kefir can efficiently heal and soothe wounds. The components found in it can stop the spread of infection in the affected area. However, in case of deep wound or knife cut, opt for professional treatment and do not try to treat it with home remedies.
11. Treats Food Poisoning
Not everyone can digest certain foods, and it results in food poisoning. Apart from this, other dangerous pathogens like E.coli and salmonella can also affect your body that should be treated on time to avoid further damage. Kefir can help in this regard as well.
It contains antibacterial properties that can ward off these disease-causing bacteria. However, experts have regarded food poisoning as a disastrous health problem. Therefore, you should not try self-medication and always seek professional help.
Bottom Line
The health benefits associated with kefir are surely fantastic. It can allow you to keep various viral infections at bay. Therefore, try to incorporate into your diet and reap nutrients as well.