In today’s world, there are countless health supplements which are being produced and are widely accepted. Some are produced organically, while others are produced clinically. While a few health drinks are aimed at weight loss, most of them are aimed at muscle building. Recently, a phenomenal health drink has been re-discovered, which has its origin in the Caucasus region – Kefir. It is commonly taken with milk, but there are other methods too of making this health drink.
The unique benefits of this health drink
The term kefir is derived from the word kief (Turkish origin) which means feeling good. Primarily, kefir helps you feel good from the inside. Kefir has unique properties which are both antifungal and antibiotic, thus acting as a panacea for various diseases. Its astounding properties provides a miraculous cure for many categories of diseases.
How to make this drink
The first thing which you need to get is some kefir grains. Take any utensil, keep your grains there, and leave it for some time so that it ferments. Next, you need to get some milk and add it to your grains. You can use any form of milk – it can be raw or even pasteurised. After that, cover the utensil with a piece of cloth and try not to use any solid object to cover it. The cloth which is porous would allow the flow of oxygen into the utensil which in-turn, would be utilised by the microorganisms in the process of fermentation.
Leave it for at least 48 to 72 hours and ensure it is kept away from sunlight. Even though one can have it after 6 to 7 hours, the taste would be pretty mild. For best results, one should have it after 3 days. The other thing you need to ensure is that you don’t over-culture your drink, as it will get very sour. During the summertime, you can have it after 24 to 30 days, as the fermentation process occurs rapidly during summertime.
Does kefir have any side-effects?
Kefir milk has no significant side effects. The drink is full of good yeast and beneficial bacteria. This property ensures that the harmful elements of your body are destroyed, thus helping your immune system. So there’s no need to spend your money on artificial health supplements.
What should your frequency of having kefir be?
Your body does not need more than one cup a day. For the best results, consume homemade kefir milk.
Things to keep in mind before you start drinking kefir for the first time
When you initially start drinking kefir, you might face stomach cramps, gurgles or even constipation. Do not panic. All this is occurring simply because consumption of “live” food is not something you are used to. Your digestive system will gradually get used to it, and you can then start benefitting from its positive effects.
Even if you are lactose intolerant, you can safely consume kefir. This is because kefir milk has very little lactose, as the process of fermentation eliminates most of the lactose properties. Kefir milk can also be fed to children.
Recommended Read: Benefits and Hazards of a Dairy-free Diet
Nutritional value of kefir
Kefir is rich in protein and contains around 5% fat and a significant amount of Mucopolysaccharides. Kefir is far more nutritious than yogurt, and the best part is that it can be used to make some really tasty smoothies, which even children would love. Kefir milk, because of its rich and nutritious properties, is beneficial for senior citizens and even pregnant women. Being a completely organic energy booster, it helps in stimulating your brain as well.
Recommended Read: The Power of Protein
If you are not able to make kefir milk at home, you need not worry. You can purchase it at any of your nearest retail stores, and online too. So do include this gem of a drink in your diet, to lead a healthy and disease-free life.
Keep yourself updated with the latest on Diet and Nutrition. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more on Health, Fitness and Health Recipes. Also, check out our Health Tools and try out our health-related Quizzes.
