By: Iqra Shabbir
What is kefir? Kefir is a cultured, fermented milk drink, but thinner in consistency, making it more of a drink. Kefir has a tart, sour taste and a slight ‘fizz’, due to carbon dioxide – the end product of the fermentation process.
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that can be made from any type of milk — goat, cow, coconut, rice, soy, sheep, you name it. It’s traditionally made by culturing milk with kefir grains, which are a mixture of bacteria and yeasts.
Nutritional benefits: A serving (250ml) of whole milk kefir contains approximately
145 kcal,8.3g protein,7.5g fat,11g carbs,28mg magnesium,383mg potassium,0.7mcg B12
Uses: Kefir is used for obesity, athletic performance, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, Diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea).Some research shows that a kefir-containing drink does not reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics in children
Kefir taste: Kefir’s flavor is naturally sweet and slightly bubbly, and mild but a bit tangy as well. The drink is made either with kefir grains or a powdered kefir starter — the grains aren’t an actual grain like wheat, but are made of bacteria and yeast
Work: Kefir contains actively growing bacteria and yeast. Their effect on milk results in the production of enzymes and chemicals that affect the way food is digested.
Sides effects: When taken by mouth: Kefir is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken for up to 12 weeks. Kefir can cause side effects like bloating, nausea, intestinal cramping, and constipation, especially when first started. These side effects usually stop with continued use.
Main health benefits of kefir: May support weight loss, Promotes bone health, Reduces inflammation. Studies suggest that it boosts your immune system, aids in digestive problems, improves bone health and may even combat cancer.
Kefir healthier than yogurt: The biggest nutritional difference between the two is that kefir contains more probiotics than yogurt. While yogurt also contains some probiotics, kefir is more potent. If you are looking to improve digestion or gut health, kefir is the better choice
(Iqra Shabbir 164(EB) is student of BS Hons. Department; Food Science &Technology
Govt.College & women University Faisalabad)
