Eating yogurt is a delicious way to get your daily dose of dairy, and it’s packed with probiotics. However, if you’re tired of yogurt or simply seeking more health benefits, it’s time to try kefir, a fermented milk beverage that tastes like drinkable yogurt. Here are four fabulous reasons to make the switch:
More probiotics than yogurt
Kefir contains between 27 and 30 probiotic strains, while yogurt usually has only two to seven strains. Probiotics are essential for maintaining a healthy gut, boosting immunity, and improving digestion. More probiotic strains mean better overall health for you.
Protection against food allergies
A 2006 study found that beneficial bacteria in kefir could protect against food allergies. After three weeks of consuming kefir, mice produced fewer antibodies to a common allergen in eggs called ovalbumin (OVA). As a result, their immune systems didn’t overreact to the allergen. Moreover, other research shows that kefir can prevent food allergens from making it past the intestinal wall, protecting you from potential adverse reactions.
Easier digestion for lactose intolerants
Around 60% of adults have difficulty digesting milk due to a sugar called lactose. Kefir contains an enzyme that’s necessary for lactose digestion, making it easier on your gut, even if you’re lactose intolerant. It’s essential to note that consuming kefir might still cause some discomfort for people with severe lactose intolerance. However, for those with a mild intolerance, kefir can serve as a gut-friendly dairy alternative.
Fights bacterial infections and cancer
Kefir is better at fighting off dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, Helicobacter Pylori, and E. coli than yogurt. This is because kefir contains both bacteria (Lactobacillus kefiri) and a carbohydrate (Kefiran) with proven bacteria-fighting abilities.
Additionally, several test-tube studies have shown that kefir has anti-cancer properties. One study found that kefir contains components that stop the growth of human breast cancer cells more effectively than yogurt. Kefir has also been proven helpful against adult lymphoblastic leukemia and colon cancer. Although these studies were not performed in human bodies, they still show promising potential benefits.
How to get started with kefir
If you’re ready to move past your usual yogurt, head to the store and pick up a bottle of kefir. Just be sure to watch out for added sugars. You can also try making your own kefir at home by simply mixing milk with kefir grains. These grains contain bacteria, yeasts, milk proteins, and complex sugars, which cause milk to ferment, producing the delectable yogurt-like beverage known as kefir.
Remember that kefir is not a magic bullet – it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle. However, incorporating kefir into your daily routine can provide an additional boost to your overall health, digestion, and immunity. So go ahead and give kefir a try!
