What is Kefir, Original Gut-Friendly Drink And Why It’s Good For Digestion? All You Need to Know

A rather less heard name, Kefir is one of the oldest and most original intestinal drinks that has other health benefits as well.

Drinks for digestion: Digestion and intestinal health are some of the important aspects of our body. A bad intestine or digestion can lead to various complications for the body. While we may not fully understand it, there are a number of ways that poor gut health makes it difficult for the body to function on a daily basis. We have all searched for exercises or yoga for digestion, foods that are good for intestinal health, etc. However, there is this drink that has been consumed since the bygone era and is attributed by some as the original drink that does not harm the gut. It is fermented, tangerine cousin of milk. Kafir fermented milk is said to have originated in mountainous regions. Kafir is like yogurt but with a slightly more liquid consistency. According to BBC Good Food, “With its sour, tart taste, kefir also has a slight fizz due to carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the fermentation process. The length of fermentation time determines the taste. Kefir is a good source of calcium and is rich in probiotic bacteria that help the gut.”

The origin of kefir can be traced from parts of Eastern Europe and South West Asia. Speaking of etymology, its name derives from the Turkish word “keyif”, which means to feel good after eating. This is a fermented drink, traditionally made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk.

“Kefir has a good number and variety of healthy microbes, and the diversity makes probiotics more likely to replicate in the gut,” says Fasih Hameed, an integrative family medicine physician at the Petaluma Health Center in Petaluma, California. , speaking to The Washington Post. He also added that a good variety of probiotics in his system have benefits not only for gut health but overall health as well.

5 Kafir Health Benefits

1. Rich in Nutrients: This dairy drink is packed with protein, fat, and carbs. It also has vitamins A, D and B, minerals and calcium.
2. Probiotic properties: Good microorganisms, probiotics influence health in several ways. Kefir is said to have more probiotic properties than even yogurt. It can further help with weight loss, mental health, etc.
3. Antibacterial Properties: According to a report from Healthline.com, Kefir has a unique probiotic, Lactobacillus kefir, which is said to help the body fight infection.
4. Good for the bones: Kefir is a good source of calcium and vitamin K2. K2 helps with calcium metabolism. Increased calcium will improve bone health by reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older women.
5. It can lower blood pressure: According to some studies, kefir, if consumed daily, could also help lower blood pressure.
6. Good for digestion: It can help retain the good bacteria in the gut which will help improve all gastrointestinal problems.
7. Low lactose content: Kefir has little to no lactose, making it more suitable for people with lactose intolerance. They also contain enzymes that can help break down lactose further.

Kefir in raw form has no sugar content, so if you are interested in a drink with a bit of a fruity flavor, you can mix it with some fruits or berries. Berries are also one of the healthiest foods to include in your diet.