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- » Kefir may help reduce cholesterol
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- » Kefir may help reduce cholesterol
- » Your soap and toothpaste could be messing with your microbiome.
- » Your soap and toothpaste could be messing with your microbiome.
- » Disrupted Gut Microbiome Promotes Breast Cancer Spread In Mice.
- » Prescribing” fruits and veggies would save $100 billion in medical costs
Kefir may help reduce cholesterol
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Seven benefits of kefir
While yogurt is the fermentation of bacteria in milk, kefir is a combination of bacteria and yeast fermentations. The combination of bacteria and yeast is called "kefir grain."
Kefir grains are not typical grains, such as wheat or rice, and do not contain gluten. Milk is combined with the kefir grains and stored in a warm area to "culture," producing the kefir beverage.
Kefir has a tart and tangy flavor, and a consistency similar to a drinkable yogurt. Due to the fermentation process, kefir may taste slightly carbonated.
Many of kefir's health benefits are attributed to its probiotic content. Probiotics, or "good bacteria," are living organisms that can help maintain regular bowel movements, treat certain digestive conditions, and support the immune system.
Types
While kefir is typically made from cow's milk, it can also be produced from the milk of other animals, such as goats or sheep, or from non-dairy milks.
Kefir made from cow's milk is available in non-fat, low-fat, and whole milk varieties.
Kefir is also available in plain and flavored varieties.
a small studyTrusted Source compared the effects of consuming kefir and conventionally fermented milk on blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Participants who consumed the kefir had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels than those who consumed the conventionally fermented milk.
Participants in the kefir group also had decreased hemoglobin A1c values, which are a measurement of blood sugar management over 3 months.
2. Lower cholesterol
A 2017 study looked at changes in cholesterol levels among women drinking low-fat milk or kefir. The participants drank either 2 servings a day of low-fat milk, 4 servings a day of low-fat milk, or 4 servings a day of kefir.
After 8 weeks, those who drank kefir showed significant decreases in their total and their "bad cholesterol" levels compared to those who drank only 2 servings per day of low-fat milk. Participants who consumed 4 servings per day of low-fat milk also had lowered cholesterol levels.
The probiotics in kefir may play a role in how much cholesterol the body absorbs from food. They may also affect how the body produces, processes, and uses cholesterol.
3. Increased nutrition
The nutrients in kefir depend on the type of milk used to make it. Generally, it is a good source of protein, calcium, and potassium. Some store-bought brands are fortified with vitamin D, as well.
4. Improved lactose tolerance
People with lactose intolerance may be able to consume kefir without experiencing symptoms, as the bacteria present in kefir break down much of the lactose.
The leading brand of kefir in the U.S. claims to be 99 percent lactose-free.
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5. Improved stomach health
The stomach contains both good and bad bacteria. Maintaining a balance between them is an important part of keeping the stomach healthy. Diseases, infections, and some medications, such as antibiotics, can upset this balance.
Probiotics are similar to the good bacteria found naturally in the digestive tract and may help maintain a healthy balance.
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6. Healing properties
Laboratory studies have shown kefir may have antibacterial and antifungal properties, although more investigation is needed.
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7. Weight control
How to use kefir
Kefir can be used in many of the ways milk and yogurts is used.
It can be drunk as a beverage, used as the blending liquid in a smoothie, or poured over cereal or oats. Kefir can also be used in baked goods, soups, dips, or salad dressings, though heat may significantly decrease probiotic concentration.
Kefir is safe to consume, but a person must consider certain factors before adding it to a regular diet.
While people who are lactose intolerant may be able to drink kefir without symptoms, others with a milk allergy should not consume kefir made from dairy milk, as it can cause an allergic reaction.
Since kefir is made from milk, it contains some sugar. Some pre-packaged, flavored kefirs have high amounts of added sugar.
People with diabetes should be especially careful to read the label and stick to plain varieties without added sugar.
When made traditionally, kefir may contain trace amounts of alcohol. Many commercial brands of kefir are alcohol-free.
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