Calorie content of kefir 2.5%: beneficial properties, nutritional value, benefit and harm

Composition, nutritional value and calorie content of kefir

The fermented milk drink has a fairly wide vitamin composition. The product contains:

• calcium, sulfur and potassium;
• vitamins C and A;
• sodium, magnesium, fluorine and phosphorus;
• vitamins B2, B5 and B12;
• lactose and glucose;
• galactose;
• lactic bacteria in huge quantities;
• lactic acid;
• a small amount of alcohol compounds.

The distribution of nutrients in the composition depends on the fat content. If we consider kefir with 3.2% fat content as the most popular, then it will contain 4 g of carbohydrates, about 2.8 g of proteins and 3.2 g of fat. The calorie content of such a healthy drink is 56 kcal per 100 ml - the product is not capable of harming your figure.

Composition and calorie content of kefir

Kefir is produced fat-free and with fat content from 1 to 3.2%. In the first case, the calorie content of the drink is only 59 units. Accordingly, the lower the fat content, the fewer calories in the product. Low-calorie drinks are used in dietary nutrition.

The drink contains many vitamins: B12, B5, A, C, B9. They are well absorbed by the human body. A glass of drink contains 25% of the daily dose of vitamin D.

Kefir has a small alcohol content, approximately 0.02-0.06%. This amount of alcohol does not adversely affect even a child’s body. To feel slightly intoxicated, you will have to drink at least 2 liters, and the daily dose is only 500 ml.

The benefits of kefir for the body

The most famous are the dietary properties of the product; it satisfies hunger well, but does not contribute to weight gain. However, the drink also brings other benefits, namely:

• helps with dysbiosis and repopulates the intestines with necessary microorganisms;
• eliminates bloating and a feeling of heaviness;
• saturates the body with easily digestible protein;
• thanks to a significant amount of calcium, it strengthens joints - kefir will be beneficial for gout;
• protects the stomach and intestines from inflammation and infections;
• regulates metabolic processes and promotes faster disposal of toxins;
• has a positive effect on the nervous system, the properties of the drink are beneficial for insomnia and anxiety, stress and chronic fatigue;
• strengthens vision, this is facilitated by the high content of vitamin A in the product;
• has a good effect on the condition of the skin and prevents hair loss;
• helps strengthen nails and teeth, the product contains a lot of calcium;
• has a beneficial effect on the body in diabetes and helps reduce glucose.

Kefir is of great benefit in old age; it helps the aging body maintain normal digestive functions.

Interesting fact!

Tibetan kefir (milk mushroom) is no less beneficial for the human body; you can prepare it yourself. We recommend reading all the subtleties and proportions of preparation in our article: milk mushroom benefits and harms, reviews from doctors

For women

The benefit of kefir for a woman’s body lies, first of all, in the fact that the properties of the product help to quickly get rid of extra pounds. Kefir diets are among the most effective. Their advantages include the fact that while losing weight, women do not have to feel hungry. In addition, the intestines and metabolism are not affected; the drink maintains the balance of beneficial bacteria at the desired level.

The benefit of kefir for girls is that it helps in the treatment of fungal gynecological diseases. The properties of the product in cosmetology allow you to maintain attractiveness and youth longer.

For men

The benefit of kefir for the male body lies primarily in the fact that the drink helps regulate sexual functions. The product improves blood circulation and rejuvenates the body, which has a positive effect on potency. Drinking the drink is also useful for men because it helps get rid of excess fat accumulation when playing sports.

For athletes

The product contains quite a lot of protein compounds, so it has a noticeable anabolic effect. The properties of the drink help build muscle tissue - kefir will be especially beneficial after a workout. The drink prevents muscles from atrophying due to excess load, allows you to maintain tone and increases endurance.

The benefits of kefir

Kefir is useful for the human body in that it mainly affects the gastrointestinal tract, therefore it directly affects all digestive organs. If a person suffers from constipation, then an experienced gastroenterologist will first advise drinking kefir for 1-2 weeks, and only then will prescribe nutritional supplements. In this case, they drink 100 ml after each meal - literally like medicine.

Kefir is not an allergen, therefore, if a food allergy is detected, it is included in the range of products allowed on this diet. It can be drunk by young mothers during breastfeeding, and also introduced into complementary foods for babies as early as 8 months, but at first it is better to limit portions. Children should be given kefir with high fat content and only on the first day after opening the package. Adults should drink the contents within the next 48 hours.

This fermented milk drink is best absorbed when it is not drunk immediately from the refrigerator, but allowed to sit for half an hour or an hour until it reaches room temperature. Cold kefir greatly irritates the digestive organs, and its absorption will be worse.

But you should store it in the refrigerator, otherwise it will quickly spoil.

Another benefit of kefir for the human body is that the acidic environment that kefir forms in the gastrointestinal tract makes it easier to absorb vitamin D and substances such as calcium and iron. For this reason, you should not ignore kefir, which is additionally enriched with microelements.

Kefir helps to recover after operations, as iron and B vitamins affect hematopoiesis . When consumed regularly, the drink helps strengthen bones and teeth, and women will be pleased to know that it has a beneficial effect on hair and nails. It is also useful to wash down other dishes with it, because it will help quickly absorb what has entered the stomach and intestines along with it. Many people like to add sugar to kefir, but then the beneficial effect of this drink is noticeably reduced, and it also spoils the teeth.

Kefir is often consumed during a protein diet.

When there is no increased acidity of the stomach, kefir can be drunk in case of poisoning. If you choose a product with high fat content, it will have good nutritional value. This will allow the body not to weaken and quickly return to its normal diet. Kefir is also absorbed by the body much faster than regular milk. So, after all, it is better to prefer kefir as an evening “snack” than warm milk with cookies.

Kefir can benefit not only from the inside, but also from the outside. How is kefir useful for female beauty? Many folk remedies for skin and hair are based on the use of this product. Kefir dries out oily skin and helps improve complexion if you make ten-minute compresses or masks 1-2 times a week.

But kefir can ruin your hair, but it can wash henna, against which almost all commercial “washes” are powerless. The hair will become stiffer, but will return to its original color. You can then restore them using cosmetic oils.

Which kefir is healthier: store-bought or homemade? For real kefir you will have to get a special starter. In addition, you need to find the right milk, and for the best results you will have to try many manufacturers. In general, if you can save a lot on homemade yogurt by making it yourself, then it is better to entrust kefir to professionals. Factory quality control and proven recipes will allow you to get a healthier and tastier product than in an apartment.

Is it possible to give kefir to a child?

The properties of the drink will definitely be useful for the digestion of babies. Regular use of the product will protect the child from constipation, and will also help strengthen the skeletal system and teeth.

But at the same time, the product can be introduced into a child’s diet only after 8 months of life and in an amount of no more than 1 glass per day. If the product is consumed in excess, the child may experience diarrhea and bloating.

Attention! For some diseases, a healthy drink may be completely contraindicated. Before offering it to your child for the first time, you should definitely consult a pediatrician.

Contraindications and harms of kefir

Yes, imagine, this product also has contraindications for use, but they are negligible.

1. Minimum percentage of alcohol. There is very little alcohol and to harm the body, you need to drink at least a liter of the drink. But such doses are undesirable; it is enough to consume 2 glasses of kefir per day.
2. If you are allergic to lactose, you should not include kefir in your diet at all.

Doctors point out that only fresh products have beneficial properties. If kefir is more than 3 days old, you should absolutely not consume it. Beneficial bacteria turn into dangerous ones, which can cause serious poisoning and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Also, such drinking will cause constipation and aggravate problems with hemorrhoids.

Doctors do not recommend drinking fermented milk product in the morning, but only before bed, about half an hour, an hour. This way, your sleep will improve, your nerves will calm down, and you will be able to drown in night dreams until the morning without waking up.

Is kefir suitable for pregnant and lactating women?

The benefits of kefir for pregnant women are unconditional; the drink helps remove excess fluid from tissues, prevents constipation and facilitates the functioning of the kidneys. In addition, the benefit of kefir during pregnancy is that the product promotes the proper formation of the baby in the womb - the minerals and vitamins in the composition are very beneficial for the fetus.

However, it is not recommended to take the drink in too large quantities during pregnancy. Due to the laxative properties of the product, this may be harmful as it will cause diarrhea.

During breastfeeding, the product improves the composition of breast milk, promotes proper absorption of fiber and proteins, and is beneficial for both mother and baby. However, when consuming it, it is still recommended to be careful so that the product does not harm the baby or lead to colic and distress in the baby.

Harm and contraindications of kefir

Nutritionists often talk about the beneficial properties of a product, forgetting to mention contraindications and possible negative consequences. Firstly, it’s not for nothing that kefir is a fermented milk drink, because it can irritate the stomach. If a person has a problem with high acidity or suffers from an ulcer, then in its pure form it should be avoided, giving preference to natural yogurt or adding kefir to dietary baked goods.

Secondly, the harm of kefir can also be felt by those people who have problems in the intestines. If a person often suffers from loose stools, then this drink can aggravate the situation. Thirdly, it can reduce concentration, so it is better to leave a glass of kefir or milk for the evening, when you can relax and unwind.

Another problem is that it is still a dairy product, although bacteria have “worked” on it. Still, with age, lactose is less absorbed, and in adults and older people the drink can cause digestive problems. In addition, those who are prone to kidney stones should not drink kefir every day - along with milk, calcium from kefir can also aggravate this problem.

In general, you should not blindly drink kefir every day if a person has one of the above problems. And if there are no contraindications, then you still shouldn’t forget that everything is good in moderation. For an adult, the average daily portion is 200-400 ml, i.e. this is one standard mug. Low-fat kefir can be allowed in slightly larger quantities.

Kefir for weight loss

The drink is a recognized dietary product, with its help you can quickly and without unnecessary pain lose excess weight. It not only contains important vitamins and minerals, it is rich in proteins and amino acids. Therefore, when consumed dietaryly, it allows you to get rid of fat deposits while maintaining useful muscle mass.

Kefir at night is beneficial for weight loss - it muffles the feeling of hunger, but does not add extra pounds. You can also replace breakfast with the drink; it will help the intestines start working quickly and have a tonic effect.

If you need to lose weight quickly, then a fasting day on kefir will be beneficial. During the day you can drink 1 liter of fermented milk drink with reduced fat content, fruits are also allowed. While maintaining good health, the body will be able to cleanse itself of waste and toxins, and will also begin to intensively consume fat reserves to obtain energy.

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Is kefir good for weight loss?

Kefir is very useful for people who want to lose weight. It improves overall well-being and eliminates the feeling of hunger. The beneficial bacteria contained in the product improve the metabolic process and remove harmful substances.

The most important thing is that the drink has few calories and at the same time it satisfies well.

The most common diet is kefir-buckwheat. It can achieve excellent results in a very short time. A more restrictive diet option involves consuming only one kefir.

When is the best time to drink kefir?

The benefits of kefir for the human body are not the same at different times of the day. In order for the drink to have a positive effect, you need to know the features of the product’s action in the mornings and evenings.

Kefir for the night

The benefit of kefir before bed is primarily that it allows you to fall asleep on a full stomach. The low-calorie drink regulates hunger without providing excess calories. Accordingly, the benefits of kefir in the evening are undeniable; thanks to it, you can stick to a diet without experiencing physical discomfort.

Another reason to consume the product in the evenings is that a glass of kefir at night provides half the daily dose of calcium. This mineral is absorbed best at night.

Kefir in the morning on an empty stomach

The benefit of drinking kefir in the morning on an empty stomach is that the drink awakens the stomach and intestines to active work. Beneficial bacteria enter the body, food is absorbed better during the day, and after eating it there is no feeling of heaviness and bloating.

An additional benefit of kefir for breakfast is that the product supplies the body with high-quality protein and increases energy reserves. It becomes easier to wake up; from the very morning you can feel a surge of strength and vigor.

Composition and beneficial properties of kefir

The body absorbs kefir three times faster than milk, and this fermented milk product also perfectly stimulates digestion, due to which other foods are absorbed much faster. It is known that the absorption of proteins is not always easy, but the proteins contained in kefir do not cause any difficulties.

The product also contains a high content of carbohydrates and fats, fatty and organic acids. In addition, the benefit of kefir lies in the fact that it is a source of natural sugars and cholesterol, beta-carotene, vitamins PP, C, A, H and group B. Kefir contains a huge amount of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, selenium, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum and a host of other minerals.

Kefir is a dietary product. The low-fat version contains only 32 kcal per 100 g, and the calorie content of the fattest type is 58 kcal/100 g.

Which kefir is better: low-fat or full-fat?

Contrary to popular belief, the benefits of full-fat kefir are much higher than low-fat kefir. The fact is that some beneficial substances present in the drink can be absorbed exclusively in combination with fats. Although the calorie content of a fatty drink is higher, if consumed in moderation, a product with 2.5% or 3.2% fat content will not harm your figure, but will help take care of your health.

As for the benefits of low-fat kefir, it certainly exists, but remains reduced. In addition to the fact that vitamins and minerals are present in smaller volumes and are less absorbed, such a drink is most often made using thickeners. Even if they are highly natural, they do not bring health benefits, and sometimes can cause harm.

Nutritional value per 100 g of product

The use of kefir in folk medicine

The beneficial properties of kefir are used not only for weight loss. The drink can relieve the symptoms of certain ailments and is highly valued in home medicine.

Kefir for constipation

The high content of beneficial bacteria in a quality product makes it an excellent remedy for constipation. If you drink fermented milk drink regularly, then you can forget about problems with bowel movements - the benefit of kefir for the intestines lies precisely in the fact that the product regulates its functioning and improves peristalsis.

To get rid of existing constipation, it is enough to drink up to 6 glasses of the drink during the day - with an interval of 2-3 hours. The drink will have a relaxing effect and help gently cleanse the intestines. Kefir with vegetable oil will also be beneficial - a large spoon of butter and a glass of fermented milk drink should be consumed shortly before bedtime, and in the morning the result will come.

Kefir for parasites

Kefir at night will also be beneficial for the intestines in case of parasite infection. To get rid of helminths, you will need to prepare rice porridge with raisins and sweeten it with sugar, and also make a remedy from kefir, cognac and castor oil. All components are mixed in an equal volume of 80 ml and the product is put in the refrigerator for several hours.

For dinner they eat sweet rice porridge, and take a healthy anthelmintic drink in the middle of the night, specially rising 3 hours after going to bed. Then they go back to bed until the morning. After just 1 procedure, the desired result should occur.

Blood Pressure Remedy

Kefir can lower blood pressure, so drinking kefir every day is recommended for hypertensive patients. There will be no harm if you add a pinch of cinnamon to the drink; it will achieve the fastest effect.

Useful properties of kefir

Nutrition and health

Good health is a consequence of good, nutritious, balanced nutrition.
Good - means, first of all, high-quality, fresh and natural, that is, without the admixture of all kinds of dyes, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, thickeners, etc., complete - that is, not low-fat, as has become fashionable recently. A person, trying to squeeze his own body into the framework of modern fashion models, completely forgets about the activities and needs of his body and causes irreparable harm to his health, for the return of which he is subsequently willing to pay any money. Therefore, when getting carried away with all kinds of diets based on the complete exclusion of foods containing fatty substances from the diet, it is necessary to remember that this same fat in moderate (by the way, not always so small) quantities is simply required for the proper and active functioning of the body. The last characteristic of a healthy diet is its balance. This is also a very fashionable term in modern medicine. Balance means balance. This means that a balanced diet means eating the required amount of all those substances and mineral salts, vitamins and natural enzymes that the human body requires for normal, healthy functioning.

Unfortunately, it is not only an unbalanced diet that leads to the growth of all kinds of diseases. The enemies of health are a sedentary lifestyle, non-compliance with a certain daily routine, difficult (sometimes even unsanitary) working conditions, and, finally, environmental factors. The list goes on. Consider such bad habits as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.

From the list of the above factors, even with the naked eye it is clear that the cause of his own adversity is the person himself, which means that he has the power to stop harming his health. Such a widespread product as kefir will definitely help on the path to recovery.

Vitamins and minerals of kefir

In the article “Dairy products and their properties” we have already talked a little about the main substances that make this product simply indispensable in the daily diet of every person.

In addition to these substances, the drink, like all other dairy and lactic acid products, is valuable for its content of milk fat, proteins, milk sugar (or lactose), minerals, vitamins, enzymes and hormones. Of the 12 vitamins present in varying quantities in all dairy products, vitamins A, D1, D2, U2 and carotene are of primary importance.

Vitamin A (retinol) and carotene are necessary for a person to have full vision. They ensure normal development of the body. Insufficiency of vitamin A and carotene can cause photophobia, night (or night) blindness, pale and dry skin, peeling, development of pustular diseases, dry and brittle hair and nails.

Vitamins of group D (calciferols) are converted in the body into a hormone-like substance that takes part in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus salts, as well as their deposition in bone tissue. Vitamin D is especially necessary for children under 4 years of age, since its deficiency in the child’s body develops rickets, as well as for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The need for vitamins D in adults is usually small, since they are formed in human skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays. But for those who work underground, in closed, poorly lit rooms, or live in the North, the need for D vitamins increases.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) takes part in biological oxidation processes, promotes wound healing, and provides light and color vision. A lack of vitamin B2 leads to dry and cracked lips, ulcers, deep cracks in the fingers, and also slows down the healing of wounds.

Of the various mineral salts contained in kefir and other dairy and fermented milk products, the most important are calcium and phosphorus salts, which, in combination with D vitamins, take part in the construction of the body’s skeletal system. Mineral salts of calcium and phosphorus make the bones of the skeleton strong and strong.

In addition to the above vitamins and mineral salts, kefir contains a significant amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which takes an active part in the redox processes of the human body and supports the human immune system (that is, the body’s ability to resist the effects of all kinds of viruses, bacteria that cause serious diseases), and iron involved in hematopoiesis.

The presence of so many healthy nutrients in kefir makes it simply irreplaceable, universal and healing in its own way.

The healing properties of kefir

In addition, medical research has led to the conclusion that kefir is a real medicine, a kind of panacea in the treatment of diseases such as acute and chronic gastritis (with normal and low acidity of gastric juice), hypertension, ischemia, dysbacteriosis, vitamin deficiency, as well as for the prevention of cirrhosis liver, diabetes, atherosclerosis and cancer.

Kefir is an integral component of many health and preventive diets. This fermented milk product is of particular importance for those who do not give up and are actively fighting the scourge of our time, the cause of many diseases - obesity. And that part of humanity that leads a sedentary lifestyle is simply obliged to include kefir in its diet in order to avoid constipation and other equally unpleasant intestinal diseases. In young children, strong kefir (aged for three days) normalizes stool, having a strengthening effect on the intestines, and weak (aged for one day) kefir is a laxative.

Separately, it is necessary to mention the effect of kefir on diabetes. Kefir converts milk sugar and glucose into other products in the body (which reduces the amount of sugar), raises glucose in the blood, protecting the insular apparatus of the pancreas from overload. Kefir for patients with diabetes can serve as both internal and external medicine. In the complex treatment of diabetes mellitus, skin care plays an important role, since the slightest injuries, cuts, abrasions, as well as dryness and flaking can lead to pustular skin diseases and long-lasting ulcers. And here kefir comes to the rescue, which can act both as a healing agent and as a cleansing mask with a moisturizing, softening, and therefore smoothing, rejuvenating effect.

In general, in cosmetics and cosmetology, kefir plays an important role in the development and creation of various kinds of creams, masks, scrubs and even decorative cosmetics.

Speaking about kefir as a medicine, a healing drink, one cannot fail to mention its tonic effect. A glass of kefir, drunk at night, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, taking an active part in suppressing putrefactive processes that occur in the digestive organs. A glass of kefir in the morning half an hour to an hour before breakfast, drunk on an empty stomach, tones the nervous system and also stimulates the appetite.

Adherents of this fermented milk product can be congratulated, as they have every chance of living to a ripe old age with sound mind and strong memory. Thus, kefir, among other things, has a rejuvenating effect on the body.

Many doctors recommend including kefir in the regular diet for everyone who is forced to take chemical medications (tablets, capsules, dragees, drops, tinctures), since any long-term “feeding” of the body with drugs, alas, has a severe effect, first of all, on the digestive organs: stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and also disrupts the smooth functioning of the intestines and its natural flora.

The influence of kefir on the human body is enormous, but, above all, this drink is important, useful and simply necessary for the female half of humanity. Kefir, as a soothing, tonic and appetite stimulant, is recommended for all women throughout their lives, and especially during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.

During these difficult days for women, kefir normalizes some metabolic processes in the body, activates the digestion process, restores the natural intestinal flora, eliminates nausea, helps eliminate the unpleasant bitter-sour taste in the mouth and significantly enriches the body with calcium, phosphorus, and iron. During pregnancy, kefir stabilizes intestinal function and eliminates frequent constipation, and as a tonic it is an excellent remedy for headaches.

At one time, doctors dealing with the problems of alcoholism and tobacco smoking recommended kefir as the best remedy for eliminating hangover syndrome. Due to the content of a small amount of alcohol, this drink is able to restore the functioning of the stomach and restore lost appetite, being both an intoxicating drink and a healing medicine.

True, it is impossible not to mention that it was the content of a small amount of alcohol that served as the basis for some scientists involved in medicine to build a unique theory that denies the beneficial properties of kefir and makes it impossible to use it in the fight against alcoholism and some other diseases. You can argue with such a hypothesis, you can take one side or another in the scientific debate about the benefits and harms of kefir, but you cannot ignore the beneficial properties that this drink has for the human body.

• Dairy products and their properties
• Kefir – a stimulant of vital activity

Is kefir good for a hangover?

The benefits and harms of kefir for a hangover are a controversial issue. On the one hand, the drink alleviates the condition after alcohol poisoning, since it lowers blood pressure and restores intestinal microflora. But with a hangover, the product can also cause harm - the acid-base balance changes after excessive libations, and often nausea and vomiting occur after drinking a fermented milk drink. After a large feast and with a severe hangover, it is better to discard the product - there is a high probability that it will be harmful.

Advice! For a hangover of moderate severity, it is recommended to consume the healthy product slightly warmed up - this way it will be absorbed faster.

Harm and contraindications

Like any product, kefir has its drawbacks, and eating it does not always have a positive effect on health. The drink is contraindicated if you have:

• Gastritis or ulcer with high acidity.
• Poisoning or gastrointestinal infection.

Due to the fact that kefir contains alcohol, bacteria die in it over time and it only causes fermentation processes in the intestines. Low-fat kefir is not recommended for consumption at all; due to the lack of fat, most of the beneficial elements are simply not absorbed.

Kefir for pancreatitis and gastritis

Kefir is beneficial for the pancreas - it is one of the few drinks allowed for consumption even during an exacerbation of pancreatitis, 10 days after the onset of an attack. The product relieves pain and is quickly absorbed and does not irritate the diseased organ. However, in case of pancreatitis, you should give preference to a low-fat drink and drink no more than a quarter glass at a time.

For gastritis, the benefits of the product depend on the characteristics of the disease. If the acidity of the stomach is increased, then during an exacerbation it is better to refuse the drink. But with reduced production of gastric juice, the drink will have a beneficial effect and will stimulate the digestive process.

Calorie content and composition

The calorie content of kefir 2.5% per 100 grams is approximately 50 kcal, 2.8 grams of proteins, 2.5 grams of fats, and 3.9 grams of carbohydrates. The benefit of kefir lies in its high content of vitamins (choline, beta-carotene, PP, A, D, H, C, B vitamins) and minerals (strontium, aluminum, cobalt, manganese, fluorine, chromium, selenium, copper). In kefir, lactose is partially converted into lactic acid, which is why kefir is digested faster and easier than regular milk. Just one milliliter of kefir contains approximately one hundred million lactic bacteria, which are not destroyed by gastric juice, but enter the intestines themselves and actively multiply. These lactic bacteria are beneficial, help in digestion processes and prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.

These elements are responsible for the normal functioning of microflora, cleansing the blood of waste and toxins, restoring the natural functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the rejuvenating effect alone is worth it! A glass of kefir will come in very handy after a stormy party; if you believe the reviews, it eases hangovers. The most important thing is to know when to stop, because excessive consumption of kefir can negatively affect the acid balance of the body.

What can you drink kefir with?

The benefits of the product become greater if you combine it with certain grains, spices and fruits. There are several recipes that allow you to prepare extremely healthy delicacies.

With bran

Kefir is beneficial for the liver and intestines in combination with bran - the properties of such a mixture effectively cleanse of toxins. You need to add a small spoon of bran to a glass of drink, mix thoroughly and wait about half an hour until the bran softens. It is best to use the product in the morning to stimulate the intestines to function healthy throughout the day.

Cinnamon

Kefir with cinnamon will be beneficial for diabetes mellitus - the drink in combination with the spicy spice will slow down the production of insulin, speed up metabolism and the absorption of nutrients. You can add just a pinch of cinnamon to a glass of kefir - the properties of a pleasant-tasting cocktail will improve your well-being and will not harm your figure.

With prunes

A mild homemade laxative is kefir with prunes. Several dried fruits need to be washed and the seeds removed from them, and then pour cold water over the pulp for 3 hours. When the prunes soften, you will need to finely chop the pulp and add it to a glass of drink.

It is best to take this remedy in the morning; kefir will be especially beneficial on an empty stomach. Additionally, you can drink water in which prunes have been infused; it also has laxative properties.

With garlic

Kefir with garlic is beneficial against parasites, dysbacteriosis and weakened immunity. It’s easy to prepare the drink - a few small garlic cloves need to be put through a garlic press, then stir the pulp in a glass of kefir and put it in the refrigerator for several hours. You can drink the product in the evening, shortly before bed.

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With honey

When losing weight, you will benefit from kefir with honey - a tasty drink will help reduce cravings for forbidden sweet foods, but in itself will not harm your figure. To prepare a sweet cocktail, it is recommended to take low-calorie kefir with 1% fat content, and honey should be added in the amount of only 1 small spoon per glass of the product.

You can drink kefir with honey instead of dinner, and you can also replace the afternoon snack with a treat - in both cases, the drink will be beneficial.

With apple

The healing properties of kefir are perfectly manifested in combination with fresh apples - the vitamin cocktail has a laxative effect, cleanses the body, tones and strengthens the immune system. To prepare the product, you need to peel a juicy apple, remove all the seeds, and then grate the pulp and stir it in a glass of kefir.

You can drink this healthy remedy both in the morning and shortly before bed - the cocktail will eliminate the feeling of hunger and bring great health benefits.

With olive oil

For constipation, a drink mixed with olive oil has a good effect. It is very simple to prepare - 200 ml of fermented milk product needs to be slightly warmed until warm, and then add a small spoon of butter to it.

You can drink the product before going to bed, then the effect of taking the drink will appear in the morning.

With sugar

To strengthen the immune system and for weight loss, you can drink the drink in combination with sugar. If you add just a spoonful of granulated sugar to a glass of 1% of the product, the properties of the sweet cocktail will not harm your figure and will not contribute to the gain of extra pounds. But after drinking the drink you will only gain more energy - it is recommended to use the product in the first half of the day to get a boost of energy.

Is it good to drink kefir at night?

This drink is suitable even for those who are on a diet. It contains few calories and is high in protein, which is easily digestible. By drinking a glass, you can dull your hunger by receiving a portion of nutrients. Fasting days on it will help cleanse the body and facilitate weight loss. It is best to drink the drink on an empty stomach, slightly chilled.

This is a great choice for breakfast. It improves the functioning of the nervous system, which means it charges you with energy. After sleep, it will eliminate bad breath and also improve appetite.

It is often recommended to drink kefir at night. Will this do any good or harm? A glass of the drink before bed improves digestion, reduces hunger without adding extra calories (this is especially important for those on a diet), improves sleep and the absorption of beneficial elements. However, it is important to drink no later than an hour before bedtime. But, if you have heartburn, belching, or reflux disease, the product at night is contraindicated for you.

The use of kefir in cosmetology

The valuable properties of the product are actively used in home care recipes. The benefits of kefir for facial skin are widely known, dozens of masks are based on it, and kefir benefits hair.

Face masks

The benefits of kefir for the face are that it cleanses, rejuvenates, tightens and whitens the skin. Fermented milk drink goes well with most other products used in cosmetology, so it is used together with fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, and honey.

A kefir face mask is beneficial without adding other ingredients; it can be considered universal:

• After washing thoroughly, you need to steam your face over a herbal decoction for several minutes;
• then spread fresh kefir over the skin of the face and hold it longer - up to 6 hours after the mixture has hardened;
• rinse with plain water.

Washing your face with kefir in the morning will help tone your skin. Honey-kefir masks will have a pronounced rejuvenating and tightening effect, and the product in combination with egg yolk will help moisturize and soften the skin.

Hair masks

The benefits of kefir hair masks are that they nourish and moisturize the scalp, eliminate dandruff and itching, stop hair loss and regulate the oiliness of strands.

For example, the properties of the following mask will help dry oily hair or moisturize excessively dry hair:

• a glass of fresh fermented milk product is mixed with lemon juice;
• applied to the hair along the entire length and wrapped with film and a towel for warmth;
• After an hour, wash off using a natural gentle shampoo.

Important! In order for the properties of the mask to have the desired effect, for dry hair you need to take kefir with a fat content of 3.2%, and for oily hair - a light 1% product.

Recipe for making kefir at home

Although the product is not at all scarce, many people prefer not to buy it, but to cook it themselves. The benefit of homemade kefir for the body is that you can be sure of the naturalness, quality and freshness of the product.

A minimum of ingredients are required to prepare the drink - just milk and a little fresh ready-made kefir.

• a liter of milk is poured into a saucepan and put on fire;
• immediately after boiling, remove from the stove and cool to a warm state - approximately 40 ° C;
• add 2 large spoons of kefir to the milk and mix thoroughly.

After this, the drink should be poured into glass jars, closed with lids and placed in a warm place for 12 hours. A homemade product will be in no way inferior to a store-bought one in terms of taste, and the benefits will be even greater.

How to make kefir yourself

To make homemade kefir you will need milk and a special starter. Kefir grains, also called Tibetan grains, are used as a starter culture. If you can’t find a starter fungus, you can take a few tablespoons of store-bought kefir as the active ingredient. The third option is to use dry bacteria from the pharmacy.

As for proportions, usually 1 liter of milk (boiled, room temperature) requires 1 tablespoon of starter. Mix the ingredients in a jar, which is then covered with gauze and placed in a warm place, away from sunlight. The next day, the “magic milk” is ready. Remove the kefir grains from the drink, rinse with cold water and repeat the procedure again.

If there is no need for kefir, place the fungus in water, cover with gauze and put in the refrigerator. So he can live for 7 days (provided that the water is changed daily), but then he needs milk feeding.

Harm of kefir and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, the properties of the drink can cause serious harm if taken with contraindications. You should refuse the drink:

• if you have an individual intolerance to this product;
• with an ulcer in a state of exacerbation;
• with chronically increased stomach acidity.

It is not recommended to consume the product cold - this can have an irritating effect on the stomach and pancreas. It is also worth monitoring the dosage - an excess of the product often leads to digestive upset.

Who can be harmed by kefir?

• Despite all the usefulness of the drink, it can only be given to children after 8 months, and then it is necessary to choose special children's products.
• It is not recommended for use by pregnant women and women during lactation.
• Previously, there was an opinion that people suffering from cardiovascular diseases should not drink this product due to its high fat content. However, new studies have proven that prebiotics and probiotics in its composition, on the contrary, have a positive effect on health. They can be used both in the treatment and prevention of heart disease. In addition, the product enhances the growth of “good” cholesterol.

How to choose and store kefir

Kefir in stores can vary greatly in quality. In order to choose the most natural and healthy product without causing harm, you need to pay attention to a number of key points.

• Ingredients: real kefir must contain kefir fungal starter. But the product should not contain dyes, flavors and thickeners.
• Best before date. A good drink does not last long - it remains useful for 7 days and no more.
• Mark on the content of lactic acid bacteria on the expiration date - in a good drink this figure is no less than 1*107 CFU/g.

The product can only be stored in the refrigerator. In this case, the opened product loses its freshness and properties after just a couple of days - you should not drink a sour drink, it can be harmful.

Product fat content

The drink is available with different fat contents: 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 3.2%.

Low-fat is less healthy. It lacks fat-soluble vitamin A. But it is low in calories - only 30 per 100 grams. That is why it is often preferred by people who are struggling with extra pounds.

Still, it is better for those losing weight to give preference to 1% kefir. It contains slightly more calories - 40 per 100 grams of product. But vitamin A is present.

Kefir with 2.5% and 3.2% fat content contains slightly more calories. The first is 53, the second is 59 per 100 grams. They also contain more vitamins. If a person is not overweight, then it is better to give preference to these types. Undoubtedly, they are also more useful for children.