Kefir the miraculous probiotic milk-health benefits and recipes

Experts say that natural sugars of this medicinal beverage facilitate glycol regulation and relieve many problems that people with diabetes are struggling. This is reason enough to try this miraculous milk. Kefir for centuries was a traditional drink for inhabitants of the Caucasus, known for their vitality and longevity. More than 1,000 years, the shepherds who lived on the territory of present-day Georgia and Azerbaijan, added kefir in goat, sheep, and cow’s milk and left it to ferment in leather bags. In this way, they consumed this healthy probiotic beverage, which its beneficial properties today are appreciated all over the world.

Why is kefir recommended to people with diabetes?

In addition to regulating blood sugar, this drink prevents and relieves symptoms that people with diabetes are struggling like infections caused by Candida, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, migraine and insomnia. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and strengthens the defense of the organism.

Remedy for the digestive organs

This dairy product is rich in probiotics, beneficial bacteria that protect the digestive system. It helps to the renewal of the intestinal flora, reliefs digestion, helps in case of diarrhea and constipation.

Protects against cancer

There are a lot of defenders of the thesis that kefir products contain anti-carcinogenic substances that protect against cancer, prevent the development of metastases and help in the treatment of malignant diseases. This theory is supported by Klaus Kaufman in his book “Kefir Rediscovered “. He, in fact, states that this fermented beverage helps to restore the diseased body tissue. Even though some experts believe that kefir has anticancer effects, there are those who believe that his beneficial properties are exaggerated, and are skeptical when it comes to claims that this beverage can help treat cancer. However, everyone agrees that kefir can strengthen the immune system and in that way can help the patients with cancer.

Homemade kefir recipe

This drink can easily be made at home. For this you need:

• kefir culture “grains” ( a yeast fermentation starter)
• fresh pasteurized or unpasteurized milk (cow, goat, sheep, soy and even coconut), with a higher percentage of fat (kefir made from a milk with a higher percentage of fat is less acidic on taste)
• sealed plastic or glass container with a lid (bowl should be covered, but must have ventilation)
• plastic or wooden spoon and strainer (utensils that come into contact with kefir must not be made of metal)

Preparation:

Wash the kefir grains with water and cover them with milk. Leave the container to stand in a dark and cool place (but not in the refrigerator) for 20 to 36 hours. A strong acidic smell is a sign that the product is fermented. The longer it stands the more acidic and denser it becomes. Then remove the kefir granules through a sieve and this kind of prepared beverage can be consumed immediately. It can also be stored in the refrigerator or left at room temperature for several days, this is recommended if you want to reduce the amount of lactose in the beverage. While the grains are in the sieve, wash the container with water, then pour the milk, return granules and allow them to re-ferment again. If the kefir grains are stored in proper conditions for growth and development, this process can be repeated indefinitely. When their mass increases (doubles for seven days), simply separate and remove the unnecessary amount.

Few easy recipes with kefir

Kefir and cucumber drink recipe

1. Two fresh cucumbers peel and chop them into cubes.
2. Put them in a blender, and add a pint of cold kefir.
3. Add some pepper to taste and some chopped leaf spices by choice.
4. Mix it, pour into glasses and garnish with rings of fresh cucumber leaves and spices.

Salad with kefir recipe

1. About  9 oz (250 g) of lettuce, 2 cloves of garlic, 7 fl oz (2 dl) kefir, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a little salt.
2. Wash the green salad and cut into wider strips, put in a deeper bowl and season with salt, then stir and let stand for 15 minutes.
3. Add the lemon juice and pour the kefir in which you have previously added crushed garlic.
4. Keep the salad in the refrigerator until serving.