What Is Kefir Exactly?

Basically, the question of what kefir is can be answered quite easily. Like yoghurt, kefir is a sour milk product. The dairy product is not only tasty, it is also healthy, which is why kefir is becoming increasingly popular with us.

Kefir – This is what lies behind the ancient drink

Originally, kefir probably comes from the Caucasus or Tibet. The dairy product has not only been produced there for centuries, kefir has almost achieved the cult status of a national drink. For several years, the healthy drink has been gaining more and more fans here too. For this reason, you can now find the so-called “mild kefir” in the refrigerated section of every supermarket.

• In general, when talking about kefir, what is meant is milk kefir. In fact, in addition to milk kefir, there is also water kefir, although the latter is not very well known to us. Accordingly, unlike milk kefir, you can hardly buy water kefir from us anywhere.
• Strictly speaking, kefir is a fungus, visually similar to a kind of tuber, which is made up of numerous small balls. Milk is fermented with the help of the kefir fungus. As fermentation progresses, the liquid thickens and develops into the popular milk product.
• Making kefir is comparatively easy and the healthy milk product can therefore easily be made at home. Depending on the length of the fermentation process, the taste of the kefir varies between sweet and sour and sour.

Kefir – The ingredients of the drink of centenarians

The most important components of the kefir fungus, which you can use several times, are the lactic bacteria and the yeasts. Depending on the conditions under which you make the kefir, the alcohol content can be up to two percent by volume.

• Basically, the drink of the centenarians, as kefir is also called, contains very healthy nutrients. This includes vitamins as well as minerals and not to forget the proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• Among other things, with the kefir you get a good portion of magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, folic acid, niacin as well as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin D.
• So it doesn’t really matter whether all the healing effects that are said about kefir actually occur. The probiotic drink is undoubtedly healthy. However, this only applies to the originally produced kefir and by no means necessarily also to the industrially produced kefir.

Kefir FAQs

What is the difference between yogurt and kefir?

The only difference is in the production : for yoghurt , pasteurized, warm milk is mixed with specific yoghurt cultures. Things are a little different with kefir – here, in addition to lactic acid bacteria, so-called kefir grains are added to the milk.

What is kefir good for?

Kefir is said to be incredibly healthy because it not only stimulates the immune system, but also intestinal activity. It also contains many nutrients: protein, vitamin A and vitamin D as well as B vitamins and important folic acid. Provides calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine.

What happens if you drink kefir every day?

Kefir ensures a healthy intestine. It normalizes and improves bowel function. It also contributes to a well-functioning metabolism. You should not drink more than two glasses a day , as this can lead to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.

What is healthier kefir or plain yogurt?

Both yogurt and kefir are low in calories. Both contain valuable nutrients. Both milk products are particularly rich in potassium and calcium as well as vitamins of the B complex. Kefir also contains zinc, phosphorus and other trace elements such as copper, molybdenum, cobalt and iron.

Can you use yoghurt instead of kefir?

Yoghurt as a substitute for kefir. A very good alternative is yoghurt because it is made in almost the same way as kefir . You take probiotic cultures, add milk and make the yoghurt , for example in the yoghurt maker.

Is kefir good in the evening?

Kefir affects our digestion and increases the number of healthy intestinal bacteria. In addition, kefir helps the body absorb and process vitamins and minerals. In addition, the viscous drink gives us a good night’s sleep and more energy the following day.

What does kefir do with the milk?

When kefir is made, kefir mushrooms or so-called kefir grains are added to this milk . These allow the milk sugar to ferment. They also break down casein, which is difficult to digest, and cause carbon dioxide, lactic acid and small amounts of alcohol to form.

How long can you leave kefir?

Kefir can be stored in the fridge for at least a week. During this time, however, the cold chain should not be interrupted. A glass jar with a lid works well for this. This means that you can always take as much as you need.

Is kefir good for the liver?

Include kefir – healthy and varied – in your diet, counteract chronic fatigue, nervousness and potential sleep disorders. In addition, these foods are said to have healing effects with regard to allergies and diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

Can you lose weight with kefir?

One serving (250ml) can contain between 90kcal and 110kcal and will keep you full for a long time. This way you can lose weight without feeling hungry . Kefir is very important for the digestive system because it contains microorganisms that are formed during the fermentation of milk.

Is kefir really that healthy?

Kefir is considered very healthy because it stimulates intestinal activity and has numerous nutrients. But its effect is even more diverse: kefir contains a lot of protein, vitamins A and D, B vitamins and folic acid. It also provides calcium, magnesium, iron and iodine.

Can you drink kefir on an empty stomach?

The lactic acid bacteria in yoghurt or kefir are said to have a positive effect on the intestinal flora and health in general. A breakfast with yoghurt is therefore considered by many to be a particularly healthy alternative. However, you should not eat it on an empty stomach.

Is skyr like kefir?

Now where are the differences? Unlike yoghurt, kefir cultures are added to kefir instead of lactic acid bacteria. In contrast to yoghurt and kefir, skyr is first skimmed before lactic acid bacteria are added to it. In addition to yoghurt, water and salt are also added to the ayran.