Kefir Milk Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Kefir is a fermented milk drink. The drink dates back several centuries when shepherds in the Caucasus Mountains discovered fresh milk would sometimes ferment when transported in their leather pouches.^1,2 It is made starting with kefir “grains,” which are mixtures of bacteria and yeast that assist in the fermentation process. Kefir milk is easy to make at home and is widely praised as a beneficial probiotic drink.¹ It can be made using any type of milk product, including animal products like cow, goat, or sheep milk, or plant products like coconut, soy, or rice milk.³

Kefir Milk Uses and Health Benefits

Kefir milk benefits are vast thanks to being rich in nutrients and probiotics. It reportedly contains more probiotics than yogurt, with up to 30 strains of bacteria and yeast that are all good for your health.⁴ Properties it's said to have include:

• Antibacterial
• Anti-hypertensive
• Hypocholesterolemic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-carcinogenic
• Antifungal
• Antioxidant
• Anti-allergenic

One of the most prominent kefir milk uses is for increasing tolerance to lactose. Despite being a milk product, most people with lactose intolerance can consume raw, uncooked kefir easily.²

Kefir milk benefits even include improved digestion and healing properties.¹ It’s also believed to help treat tuberculosis, HIV, acne, and psoriasis. Other kefir milk uses include for boosting the immune system, fighting gum disease, and nourishing hair. A kefir milk diet may even help in weight loss and with mental disorders like depression and insomnia.² The benefits are practically endless.

Other kefir milk benefits include for:

• Osteoporosis - A kefir milk diet can provide a wealth of nutrients that help slow bone degeneration and support calcium absorption to keep osteoporosis at bay.
• Fatigue (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) - Kefir milk may help in fighting symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Kefir Milk Side Effects and Precautions

Kefir milk side effects are rare as it is considered quite safe to consume. Potential kefir milk side effects include constipation and intestinal cramping when starting out on a kefir diet as your body is not yet used to the good bacteria and yeast present in the drink.³ Though many lactose intolerant people can handle kefir milk, start out slow until you know how it affects you. Do not use kefir milk as a substitute for other medications prescribed by your doctor without consulting with him or her first.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28222814
2. http://www.herbs2000.com/h_menu/kefir.htm
3. https://draxe.com/kefir-benefits/
4. http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir#section2