Benefits of kefir milk for our health

Kefir milk is a culinary heritage from the Prophet Muhammad, which was accepted and developed by Middle Eastern people since 1400 years ago. But now, the spread of this kefir drink can be found in Indonesia. What are the benefits and properties of the prophet's drink? Check out the following discussion.

What is kefir milk?

Kefir milk is a thick drink made by fermenting milk and kefir seeds, usually made from cow or goat's milk. While the kefir seeds are made from lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and polysaccharides. In terms of shape, this kefir milk is similar to yogurt which is thick in texture, and the sour taste is also evident on the tongue.

What are the benefits of kefir milk?

This type of probiotic drink is rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum bacteria. In addition, there are good nutrients for the body such as vitamin B, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus. Well, here are the benefits of kefir milk that have been scientifically tested for good health:

1. Prevent and fight cancer

Kefir milk drink, is indeed one of the fermented drinks that you can take into account for your daily health intake. The reason is, Journal of Dairy Science states, the fermented drink has been shown to be able to kill the types of tumors and cancers tested in mice. The content in kefir can also increase the immunity of mice and stop the growth of cancer in the breast.

2. Helps detoxify toxins

For those who are allergic to peanuts, did you know that drinking kefir milk can relieve symptoms of a peanut allergy? Aflatoxin is a substance that is widely produced by mushrooms and peanuts. This aflactosin has a bad effect on the body, such as causing allergies or reducing immunity. Meanwhile, kefir milk contains lactic acid which can fight against aflactosin substance. Therefore, kefir drinks indirectly become detoxifying intake that helps you fight certain food allergies.

3. Increase immunity

A study from University College Cork in Ireland, suggest that if you are feeling unwell, you don't need to take antibiotics and just drink kefir milk. Why is that? Researchers found that probiotic foods and drinks work better than antibiotic drugs, where probiotics can eliminate bacteria that infect the body, and even prevent symptoms.

4. Increase bone strength

A 2014 study published in the journal Osteoporosis International found that drinking kefir milk every day can increase bone density and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Researchers found that the kefir seed content works by increasing the absorption of bone minerals, calcium, and magnesium and important substances for increasing bone density including phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin K2.

5. Prevent allergies and asthma

Journal of Immunology in America has published a new study which explains that kefir drinks are proven to have a good effect when drunk by people with allergies and asthma. In this study, kefir significantly suppressed inflammatory causes, such as interleukin-4, T-helper cells, and immunoglobulin IgE. Researchers claim that kefir has strong anti-inflammatory properties and could prove beneficial in preventing asthma.

6. Relieves lactose intolerance

Although kefir is made from milk, the fermentation process used in the manufacturing process renders it free of lactose bacteria. In a study at Journal of the American Dietetic Association published in May 2003, researchers from Ohio State University tested 15 people with lactose intolerance. Then the results found that kefir milk reduced symptoms such as gas in the stomach, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which often occur in people allergic to milk.

The curd (thick texture) in kefir is smaller than the curd content in yogurt, so it's usually easy to digest. But, for those of you who have intolerant conditions, it's better to consult your doctor first regarding kefir milk that will be consumed.