History of Kefir:
Kefir was discovered 5000 years ago by the Turks who lived a nomadic life in Central Asia by fermenting goat milk. The Caucasian people ensured the continuity of the fermentation process by taking some of the fermented milk from Tulum and adding fresh milk instead. Spongy protein clots formed in the overalls within a few weeks. Thus, the first pure Kefir yeast was found.
Kefir grains are from 1-2 mm to 3-6 mm, white to yellowish in appearance resembling cauliflower or popcorn. In kefir grains; Torula yeasts, Saccharamyces sp., Streptococcus cremoris, Betabacterium sp. such as lactic acid bacteria. It was determined that the combination of kefir contains 0.5-1.5% ethyl alcohol, about 0.7% milk acid and 3.2% oil.
Kefir beverage has a slightly sour, refreshing and cooling taste like buttermilk. It has a slightly foamy appearance with the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) it contains. It contains plenty of vitamins A, D, E, B1, B12 and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, fluorine and selenium minerals.
Benefits of kefir:
Kefir basically cleans the environment by creating a mucosal structure in the digestive system and increases the resistance of the intestines. Increases resistance to microscopic infections. All of the other known benefits of kefir are:
It regulates the digestive system.
It prevents arteriosclerosis and muscle contractions.
It strengthens the nervous system.
It strengthens the immune system.
Increases resistance to microbial infections.
It runs the intestines.
It relieves chronic fatigue.
It reduces stress and calms.
It lowers cholesterol.
It eliminates nervous depression.
It regulates and balances high blood pressure.
It removes blood disorders and cleans the blood.
It improves liver ailments.
It prevents anemia.
It removes blood disorders.
It keeps nails healthy.
It makes the skin beautiful and gives shine.
It is good for eczema and similar skin diseases.
It provides rapid healing of wounds and burns.
It treats urinary tract infections.
It is good for stomach and intestinal ailments.
It is good for gall bladder and kidney diseases.
It is important for a healthy diet.
It helps weight control.
It positively affects the development of bones, tissues and muscles.
It provides the necessary vitamin, mineral and protein support for the development of the body.
It reduces the health risks of children who consume excessive chocolate, candy and chewing gum.
It prevents tooth decay.
It enables sugar to be digested and converts sugar into energy.
It is appetizing.
It creates strong support for nutrition.
It acts as a comforter in irritable diseases.
It contains phosphorus mineral, which is of great importance for our body.
It is effective against constipation.
It strengthens the ability to see.
Helps cuts and wounds heal quickly.
It provides an important contribution to the development of intelligence and mental activity.
It creates resistance against asthma and allergies.
It supports healthy intestinal flora.
It provides natural protection and safe nutrition for the growth of children.
It relieves kidney stone ailments.
It cleans the body from substances such as heavy metals, salt and alcohol.
It prevents the growth of cancer cells.
It is good for ulcer disease.
It regulates body functions.
It is used in the treatment of gastritis.
It is good for mushrooms.
It is effective in lowering high blood pressure.
Cleans the blood vessels
It relieves heart ailments.
It prevents colon cancer.
Provides resistance to pancreatic problems.
Increases body resistance.
It helps to eliminate the complaints of dental diseases.
It is good for liver diseases.
It allows the gallstones to fall out.
It prevents tumor growth.
It runs the metabolism.
It contributes to weight loss.
It revitalizes the hair.
It is good for acne and pimples.
It protects bacteria in the body.
It delays the effects of aging and helps to stay young.
It treats gum diseases.
It reduces the fatty acid level.
It helps to produce folic acid.
It regulates bowel movements.
It reduces swelling.
It removes inflammation in the throat.
It is effective against inflammatory diseases.
It is good for allergies.
It provides protection of the microflora in the digestive system.
It removes attention deficit.
It is good for sleep problems.
It is good for migraine.
It is used in the depression process.
It reduces stomach gas.
It reduces wrinkles and gives tension to the skin.
It has therapeutic properties for gout fastness.
It is good for rheumatic diseases.
It cleanses the body from tonxins.
It is good for irritable bowel syndrome.
It helps to improve bad breath.
It is good for stomach cramps during menstruation.
It helps the production of B3, B6 and vitamins.
Provides protein intake and digestion.
It improves the neuro-functions of the brain.
Good for bronchitis.
It has an increasing effect on sexual desire.
It is good for common cold.
It is good for anemia.
It helps to stay young and live long.
It gives energy.
It supports the use of antibiotics.
It protects the good bacteria in the body.
It reduces swelling.
It is good for diarrhea.
It is rich in vitamins A, C and calcium.
It speeds up the healing process.
It reduces the side effects of medications.
Situations where kefir can be harmful:
In case of excessive consumption of kefir, which has many benefits on our health, the following effects may occur. For this reason, you should definitely consume kefir in consultation with your doctor.
Although very rare, kefir can cause intestinal and stomach cramps and constipation.
Kefir can also be harmful to people suffering from AIDS and similar types of immune diseases. As these types of diseases can often occur in weak immune systems, kefir contains actively growing bacteria and yeast, so it is known that yeast and bacteria can cause different infections in people with a weak immune system.
It is recommended not to consume pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Diabetics should not consume.
It should not be given to babies under 1 year old.
Making Kefir at Home:
Materials:
1) 1 liter of daily milk,
2) Kefir yeast,
3) Can jug or jar,
4) A bamboo or plastic spoon,
5) Plastic strainer.
Kefir Recipe at Home:
Boil 1 liter of milk. Take the cream on it. Wait until it is 20-25 degrees. Pour the milk into a glass container. Add some kefir to the milk with a plastic or bamboo spoon and mix. Cover the mouth of your container with a clean cloth. Keep it in a dark place for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the season, the quality of kefir and milk. The more you wait, the darker the kefir and the more sour the taste. Usually, kefir is ready within 24 hours. This period may take longer in winter. Then you can strain your kefir with a plastic strainer or cheesecloth. You can use the kefir grains again later as yeast. You can rest your kefir drink in the refrigerator and drink it. You should consume the kefir you have prepared within 2 days.
Note: It must not come into contact with the metal kefir. This can damage kefir and / or degrade its quality.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4626640/
https://www.foodelphi.com/tag/kefirin-tarihi/
Photos :
http://photopin.com/free-photos/kefir?license=noncommercial&sort=interestingness
Thanks for the wonderful and educational article. I know how healthy kefir is and I rarely drink it. I use yogurt more,