The drink of the Caucasian highlanders - kefir - is one of the most popular products of the XXI century. This fermented milk product perfectly satisfies hunger, eliminates thirst, strengthens, tones up and even helps to cope with a strong hangover. The use of kefir is a topic that you can talk about for hours; books and works of scientists are devoted to it.
Unique composition
The secret of the benefits of kefir lies, first of all, in the technology of its preparation. Starter cultures based on microorganisms are added to ordinary milk, which cause fermented milk and alcoholic fermentation. It is this process that provides the sour, slightly harsh taste of kefir and its thick consistency.
The presence of lactobacilli and prebiotics in this drink makes it the best friend of the gastrointestinal tract. Drinking one glass at night (and this is the best time to assimilate kefir), a person solves a whole bunch of problems. This is the prevention of diseases of the liver and pancreas, and the reduction of blood pressure, and the suppression of causative agents of gastric and intestinal diseases. In addition, kefir has a mild diuretic effect. This means that it can and should be used by people suffering from kidney disease and, as a result, edema.
Kefir is a fermented milk product, which means it is enriched with proteins and fats (unless, of course, the packaging does not say “fat content - 1%”). This drink will quickly saturate the body with essential trace elements, including calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bones, teeth and nails, as well as potassium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the heart and nervous system. Vitamin A, included in its composition, will support vision and improve skin condition.
Age is important
There is such a thing as "young kefir". This is a product that was produced no later than three days before the date of consumption. This kefir has a slight laxative effect. "Old kefir", on the other hand, will "fix" everything that is needed - this is especially true in case of diarrhea. The main thing is not to use kefir after the expiration date. If you don't want to throw out an expired product, use it for cosmetic purposes. And a few more tips. The maximum benefit from kefir can be obtained if you drink it on an empty stomach; a kefir diet or fasting days on kefir are a great way to lose weight. Kefir should not be used by children under one and a half years old, as well as people suffering from lactose intolerance.
Beauty requires … kefir
Kefir is a cheap and effective cosmetic product, given by nature itself. It can be mixed with sea salt to create a great face and body scrub. Kefir with raw egg perfectly moisturizes dry, and with cucumber - dries oily skin. In the fight against freckles and age spots, a kefir mask with chopped parsley will help. A mixture of fermented milk and gelatin is recommended for aging skin. And the hair, "saturated" with kefir, will fall out less, acquire a characteristic shine and become silky to the touch.
Thus, the benefits of kefir are a fact beyond doubt. This is inherent in the name of this product, because the root “kef” in translation from Turkish means “health”.
