Water kefir is a traditional fermented drink made from sugar-water solution and fruit mixed with water kefir grains. The water kefir grains are whitish crystals that visually resemble cauliflower. They consist of lactic bacteria and yeast that reproduce and increase in numbers when they get in contact with the water-sugar solution. These microorganisms are creating a soft, slightly acidic drink that is filled with probiotics. The probiotics in kefir are the reason why so many health benefits are contributed to water kefir. Below are some of the health benefits of drinking water kefir.
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12 Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Water Kefir
1. Activates the Digestive System
In the presence of friendly bacteria, the digestive system works optimally and the nutrients are well assimilated. The digestibility of the food is improved as the bacterias break down large nutrients into smaller ones. This makes the food substances bio-available to the body. The bacteria found in the colony breaks down the food that hasn’t been absorbed by the small intestine and boosts the elimination of the toxic substances. Water kefir is also responsible for regulating the stomach’s acidity.
2. Minimizes Food Intolerance
The intestinal flora also affects the thickness and renewal of the intestinal mucus. This means that it evades intestinal permeability, leading to several food intolerances. Foods that are not digestible are not circulated in the blood but rather degraded in the intestines which play an immunological role especially in the balancing of the bacteria.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
Water kefir has a positive effect on our immune system. The lactic ferments contained in water kefir have antibacterial effects and thus offer the body with protection against infections. The probiotic bacterias control the possibility of excessive growth of pathogens and the decomposition of bacteria in the intestines. Water kefir is, in this case, a natural disinfectant, and it also promotes cellular respiration and boosts metabolism.
A study conducted in 1997 by Kabayama team on the use and benefits of water kefir showed that water kefir and its main polysaccharide kefiran reduce or inhibit the negative action of stress on the production of interferon-β which is a humoral factor.
4. Contains Vitamins
Water kefir is a well-known source of essential vitamins. It is exceedingly rich in vitamins B1, B6 and B2. Additionally, the fruits that are added to the water kefir provide Vitamin C along with other important nutrients.
Vitamin B1 is important for cardiovascular functions, improving brain function, protects the nerves, assists in digestion, protecting the mucous membrane, prevents the development of anemia and helps in the synthesis of glucose.
B6 helps in boosting the immune system, supporting brain function, controlling disorders that are behavioral, improves mood, treatment of high blood pressure, prevents cardiovascular sicknesses, enhances metabolism and supports enzymatic system among other functions.
Vitamin C is useful in the reduction of asthma, preventing cataracts, lowering levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, protects against oxidation of proteins, decreasing side effects of cancer chemotherapy, promotes the production of collagen, and boost a healthy immune system. If you want to fulfill your need for nutrients, it is recommendable for you to drink water kefir daily.
5. Reduces Allergic Reactions
Allergies are mostly caused by an intolerance to certain foods that you eat. Allergy symptoms may vary from one person to another. If your body cannot tolerate the intake of milk kefir, water kefir offers you with a healthy alternative. The probiotics in the water kefir also help in fighting bacteria, viruses, and preventing allergies.
6. Water Kefir is an Energy Booster
Water kefir has many essential nutrients, therefore it will help your organism to boost its levels of energy. As a tip, you can add juice from coconut to the water kefir. This may boost your energy levels as the coconut juice contains potassium which will help in muscle strengthening and thus giving you more energy.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammations are the results of injuries. Inflammations are a natural way of responding to damage. When the body gets damaged, it uses inflammations in order to defend itself from bacteria or a virus. To be able to do this, the body requires additional amounts of nutrients so it can heal.
A balance of the useful bacteria in the digestive system is essential for a well-functioning body. When you drink water kefir, your body will be nourished with the necessary minerals and useful bacteria that your body needs. This drink is really great anti-inflammatory treatment. Water kefir has also proven to heal certain conditions such as nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
8. Helps in the Fight Against Cancer
There are many possible known causes for developing cancer. Many studies are being conducted about this problem and how it can actually be prevented. People are also being warned against consuming foods that are possible contributors to the development of cancerous cells. Water kefir plays a huge role in the fight against cancer. Studies have shown that drinking this beverage regularly can help prevent breast cancer and malign ovarian cancer.
Related: Kefir Cancer Study – Anticancer Properties Of Kefir
9. Water Kefir Contains Anti-fungal and Antibiotic Properties
Our bodies are faced with threats every day. The sources of these threats may come from pollution, the ambient environment, unhealthy lifestyles, and harmful processed foods. Our body needs protection from all these threats. Water kefir is a rich probiotic source and thus acts as an anti-fungal and as an antibiotic. It also contains beneficial bacteria which is useful in fighting fungi and other disease-causing bacteria. It is for this reason that taking water kefir is a good way of protecting your body.
10. Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
The fact that water kefir is a probiotic, it can reduce the level of sugar in the body. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes. It prevents the flux of blood glucose. By taking water kefir, you can manage the risk of diabetes and maybe even cure it.
11. Used as a Treatment for Asthma
The causes of asthma are not well known but it is characterized by the narrow bronchial tubes which cause hard breathing. This may happen as a result of allergies, stress or maybe even doing hard exercises. The best way to deal with this condition is to prevent it. One way a person can do this is by taking water kefir. This drink has positive effects for the treatment of asthma. It also contains anti-inflammatory nutrients.
12. Helps in Building Bone Density
It is important to have healthy and strong bones as they are the main frame structure of the body. To ensure healthy bones, you must have a reliable source of calcium, manganese and magnesium. Deficiency of these minerals may cause some types of bone diseases.
Studies have shown that taking water kefir will help improve the density of the bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Water kefir helps in the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D. You can drink water kefir regularly and you will have the essential nutrients needed for healthy bones.
Water Kefir is a health drink with many benefits. It is a healthy alternative for those who are allergic to the milk present in the milk kefir.