Almost everyone knows how useful kefir. But in some cases the question of when it is better to drink this drink is raised to contribute the maximum benefit to the body. The benefits or damages of the Kéfir on an empty stomach are an important point of controversy for nutritionists and doctors, whose opinions sometimes differ.
Energy content in kilocalories
The kefir is a dairy product, which is obtained by milk fermentation, adding the kefir fungus. It contains live bacteria, which have a beneficial effect on the human body by improving the healthy microflora of the stomach and intestines.
The caloric value of the kefir depends directly on its fat content. Taking into account this fact, the caloric value of the drink is as follows:
- A fat without fat has a minimum energy value of 38 kilocalories;
- A fat content of up to 1% increases the energy value of the product to 40 kilocalories;
- 1. 5% fat and 4 carbohydrates makes the composition of the drink more nutritious, but the caloric value remains the same as in the previous case;
- A 2% fat, 3. 6 protein and 3. 9 carbohydrates is accompanied by an increase in caloric value in 5 kilocalories;
- The most common and optimal kefir of 2. 5% (50 kcal) in terms of the proportion of ingredients
- The maximum fat content of the drink is 3. 2% (caloric value of the 56 kcal product).
Benefits of health
The quality of the kefir is determined by its high content of oligoelements, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins of group B.
Useful dairy products
| Number by order | Useful properties | Short description |
| 1 | Normalizes the stomach and intestines, improves digestion | A large number of probiotics (living beneficial bacteria crops) inhibit the development of pathogenic microflora, causing enterocolitis and diarrhea. In addition, bacteria enhance the synthesis of digestive enzymes, which will have a positive impact on digestion. |
| 2 | Improves the body’s immune state | If you systematically consume fermented dairy drink, it blocks the growth of infectious microflora (Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, E. coli). It also has antiviral activity. |
| 3 | Minimizes the possibility of cancer. | This property is explained by the increase in the synthesis of type A immunoglobulins are responsible for the capture and destruction of atypical cells. Clinically proven efficacy in the treatment of leukemia and tumors of the large intestine. |
| 4 | Increase the strength of the musculoskeletic system | The kefir creates favorable conditions for the saturation of bone tissue with calcium. Therefore, its consumption is beneficial in children’s age. |
| 5 | Reduces the probability of allergic reactions and bronchial asthma | Probiotics have an inhibitor effect on the production of inflammatory cytokines, which trigger allergic reactions. Inhibition of eosinophilic synthesis in lung tissue reduces secretory capacity, which decreases the frequency of bronchial asthma crises. |
| 6 | Reduces the concentration of glucose in the systemic blood torrent. | The daily dietary rule of drinking a glass of Kéfir in fasting guarantees greater sensitivity of insulin receptors. In this case, the blood sugar level will decrease. |
| 7 | Normalizes the psycho-emotional state | The relaxing effect of the kefir is due to the presence of the tryptophan amino acid. It guarantees the stable functioning of the nervous system and improves the sleep conciliation process. |
Useful tips for choosing a fermented dairy drink
To protect yourself from the purchase of low quality products when you buy kefir in a store, you must pay attention to the following qualities:
- The container must be completely hermetic, without swelling or visible damage. The label must contain information about the product (its fat content, amount of nutrients, yeast and bifidobacteria).
- You have to pay attention to the expiration date. The kefir retains its characteristics for a period of 5-10 days. The presence of preservatives, additives and dyes suggests that the product is not natural.
- The optimal thing is to choose a drink with a 2. 5 fat content. You must also have a thick consistency.
- If the container is transparent, you have to make sure that the kefir has a homogeneous consistency and that there are no lumps of different sizes inside.
- If when you open the container it gives off an unpleasant smell, it is better to refuse to drink that drink.
The benefits of kefir in the morning
The fact of whether it is possible to drink a glass of kefir for breakfast, and if this will be good or bad, interest many people. In most cases, when there are no contraindications, start the morning with the consumption of this drink will be beneficial for health. This is because milk bacteria easily penetrate intestines. In addition, the body is quickly saturated with beneficial micro and macronutrients. However, breakfast should not be limited to a single intake of fermented dairy products.
Dietitians warn that drinking this drink in the morning is harmful to patients diagnosed with acid gastritis. Another contraindication to drink it in the morning (with an empty stomach) is the tendency to have liquid deposits. In this case, the problem can be aggravated, causing the person.
Particularities of use
A good therapeutic effect of the kefir will be observed if systematically consumed (in the morning) before breakfast. It must be at room temperature and drink small sips.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, the natural product of fermented milk can be drink both in the morning and before bedtime. In the first case, it will be a breakfast complement, contributing to the organism for useful trace elements. Consumption before bedtime has a relaxing effect, which contributes to a good nighttime rest. In addition, the drink relieves the symptoms of early toxicity (eliminates the attacks of nausea and vomiting).
For pregnant women, the optimal fat content of the kefir is 1. 5%.
During breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, kefir consumption is allowed from the first months of breastfeeding. But it is not advisable to get carried away by it, since in some cases it can cause an allergic reaction.
The situations that limit the use of the product are the following
- liquid feces (otherwise, diarrhea);
- if the baby has frequent abdominal problems (increased gases, pain and swelling);
- When the infant mother is diagnosed with digestive system diseases (hyperacidity in gastritis, location ulcers in the mucous epithelium of the stomach).
Homemade kefir will be especially useful during the breastfeeding period. For its manufacture a special ferment and pasteurized milk are used. In the first month, it is recommended to drink half a glass of said drink to observe the baby.
With excess body weight.
Only natural products of sour milk have beneficial properties. Therefore, to get rid of the extra kilos, it is recommended to use a homemade kefir recipe. In this case, it is necessary to buy start milk (in a pharmacy), which contains useful fungal microflora and yeast. The recipe is prepared according to the following algorithm:
- Take the milk to boil and cool it at room temperature (add water if it has a high fat content);
- The ferment is poured into it and left in a warm place (12 hours);
- The drink is placed in the refrigerator to cool completely.
Nutritionists consider that this fermented dairy product is universal. It can be consumed both in the morning and at night. A breakfast with a glass of kefir will be useful when taking food containing carbohydrates and proteins (with herkules or sarracene wheat). At eating you can prepare a shake with honey, nuts, apples or nuts.
For the treatment of certain diseases
The content of useful probiotics and microelements allows the use of sour milk as a supplement in the treatment of the following pathological conditions:
- If the patient has diagnosed enterocolitis or gastritis with reduced acidity;
- It is recommended for children diagnosed with rickets and musculoskeletal disorders;
- in cases of diarrhea (frequent liquid storage) it is recommended to drink a drink with the addition of crushed nuts;
- For kidney calculations prepare a kefir cocktail with beet and radish juice;
- The kefir combined with berries and fruits gives positive results in the treatment of atherosclerosis and anemia;
- In eczema or psoriasis, local application is recommended after bathing to relieve skin redness.
What can be combined to increase benefits
Although most nutritionists and gastroenterologists recommend taking kefir separate from other foods, there are many recipes that enhance their flavor and benefits. It is believed that chlorophyll rich and kefir vegetables are a good combination to improve the digestive tract. In each case, the combination with other products will have one or another positive effect.
The most common recipes of a fermented dairy drink:
- Gachas cooked with kefir (wheat, sarracene or oatmeal) help eliminate toxins and impurities from the organism. This quality is especially important for people who want to get rid of the extra kilos.
- If cinnamon is added, insulin production will be normalized, which is important for diabetes.
- In combination with dry plums (first they are finely) eliminating constipation in intestine diseases.
- For discbacteriosis and worm infestations, prepare a drink with the addition of garlic cloves.
- You can combine kefir with apples, bananas and honey as a vitamin milkshake and to purify the body.
What to do to keep the product
Natural kefir is a perishable product. To preserve their qualities, the following standards and guidelines must be followed:
- The conservation temperature must be betwee n-2 and +3 ° C. Therefore, choose a shelf in the refrigerator that is closest to the cold source.
- Special preservatives can keep the product fresh up to 10 days. Keep in mind that after three days the laxative effect of the drink disappears and acidity increases.
- Once open, the product can be kept a maximum of 24 hours. In the open air, the kefir will sour after 6 hours.
The systematic consumption of fasting kefir will have a positive effect on the health of the entire organism, if there are no contraindications. Therefore, it is better to consult a nutritionist or gastroenterologist before drinking it, especially as a dietary supplement. you can combine kefir with apples, bananas and honey as a vitamin smoothie and to purify the body.
