- Kefir benefits and properties
- Can diabetics take it? Does it have side effects?
- Is there an advantage to taking tibicos / kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?
- Difference between water and milk kefir?
- Ways to use Kefir
- Others
- References
In this article I am going to talk to you about the benefits and properties of tibicos or kefir, also known as Tibetan mushrooms. They are a mixture of bacteria and yeasts that are usually produced to make refreshing drinks with little alcohol (0.038% - 2% alcohol): water kefir or milk kefir. And have you tried this food? Has it served you? You can comment at the end of the article. I'm interested!
Preparing the kefir water with the tibicos is a quick and easy process, and it produces an exquisite flavor. Even young children can take it. You can take the beans alone, they do not have much flavor although they are a good probiotic.
Simon A. Eugster
Kefir water has sugars but it also contains bacteria that "eat" them. These bacteria need to live in a sugary environment to feed, otherwise this food would not have its properties.
Kefir benefits and properties
Drinking kefir water can help you optimize your health by strengthening the immune system. Its main effect is that it promotes good digestion, which is believed to be one of the keys to longevity. Therefore avoid poor digestion, food allergies, headaches, flu, skin problems…
It is a great source of beneficial bacteria that contains a variety of enzymes, organic acids, and a range of B and B12 complex vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin D, and folic acid.
These are some of the probiotics it contains:
- Bifidobacteria
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus caucasus
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Acetobacter
- Leuconostoc
- Enterococci.
- Loctococci.
- Streptococci.
Some people it helps digest better, others just like the taste, others it helps eliminate viruses. It is not a miracle product, but it has several properties:
-Contributes to strengthening the immune system.
-It is a very important protein source for vegetarians.
-Helps the digestion of micronutrients.
-Reduces inflammation.
-Produces a state of well-being and energy.
-Strengthens nails and hair.
-Cleaning the liver.
-It also has an effect on the nervous system: it can help in depression and insomnia.
-It is a natural antioxidant. Improves the appearance and general condition of the skin. It can help reduce age spots, psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
-Inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and helps beneficial probiotics thrive in the digestive tract, skin, eyes, bladder, vagina, nose, throat…
-Can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, therefore helping heart health.
-Improves brain function, fighting stress, increasing attention and memory retention.
-Some studies show that it could be anti-mutagenic and help control free radicals in the body.
-Some people have been helped to fight candida although there is no security. It is best to observe the response of your body; if symptoms remain stable, improve or worsen.
-Slows the growth of breast cancer.
-Reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
-Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, it prevents and improves asthma, bronchitis and allergies.
-It has been used to fight tuberculosis, cancer and gastrointestinal disorders.
-Reduces flatulence and produces a source of biotin.
Can diabetics take it? Does it have side effects?
It is not safe for all diabetics and it is up to you to monitor and determine how your blood levels are and how they respond after consuming this food.
It can also have side effects in some people, including gas, diarrhea, acne, or rashes.
Is there an advantage to taking tibicos / kefir instead of a probiotic supplement?
The tibico contains enzymes, nutrients that aid digestion, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, energy and millions of probiotics. On the other hand, probiotic supplements have only a select variety of bacteria.
Difference between water and milk kefir?
Water kefir has different bacteria and yeasts than milk kefir.
Ways to use Kefir
- You can eat it alone, with herbs, spices, breads or cookies.
- Like a smoothie with fresh summer water.
- With the salad.
- Added to fruits or nuts.
Others
If you have ulcers, it is advisable not to drink it due to the acidic nature of kefir.
Kefir water has much less yeast and bacteria than milk, although much more than products like yogurt.
The tibicos do not contain gluten.
References
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- Guzel-Seydim ZB, et al. Review: functional properties of kefir. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Mar; 51 (3): 261-8.
- Hertzler SR, Clancy SM. Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. J Am Diet Assoc 2003; 103 (5): 582-7.
- de Moreno de Leblanc A, et al. Study of immune cells involved in the antitumor effect of kefir in a murine breast cancer model. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90 (4): 1920-8.
- Lopitz-Otsoa F, et al. Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Rev Iberoam Micol 2006; 23 (2): 67-74.
- St-Onge MP, et al. Kefir consumption does not alter plasma lipid levels or cholesterol fractional synthesis rates relative to milk in hyperlipidemic men: a randomized controlled trial BMC Complement Altern Med. 2002; 2: 1. Epub 2002 Jan 22.
- Guzel-Seydim ZB, Kok-Tas T, Greene AK, Seydim AC. Review: functional properties of kefir. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011; 51 (3): 261-8.
- Chen HL, et. to the. kefir improves bone mass and micro architecture in an ovarectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporosis International 2014; PMID 25278298.
- Liu JR, et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of milk-kefir and soyamilk-kefir in cholesterol-fed hamsters. Br J Nutr 2006; 95 (5): 939-46.
- Lopitz-Otsoa F, et al. Kefir: A symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Rev Iberoam Micol 2006; 23: 67-74.
- Vinderola CG, et al. Immunomodulating capacity of kefir. J Dairy Rez 2005; 72 (2): 195-202.