What Is Kefir Water? Benefits, Uses And Recipe
Kefir water is a fermented drink that can help protect the body. Don’t miss the step-by-step recipe and discover its health benefits.
In recent years, a balanced and healthy diet has taken on a greater presence. It is no longer strange to talk about nutrition or “take care” at meals. We have even incorporated a whole new vocabulary about it. Now, you’ve probably heard of kefir water, but do you really know what it is?
Next we will tell you everything about this drink, from its uses and benefits to how you can prepare it in the comfort of your home. It is a relatively recent food, but full of nutrients. Do not miss it.
What is kefir water?
It is a fermented drink through the microbial culture of the same name, also called SCOBY ( Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast ). A colony of lactic and acetic bacteria, yeasts and microorganisms work symbiotically on milk or water, depending on whether you want to make water or kefir milk, to obtain a fermented drink.
For the kefir to ferment the water, it is necessary to dissolve nutrients in it that make it an optimal environment for the development of the microbial culture. We’ll talk more about it when we see how to make this drink at home.
Kefir water benefits and uses
Surely you are wondering why it is good to drink kefir water, well, then we will present its main benefits and uses:
1. Probiotic
Kefir water, like kefir milk and yogurt, contains live microorganisms that enhance metabolic functions, helping to combat slow transit. Being a fermented product, it is loaded with beneficial microorganisms for the microbiota.
A continuous consumption of probiotic substances improves the quality of the intestinal flora and, with it, reduces the incidence of metabolic diseases. An investigation published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that the intake of these microorganisms was also capable of reducing the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
2. Improves intestinal flora
By increasing the number of lactic acid bacteria in our intestines, it improves the intestinal flora and helps eliminate pathogens. In this way, we can enjoy better intestinal health and decrease the incidence of diarrhea.
3. Antibacterial properties
Some studies indicate that the probiotics in kefir, among which is Lactobacillus kefiri , could actually inhibit the growth of different bacteria in the body, such as Salmonella , E. coli or Helicobacter pylory . On the other hand, the carbohydrate ‘kefiran’ in kefir would also have antibacterial properties.
These fermented drinks could be an effective remedy for treating intestinal dysbiosis. Experts recommend its usual intake to reduce the risk of developing these types of disorders, or to treat them if they have already manifested.
4. Could lower cholesterol
There are not many studies on this, but the data would indicate that this drink could help improve and / or control bad cholesterol levels. In any case, the influence that food has on the lipid profile is limited.
5. Rehydration
It is an isotonic drink, therefore it is perfect to rehydrate. As it is also low in calories, it can even be incorporated into weight loss plans.
Kefir water recipe
Kefir granules have a soft, jelly-like texture, which can be reminiscent of cauliflower. If it is granules of kefir milk they are whitish, while those of kefir water are transparent.
It is important to know the difference to use the appropriate culture for the fermentation of the drink we want. Let’s see now how to prepare this fermented drink:
Ingredients
- 1 liter of mineral water.
- 3 tablespoons of whole cane sugar.
- 1/2 lemon (optional).
- 3 large tablespoons of water kefir granules.
Utensils
- Large glass jar, with a wide mouth and a plastic or glass (not metal) closure
- wooden spoon
Preparation
- Put the liter of water inside the jar.
- Add the water kefir granules, the sugar and if you want to flavor the drink, the lemon juice.
- Stir well with the wooden spoon. You can also close the jar and shake it.
- Let the mixture sit for two to three days at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees). During the fermentation process, the kefir granules will consume the sugar and generate organic acids, fermenting the water.
- Consume and enjoy its benefits.
General information about kefir water
- If you bottle it well, the fermented drink can maintain its nutritional characteristics for a year.
- When opening, you should keep it in the fridge.
- As it does not contain dairy, it is suitable for people with food intolerances and allergies.
Prepare kefir water to improve health
As you have seen, preparing kefir water is very simple. Do you dare to do it and benefit from its nutritional contributions? Consult your doctor for more information on kefir and its health benefits. In addition, we recommend you to find out with him if its consumption is advisable in case you suffer from any allergies or health problems.
