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Pros and Cons of Kefir

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Kefir is a fermented liquid milk beverage that has an acidic and creamy taste. It is made from any type of milk and it is combined with water or coconut water and fermented for 14 to 18 hours.

Kefir and yogurt are both fermented dairy products but kefir contains more probiotics and less sugar than yogurt. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of Kefir to understand why you should put it as part of your diet.

 

Pros:

1. Lactose intolerance: People with lactose intolerance conditions can fare well with Kefir since the enzymes in kefir can help break down the lactose and improve lactose digestion.

2. Boost immune system: Kefir contains potent amounts of vitamin K2, proteins, and calcium which are good for boosting the immune system and lowering the cholesterol level.

3. Improve brain function: Vitamin K2 not only result in blood clots but can also improve the functioning of the human brain.

4. Nutritious: Kefir is nutrient-dense with a lot of fats, proteins, potassium, calcium, and B vitamins. These nutrients offer a lot of health benefits to the body. The calcium helps build strong bones whereas proteins in the drink help build strong muscles.

5. Reduces bloating: Kefir contains natural sugar enzymes which break down complex sugars in the bowel resulting in reduced stomach bloating or gas.

6. Reduce infections: Kefir has antibacterial properties. It has around 12 live and active probiotic cultures which help protect the body against any unwanted bacteria. It can treat vaginal and urinary tract infections.

7. Absorption of nutrients: Probiotic components in the drink helps boost the absorption of nutrients by the body. Certain bacteria in the gut break down complex fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into smaller components that are easily absorbed in the body.

8. Fight cancer: probiotics from dairy products reduce tumor growth by stimulating the immune system and can help to fight breast cancer cells.

9. Prevent gastrointestinal infections: The drink can trigger the healthy bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent or reduce any infection within the gut environment.

10. Relieve irritable bowel: The probiotics in kefir can relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It softens the stool and reduces irritation.

Cons:

1. Contain Caseins: People allergic to caseins and dairy products should eliminate kefir made of milk from their diet since it has high amounts of caseins.

2. Side effects: Some people may experience some side effects like constipation, bloating or digestion issues from eating probiotic-rich foods.

3. Bowel or gut problems: Probiotic components can cause irritable bowel syndrome or cause gut infections.

4. Other conditions: The acidic and probiotic components in the fermented drink can cause skin conditions like eczema, and other problems like tooth decay, and liver diseases.

5. Autoimmune disease: People with conditions that weaken the immune system like AIDS should consult a doctor. Kefir is beneficial to people with a strong immune system and it may increase infections to people with a weak immune system.

6. Stomach and intestinal problems: If you’re undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer, you should avoid Kefir because it can cause stomach and intestinal problems. It can also increase other side effects like hair loss, sweat, mouth sores.

7. Interactions: Kefir contains yeast and live bacteria and if your taking medications that decrease the immune system can increase the chances of getting sick from the yeast and bacteria.

8. Weight gain: Flavored kefir has a lot of added sugars and taking too much of it can result in unhealthy weight gain. Calories from the drink can also contribute to weight gain.

9. Saturated fats: Different types of
Kefir contains varying amounts of saturated fats. Higher amounts of saturated fats increase the risk of heart problems.

10. Increase blood pressure: If you’re taking antidepressant drugs, you should avoid taking kefir since the drink interacts with immunosuppressant drugs increasing blood pressure.

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