Drinking water kefir daily is a pleasure, because it tastes good and is easy to prepare. Doing so, even in small amounts, as part of a healthy lifestyle of eating a varied and balanced diet, supports the gut microbiome and enhances the immune system.
Water kefir is a probiotic and refreshing drink that benefits the body. It is also a healthy alternative to:
- Probiotics containing caffeine, such as kombucha.
- Those made from dairy products, such as milk kefir.
- Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks.
- Alcoholic beverages, as it does not contain alcohol.
Water kefir is fun as a carbonated beverage, but it also offers fantastic health benefits as it is rich in nutrients and suitable for vegans. This fermented drink is becoming increasingly popular. Have you tried it?
What is water kefir?
Water kefir, although a trend today, originated in the 19th century. It is a drink prepared by adding kefir grains to sugar water. The grains are cultures of bacteria and yeast, which ferment for 24 to 48 hours, producing a probiotic-rich carbonated beverage that is tasty and packed with benefits.
Unlike milk kefir, it can be drunk by those who avoid dairy consumption. Also, because it is made with water, it is easily flavoured with fruits, herbs and spices.
What types of probiotics are included in water kefir?
Probiotics may vary depending on the exact composition, although some of the strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgarico, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens kefir granum, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides cremoris or Leuconostoc mesenteroides.
In total, there can be dozens of different strains of bacteria and yeasts in each glass of water kefir, which is why it is considered to be one of the best sources of probiotics available.
Preparation of water kefir and recommendations for use
To prepare water kefir at home, you only need the following ingredients:
– 1 litre of water
– Approximately 100 grams of kefir grains
– Between 50 and 100 grams of sugar, better if it is organic.
You can add the zest of a fruit, such as lemon or orange.
Then, you have to start the fermentation process by following these steps
1. Dissolve the sugar in 2 dl boiling water.
2. Then pour it into a large glass container together with 8 dl of water and the citrus zest of your choice.
3. Stir so that the sugar dissolves completely and then pour in the water kefir grains, covering the mouth of the container completely with a clean cloth, which should be sealed with a rubber band to prevent it from moving and more air from entering or escaping.
4. Allow fermentation to progress for 48 hours.
5. At this point, it is strained with the help of a cotton cloth over a plastic strainer, as it must never come into contact with the metal.
6. Then pour the liquid into a bottle and reserve the kefir grains (which you can use to prepare a new batch without waiting).
Water kefir can now be drunk as is, kept for a few days in the fridge, or flavoured in what is called secondary fermentation. For the latter option you need fruit or berries. The way to get it is:
1. Pour the water kefir into a glass bottle with a tight-fitting seal.
2. Add some fruit, fresh or frozen, making sure that the bottle is not full to the brim and that there is some space at the top.
3. It is optional to add 1 more tablespoon of cane sugar.
4. Close the bottle with a lid and leave it for 24 hours.
5. After this time, put it in the fridge for 2 or 3 days and it will be ready to drink, delicious and slightly fizzy.
Risks and contraindications of water kefir
Second fermentation must be handled with care and always in sturdy containers where the pressure can escape, as there is a risk of glass bottles breaking.
Another potential risk is the appearance of alcohol in water kefir. Water kefir contains yeast cells that feed on simple sugars that are converted into alcohol under oxygen-free conditions. Yeast cells are also found on the surface of the fruit, which also contains many simple sugars. When both fermentations are combined, larger amounts of alcohol can be formed.
Avoiding this risk is a matter of common sense. If kefir tastes or smells of alcohol, then it contains alcohol and should not be served to people who cannot tolerate it.
Water kefir: 3 Important benefits
Water kefir has many vital benefits for the body:
– Improves intestinal health. Water kefir is full of probiotics (good bacteria) and is an even more important source than yoghurt, due to the diversity of yeasts and bacteria it contains.
– Supports the immune system. Due to the high volume of probiotics, water kefir can give a real boost to the immune system and prevent recurrent infections, some cancers and can even suppress inflammatory responses to asthma.
– Helps maintain a healthy weight. Water kefir has fewer calories than other beverages, which you can replace by reducing your calorie load immediately. But water kefir can support weight loss for another important reason. Science has shown that gut health, which is linked to the good bacteria flora present, also affects appetite, metabolism, food intake and body weight.
Water kefir is full of healthy probiotics. It is a delicious fizzy drink that can replace sugary soft drinks and juices. It has many benefits and is easy to prepare at home. Although its benefits can be multiplied, do you know how?
Silica supplements are the best complement to the beneficial effects of water kefir, as they help to care for the body inside and out, and are particularly effective in the fight against free radicals.
And, to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance even longer, there is nothing better than combining both with natural topical skin care products with products that are also natural, such as Silicium Rosehip.
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