Kefir has been receiving a lot of attention from those in search of a natural way to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. This effervescent drink is packed to the brim with probiotics and has proven benefits for gut health – among many other attributes that make it the perfect addition to any health-conscious lifestyle. Kefir is a cultured drinkable fermented beverage that is like yogurt – by it is more liquid and has a tart and almost ‘fizzy’ nature – due to the carbon dioxide released during the fermentation process. That process relies on milk as a platform – but there are many different types of milk that can be used. The most common of these is cow’s milk, but it can also be cultured using coconut milk, rice milk or goats’ milk.
For those who want to enjoy the taste and benefits of kefir, the goat’s milk option is becoming increasingly popular. However, the probiotic benefits of Kefir mean that it is a tremendously attractive option for those who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, lactose intolerance or other gut complaints – but those consumers are also worried that goat’s milk-based Kefir may make their symptoms even worse.
However – those consumers should be reassured that the nature of the Kefir fermentation process means that all lactose is consumed during Kefir’s fermentation cycle. It is also reassuring to note that most people who are lactose intolerant are actually only sensitive to cow’s milk (due to the fact that it contains allergenic A1 casein) – that simply is not the case when goat’s milk is used during the fermentation of Kefir.
So even those who are lactose intolerant can enjoy the probiotic-rich nature of Kefir. It’s also worth noting that many people are attracted to yogurt because of the probiotics that it delivers, however, the truth may shock those who enjoy a yogurt forward diet. The probiotics in yogurt are what are known as ‘transient bacteria’. Those are destroyed during the digestive process. Kefir is different. It contains what are known as ‘non-transient’ bacteria – those survive the digestive process.
However, studies by Dr. Michael Moseley (who is the lead in the BBC 2 show ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’) have indicated that consumers still need to take care of which Kefir variety they purchase. He found that most Kefir varieties that are purchased in supermarkets lose much of their potency since they are pasteurized. The result of the pasteurization process is the killing off most of the beneficial bacteria that are so important when it comes to the health benefits of Kefir. The most effective Kefir varieties are those made from the living combination of yeasts and bacteria. Those made with powdered Kefir are not as effective, another reason to avoid mass-produced Kefir.
Taking all this into account what are the benefits of Kefir made with goat’s milk?
Firstly, natural Kefir is densely packed with nutrients. It contains proteins, B vitamins, potassium, and calcium. The high calcium content is especially useful to post-menopausal women who may suffer from bone loss. However, it is the probiotic punch of Kefir that provides its major benefits.
According to the Mayo Clinic probiotics can help improve the number of healthy bacteria in the gut. this has several effects, but these can include calming the symptoms of IBS and preventing diarrhea. This can be especially important for those who have undergone a course of antibiotics – which tend to damage gut bacteria. Probiotics can also help treat vaginal and urinary tract infections.
However, the benefits of consuming Kefir may also extend beyond encouraging healthy gut bacteria through its large probiotic load. A recent study involving mice who were fed a diet that included Kefir for a period of seven days provided insight into some of the other benefits of Kefir. the results indicated that Kefir promotes healing and has anti-inflammatory properties. This may be good news for those suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Kefir may also be of benefit to sportspeople who are recovering from strenuous activity. Other studies have indicated that Kefir may assist those who struggle with high cholesterol or have blood pressure issues. There are also indications that it can boost the immune system.
Although further research into the benefits of Kefir is urgently needed preliminary findings, as well as anecdotal evidence would suggest that it could have a myriad of health benefits. It is nutritionally dense, and its probiotic load far exceeds that of other supposed probiotic delivery systems such as yogurt. It has few side effects (although those can include cramping and constipation).
Goat’s milk-based Kefir is a fantastic choice for those in search of a natural way to enjoy the benefits of probiotic-rich foods. Not only is it healthy, but the zesty flavor is a pleasure to enjoy.