Kefir is a fermented dairy product formed by the symbiotic combination of bacteria and yeasts within kefir grains. In the last few years, there has been an increase in the consumption of fermented milk beverages as they are associated with the benefits to human health due to their probiotic content. Probiotics are generally defined as live microorganisms that provide beneficial health effects when taken into the body. Many of these microorganisms are identified as lactic acid-producing bacteria and are commonly consumed in the form of fermented beverages, yogurt and kefir. The word kefir is derived from the Turkish word 'keyif', which means 'feeling good' after drinking.
Kefir grains are irregularly shaped, yellow-white elastic structures that look like small cauliflower or popcorn. It is a symbiotic fermented dairy product containing bacteria and yeasts in a polysaccharide structure. In the current literature, various studies have proven the anticarcinogenic, immune system regulating, cholesterol regulating, antiallergic, blood sugar regulating, antimicrobial, lactose intolerance reducing, blood pressure lowering effects of kefir on the digestive system. During fermentation, there is a slight increase in the amounts of vitamins B1, B2 and folic acid. In the presence of Propionibacterium species, there is a significant increase in the amount of B12. It contains plenty of tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids effective on the nervous system, as well as calcium and magnesium. In addition, kefir is also a very good source of phosphorus (Zourari and Anifantakis, 1988). Since the b-galactosidase level increases as a result of fermentation, the lactose level is also lower compared to yoghurt.
It contains all the nutrients in milk and as a result of the substances formed by the effect of microorganisms in the structure of kefir granules, its nutritional value increases and is absorbed by the body. The fact that it is well absorbed reveals the importance of kefir. It is known that people living in the Caucasus mountains and drinking kefir have long lives. This can be explained as kefir is very good for health because it contains high levels of protein, minerals and vitamins. Kefir is considered one of the best remedies for those with digestive problems. It is knitted. Since it is a nutritious food that can be easily digested, it is an ideal drink for children, infants, pregnant women, patients in the convalescent period, the elderly, and people suffering from constipation and other digestive problems.
Intestinal flora in people who have had a serious illness and have been exposed to antibiotic treatment. It is recommended to consume kefir for healing
Effects of Kefir on Health
Kefir; It is very useful due to its antibacterial, immunological, antitumoral and hypocholesterolemic effects. It is also widely used in many parts of the world as supportive treatment for tuberculosis, cancer and gastrointestinal disorders. It is known that kefir increases the secretions of some organs such as the stomach and pancreas, as well as being good for nervous disorders, loss of appetite and insomnia. Kefir contains tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids, as well as Ca and Mg minerals. It plays an effective role in relaxing the nervous system. Regular consumption of half a liter a day stabilizes the metabolism. In addition to its stimulating effect on the liver; It has been stated that it has positive effects on bile, kidney functions and blood circulation. While it significantly reduces VLDL, LDL, triacylglycerol levels; It increases HDL cholesterol levels. These results are exactly the changes that must occur in cholesterol to protect against cardiovascular diseases. Although the fat-lowering effect mechanism of kefir is not fully known; It has been found that the bacteria and yeasts in kefir produce bile acid-degrading enzymes and reduce cholesterol absorption.
Anti-Allergy Effect
Eosinophils are the immune system involved in inflammation in allergic reactions and play an active role in the pathological process that starts with the allergen. are the elements. In diseases with an allergic basis, such as bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis, eosinophils are increased both in the blood and in the relevant tissue. Reducing the increase or effects of eosinophils is very important in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. Kefir has been shown to reduce ovalbumin-mediated eosinophil increase and excessive mucus secretion in lung tissue. This offers serious hope in the treatment of allergic bronchial asthma. In another study, kefiran suppressed mast cell degranulation and For this reason, it has been suggested that it may be effective in the protection and prevention of mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.
Blood Sugar Regulatory Effect
It has been observed that the water-soluble parts of kefir increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. This increases blood sugar. It has shown that it has a regulatory effect.
Anticarcinogenic Effect
Kefir reduces mutation and DNA damage, reduces the activities of enzymes (ß-glucuronidase, nitroreductase, azoreductase) that predispose to cancer formation, and reduces cancer-causing substances ( It has an anticarcinogenic effect by inactivating mutagens), increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids and increasing acidity, and accelerating cancer cell suicide (apoptosis).
Effect on Reducing Lactose Intolerance
Lactose is found in all mammalian milk. It is a basic disaccharide and lactose maldigestion is quite common due to insufficient β-galactosidase in the intestine. β-galactosidase found in kefir grains reduces lactose content through hydrolysis and facilitates the consumption of lactose-containing products in individuals with lactose intolerance. Due to its lower lactose content and higher β-galactosidase activity, kefir has been reported to facilitate lactose digestion in individuals with lactose intolerance and reduce the feeling of bloating by up to 71%
Effects on Blood Pressure
The decrease in blood pressure may be due to suppression of the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme, which has an important effect on blood pressure regulation. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are among the most important drugs used in the treatment of hypertension today. It has been proven that two of the sixteen proteins contained in kefir have an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory effect
Effects on the Digestive System
Unlike milk, cheese and butter, kefir has a stimulating effect on the motor and ejaculation function of the digestive system. Kefir prevents pathogenic bacterial colonization in the intestine with its antagonistic effect. Against pathogenic bacteria; When consumed continuously, beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacilli, taken into the body with kefir, settle in the intestines, correct the microflora there and the acid compounds they produce. They ensure the elimination of disease-causing bacteria
Effects in the Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori
Fresh kefir has a stimulating effect on the functioning of the stomach muscles and the faster emptying function of the stomach. It has been observed that the growth of H. pylori is prevented when alkaline kefir is used in the treatment of ulcers caused by H. pylori. In addition, it is reported that stomach acidity decreases, pain and digestive disorders decrease.
It reduces cholesterol, strengthens the digestive system, ensures staying young and living longer.It has blood pressure balancing properties, B12, B1 and biotin found in kefir. Vitamins and K contribute to general health. It accelerates the healing process. It prevents the growth of cancer cells. It is good for psoriasis. It is used in the treatment of eczema. It is effective against inflammatory diseases. It reduces the size of tumors. It treats heart diseases. It reverses the obstruction in the intestines. It cleans the blood vessels. It gives energy. It makes you feel good. It is effective against lung infections. It activates the metabolism. It helps to lose weight. It is good for acne. It revitalizes the hair. It is effective in the treatment of gum diseases. It reduces the side effects of medications. It protects the good bacteria in the body after the use of antibiotics. It functions to protect the microflora in the digestive system, regulates blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, lowers fatty acid and cholesterol levels, is good for diarrhea, reduces bloating, accelerates bowel movements, is effective against stress, solves sleep problems, can be used during depression. .
Read: 0
