In the department Nutrition under the microscope We share a scientific view on nutrition and health. The internet is full of claims about these two broad topics, but is this information true? We provide clarity with the help of various experts. With today: Is kefir really good for the intestines?
In recent years we see it more often: kefir. This acidic, fermented drink promises to be good for your health as it is full of microorganisms. You will especially notice this in the gut and intestinal flora. But how healthy is this homemade drink really? Is the one from the supermarket healthy? subway Dive into the world of kefir and talk about it with nutritionist Jasper Elblas.
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented drink, much like the famous kombucha. Fermentation is a way to extend the shelf life of products without the use of chemical additives. This ensures that you can also make the drink yourself in your own refrigerator.
Kefir is made of two different types, milk kefir and water kefir. Kefir granules are added to water or milk, which leads to a process in which microorganisms are formed. “Both methods of making kefir are equally healthy,” says Elblas. “Water kefir and milk kefir both can benefit microbiome diversity.”
Homemade kefir vs. from the supermarket
If you have the right ingredients at home, you can easily make kefir yourself. This is a simple, but also time-consuming task: for one load of kefir, it is necessary to wait 24 to 48 hours before fermenting the drink.
However, the drink is also widely sold in the supermarket. Are these products as healthy as homemade kefir? Unfortunately not, according to a study by him Value Inspection Service† They discovered that almost all types of kefir from the supermarket do not contain yeast, and therefore are not real kefir. And what makes the drink so healthy are the active microorganisms present in the drink. Therefore it is necessary to make kefir yourself, otherwise the microorganisms will not survive. ”
fermented products
Since kefir is a fermented product, it falls under the “probiotics” category. This brings many health benefits, Elblas says. “It is important that you take live probiotics and the correct composition of the different types of bacteria.” Unfortunately, according to El Blass, most probiotics you find in stores don’t have much of an impact on your health, because “either they contain a no-help compound or the probiotics are no longer alive.”
Other fermented products include sauerkraut and miso. Elblas says these products are also healthy when eaten in moderation. However, he points out that the addition of these good bacteria should not be overstated. “More is not always better, because there has to be a balance of different bacteria in your gut. Too much of the same is not good.”
In short: is kefir healthy? Yes, it is a healthy fermented drink, in part due to microorganisms. Drink it in moderation, and instead, opt for a homemade version instead of the kefir you buy at the supermarket.
More articles about nutrition from subway read? You will find them here.
Fresh smoothie with kefir and berries
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Nutrition under the microscope: Is kefir really good for your gut?
