Yoghurt and Kefir
Yoghurt and kefir are dairy products produced by ripening of milk. Yoghurt is prepared by fermentation of milk with the bacteria which is called “Bulgarian bacteria”. The reason why the bacteria got its name was that people live noticeably longer in yogurt-loving parts of Bulgaria. Kefir is a milk drink fermented using kefir grains (these grains are a symbiotic combination of many microorganisms such as lactic streptococcus, rods, acetobacteria and yeast).
Why Milk Products Are Healthy
Drinking fermented milk products is beneficial to all, but they are especially healthy for kids, pregnant women and seniors. They have so many health benefits. Scientists admit that in regions with traditionally high consumption of kefir and yoghurt (such as Caucasus, Bulgaria, Sardinia, Mesopotamia, an area in Middle East between the Tigris and the Euphrates and India), there seems to be more long-livers compared to the regions with low consumption of fermented milk products.
Milk Allergy
People who have a milk allergy and are intolerant to lactose may replace milk with yoghurt as enzymes contained in yoghurt are responsible for the digestion of lactose. The bacteria “lactobacillus bulgaricus” and “streptococcus tremophilus” help break down lactose into glucose and lactic acid, which supports healthy digestion and improves the uptake of proteins, fats and mineral salts.
How Yoghurt Is Produced
Nowadays, yogurt is produced using the ferments that are more resistant to the gastric juice compared to “Bulgarian bacteria” or kefir grains. Once in the bowels, these ferments strengthen the intestinal flora even better. We all know that the intestinal flora can be damaged by unhealthy food, stress or irrational use of medicine. The ferments we talk about – “lactobacillus casei”, “lactobacillus lactis”, “lactobacillus acidophilus”, “bacterium bifidum”- promote digestion, stimulating stomach function, strengthen the immune system and help prevent infections.
The Effect of Kefir on Health
Kefir is also beneficial to the intestinal flora, eliminates harmful bacteria and helps restore the normal flora. Kefir strengthens the immune system, fights chronic fatigue and may help against the nervous system disorders. Regular drinking of kefir can help lose weight (that’s why it is a part of many sliming diets). And you can’t think of anything better to quench your thirst.
Healthy Substances in Yoghurt and Kefir
All the fermented milk products contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, natural antibiotics (that produces as a result of ripening process) as well as mineral salts, especially calcium, the vitamins B and vitamin PP.
Health Benefits of Kefir and Yogurt
- Improvement in the overall health and supporting longevity.
- Fighting lactose intolerance.
- Better uptake of proteins and fats.
- Restoring damaged intestine flora.
- Strengthening immune system.
- Prevention of bacterial digestive infections.
- Improvement in brain and nervous system metabolism
- Stress-releasing
- Lowering cholesterol level in blood.
- Remedy for diarrhea.
- A good treatment for colitis and gastritis and helps after stomach or bowels surgery.
You will feel the difference if you regularly drink one glass of kefir or yoghurt during the day and drink another glass before sleep.
