The Best Time To Drink Kefir For Maximum Benefits
Kefir is an ancient drink that has found its way into modern healthy lifestyles since it was found in traditional kitchens. Kefir is probiotic-rich and is crafted with the help of kefir grains, a mixture of nourishing bacteria and yeast, which ferment either milk or water to make a tangy, nutritious drink.
There is a wide variety, beginning with kefir milk and moving to kefir yogurts and even water kefir, all have their special health advantages.
Knowledge of kefir in Peshawar and the presence of kefir grains in Pakistan have been increasing steadily. Many individuals are exploring answers to what kefir is, how to make kefir, and how to incorporate it into their everyday lives. However, there does exist one recurring doubt, which is when to drink kefir so as to avail its optimum benefits.
What is Kefir and What are the Varieties?
Kefir is more or less a fermented beverage that may be produced on both dairy and non-dairy bases. The most popular ones are the two types:
Kefir Milk
It is prepared by fermenting cow, sheep, or goat milk with kefir grains. It tastes a bit like sour yogurt, but it is thinner and more probiotic-rich.
Water Kefir
An alternative to dairy drinks that is created as a water kefir drink using sugar water or coconut water and kefir grains. It has fewer calories, is slightly carbonated, and is ideal for tummy problems that affect lactose-intolerant people.
They also like kefir yogurt, a thick, spoonable variation, which is fermented milk that lies longer than the rest.
At a Glance: Kefir Benefits
Most of the increased popularity of kefir can be attributed to its varied health benefits. The following are just some of the best reasons why you should incorporate it into your food:
- Promotes Gastrointestinal Health – The probiotics in kefir have the ability to replenish and renew it, and keep the gut microbiome in good health.
- Improves Immunity – Daily use can also enhance your immunity so that you may resist infections.
- Highly Nutritious – Kefir is loaded with protein, calcium, B vitamins and good enzymes.
- Potential to Improve Lactose Digestion – Kefir grains degrade the lactose in the milk in many fermentations and the milk is therefore more easily digested.
- Promotes Weight Control – High protein means staying full longer.
When to Drink Kefir
Although you can take kefir at any time of the day, there are specific times that it can be taken to boost the effects of this beverage according to your expectations.
- Morning – To Prepare You, Digest You, Energy
You can wake up with a probiotic kickstart to the day once you take kefir in the mornings. The healthy bacteria would be able to assist in digestion, help absorb nutrients, and assist in the regularization of the movements of the bowel. You can even use kefir yogurt or kefir milk as a breakfast food in the morning, which makes an adequate meal when combined with fruits or oats. - Prior to Meals – To Best Facilitate Digestion
Consuming around 30 minutes before a meal can make your digestive system ready because it promotes the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can especially be useful to individuals that can often feel bloated or suffer from indigestion. - After Exercise – Mechanically
Kefir is such a suitable drink after working out as it has protein, electrolytes, and probiotics. After the exercise exerciser can drink water kefir and be rehydrated with your kefir milk and can help repair muscles. - Before Bed – To Relax and To Help Gut Health
Others swear by the benefits of having kefir at night, especially kefir milk, leading to a relaxed sensation and improved sleep quality. Probiotics are able to even the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract during night hours, helping the process of digestion at the same time.
The Way to Prepare Kefir at Home
It is surprisingly easy to make kefir when kefir grains are available.
- Kefir Milk: Put the grains in some milk and loosely cover it and ferment it at room temperature over a period of 24 hours. Filter your grains and keep your drink in the refrigerator.
- Water Kefir: Substitute milk with sugar water or coconut water and proceed in much the same fashion.
When you are in Peshawar, there is now easier access to stock kefir grains in Pakistan with local suppliers such as KefirBuy as well as online health stores. Use the fresh grains preferably, or, when dry, reactivate the grains and use them.
How to Use Kefir in Your Diet
You may have kefir undiluted or you may add flavours to it. Add different things like honey, fruits, cinnamon or herbs. Kefir could also be applied in the form of a smoothie, salad dressing, or it could even be used in baking.
It does not matter which one of them you eat as breakfast, a snack, or a refreshing drink; the main idea is to keep using it regularly.
FAQ on Kefir
Is kefir yogurt?
No. Kefir yogurt may be thicker, spoonable and regular kefir is drinkable. They both have probiotics in them however, kefir usually has more types of helpful bacteria.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a fermented drink produced from kefir grains, consisting of a combination of bacteria and yeast. These grains are used to ferment milk or water to create a sour probiotic-filled drink.
What are water kefirs?
Water kefir is a non-dairy substitute of milk kefir, which is prepared simply by fermenting sugar or coconut water using kefir grains. It is a bit fizzy and becomes a good option for people who do not indulge in dairy.
What is the way to make kefir at home?
Pour kefir grains into milk or sugar water and seal it and allow fermentation at room temperature overnight (24 hours). The grains are strained with the drink kept in a fridge.
I want to know where to get kefir grains in Pakistan
Kefir grains are available in Pakistan via health food stores, online stores, and wellness groups. In Peshawar, you can conveniently get them from KefirBuy in both dehydrated and fresh forms.
What are the principal kefir benefits?
Kefir aids digestion, strengthens the immune system, supplies vital nutrients and can be used in weight control and in lactose digestion.