Product Description
Kefir contains around 60 unique species of probiotics, “good bacteria” that improve gut health and may aid in your digestive processes. The most common are lactobacillus, lactococcus, streptococcus, and leuconostoc.
Kefir is low in lactose, the sugar in milk. That means that you can probably drink it even if you're lactose intolerant. In fact, research shows that drinking kefir may actually help improve lactose digestion and intolerance.
One cup of low-fat kefir contains:
- Calories: 104
- Protein: 9 grams
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11.5 grams
- Fiber: 0 gram
- Sugar: 11 grams
Kefir is a good source of:
- Vitamin B12
- Calcium
- Vitamin K
- Riboflavin
- Folate
- Phosphorous
Health Benefits of Kefir
Kefir's probiotics and nutrients support digestive and gut health.
But drinking kefir may also benefit you in other ways too.
Supports digestion
Kefir can have as many as 61 strains of bacteria. Studies show these powerful microorganisms may help treat and prevent gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, some kinds of diarrhea, and ulcers caused by the infection H. pylori.
Improves heart health
Research shows that kefir can reduce damage caused by metabolic syndrome (multiple health conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease). Kefir helps lower your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol levels, and improve your triglycerides (fats in the blood). It may even help prevent future cardiac events.
Improves bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
Kefir is a good source of calcium, which you need for good bone health. One study found that people with osteoporosis who drank kefir milk daily showed improvements in their bone mineral density. Kefir is also rich in other bone-building nutrients, including vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Has antibacterial properties
Some of the probiotics in kefir may be as good at fighting certain harmful bacteria as antibiotics. Lactobacillus kefiri, which is only found in kefir, can even slow or stop the growth of dangerous bacteria like salmonella, H. pylori, and E. coli.
Helps manage blood sugar
If you have type 2 diabetes, adding kefir to your diet may help. Research shows that drinking kefir can lower your body's fasting blood sugar levels, and it may help you control other markers linked to diabetes like insulin resistance and blood pressure, but we need more research to know for sure.
Web MD
