If you were born and raised in an Occidental culture, chances are that you have never ever heard of the word kefir in your life. And now is a good moment to start talking about this. Even if most people don’t know about kefir in America, it is quite popular in many parts of Europe and Asia, especially the Near East. Kefir is a dairy product that is basically fermented milk with a variety of yeast and bacteria strands; in many ways, it is similar to drinkable yogurt. You can make kefir from different types of milk, including cow, goat and sheep; but also use products of vegetable origin such as soy milk, rice and coconut water. For this reason, there are varieties of kefir that are vegan friendly. Kefir is very well regarded for its beneficial properties for our health and its high nutritional value. Here is a list of 10 powerful kefir benefits that will really make you think it is a miracle come true.
1. It’s good for your bones
Calcium deficiency and poor absorption are among the main causes of the widespread osteoporosis and bone fragility that affect many countries of the world. A good nutrition, combined with components that enhance nutrient absorption, is fundamental for the health of our bones, especially at an advanced age. Kefir is great to protect our bones and help make them stronger and more resistant, thus preventing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Just as any dairy product, kefir has high concentrations of calcium, but that’s not all. Kefir also has bioactive components that increase the absorption of calcium through our larger intestines, such as vitamin D. Other minerals and nutrients that help protect and strenghten our bones and are present in kefir in big concentrations are vitamin K2, magnesium and phosphorus. Drinking kefir alone or combining it with a healthy dish or salad can work wonders with your bones.