July 21st 2024.
Let's talk about the buzz surrounding kefir and its potential benefits for our gut. Fermented foods are having a moment right now, with everything from kombucha to kimchi and pickled goodies gaining popularity. And among these is kefir, a product that seems to be on everyone's minds and tongues these days.
Even Professor Tim Spector, founder of the personalized nutrition brand Zoe, has jumped on the kefir bandwagon. He recently shared on his Instagram that he has replaced milk with fermented dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and kefir. While some may argue that his opinion may be biased since Zoe just launched a kefir-based gut health shot with M&S, he is not the only one reaching for fermented dairy. Online searches for kefir have reached a breakout level and sales of drinkable yogurt have increased by over 15% in the past year, despite a decline in other dairy product sales, according to The Grocer. In fact, kefir has become such a staple that even the Tate Modern hosted a fermenting workshop earlier this year, solidifying its place as a contemporary classic.
But is kefir really an art form or just another wellness trend? First things first, let's define what kefir actually is. According to colorectal dietitian Sophie Medlin, kefir is a fermented milk drink with a slightly sour taste, similar to yogurt. It is made by introducing kefir grains, which contain good bacteria, into milk and allowing them to ferment the lactose, also known as sugar, in the milk.
Now, let's address the big question: is kefir good for our gut? As with other bacteria-containing foods called probiotics, it is believed that the microbes in kefir can colonize our gut and improve our gut health. Studies have shown that the live kefir bacteria can survive in our digestive tracts and reach the gut alive. This sets kefir apart from other fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha, which have not been proven to have the same effect. Medlin explains that the protein and fat in kefir may protect the good bacteria as it passes through the acidic environment of the stomach.
Improving our gut health with kefir can have a multitude of benefits, including potential improvements in constipation, heart health, and bone health. Medlin is also happy to see that kefir is bringing dairy back into the spotlight. "From a nutrition perspective, it's great to see dairy - which was demonized for so long - making a comeback through kefir," she says.
But Medlin also cautions against replacing all dairy with kefir. She believes that there is no need to be afraid of non-fermented dairy, which has been shown to be beneficial in long-term studies. While kefir can be a great addition or substitute for yogurt in dishes like smoothies or overnight oats, it may not be as enjoyable in tea or coffee.
On the other hand, there are signs that our gut may not be as healthy as it should be, such as bloating, unintentional weight fluctuations, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, high-sugar diets, sugar cravings, and skin irritations. In these cases, incorporating kefir into our diet may be beneficial. However, Medlin warns against overdoing it with bacteria-heavy products, especially for those with sensitive guts. It's best to introduce kefir slowly and in small amounts, to avoid any potential digestive issues.
The health benefits of kefir are likely the driving force behind its cult-like status, as more and more people become interested in wellness. But this isn't the only reason for the rise of fermenting communities popping up all over the country. Medlin advises caution when experimenting with kefir at home, making sure to keep everything clean and sterile to avoid introducing harmful bacteria into the mix.
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[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
