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Why Kefir is Better Than Yogurt
Nutrition | March 08, 2017
I’m a huge fan of both kefir and yogurt, but, unbeknown to many, kefir and yogurt are not exactly the same thing.
Kefir is a fermented milk product that tastes and looks a lot like a drinkable yogurt. You can use different forms of dairy to make kefir such as cow, goat or sheep milk.
The difference between kefir and yogurt are the types and amounts of bacteria found in each one. Kefir contains a much more diverse group of cultures than yogurt. Kefir contains about 30 different strains of bacteria and yeasts, making it a very potent and varied source of probiotics (good bacteria).
Other fermented dairy products such as yogurts, are made from far fewer strains and don’t contain any yeasts.
Both yogurt and kefir have their benefits, but there are some significant components that make kefir superior to yogurt.
Supports Your Immune System
At this point, we’ve all heard of good and bad bacteria, and how essential it is to your gut health to have lots of good bacteria. Well did you know that over 75% of your immune system lives in your gut? In an age where people are on medications, taking antibiotics, using chemically filled sprays and sanitizers, and eating nutrient poor foods, our good gut bacteria can become severely damaged. Kefir is one of the highest probiotic foods you can eat, with several important probiotic strains, which strengthen your immune system! A study conducted at the University College Cork in Ireland, found out that taking high doses of probiotics protected against infection significantly better than antibiotics. Next time you get the sniffles, reach for some kefir.
Fights Cancer
According to The Center for Advancement in Cancer Education, one of the ways cancer develops is through exposure to carcinogens. We either absorb carcinogens through ingestion, or they’re created by an abundance of harmful bad gut bacteria. As you just learned, kefir contains one of the highest sources of good bacteria. According to the Journal of Applied Microbiology, these probiotics can help with detoxing the carcinogens, improving the death of damaged cells, hindering tumor growth, and strengthening the immune system. Even more, The Journal of Dairy Science published a study that evaluated the immune cells in mice, and discovered that regular kefir consumption helped stop the growth of breast cancer.
Relieves Digestive Issues
Due to the high doses of probiotics in kefir, the type of strands and the variety of enzymes this superfood contains, it can help restore the balance of gut bacteria. A study published in a Canadian medical journal found that probiotic rich foods can help heal IBS, ulcers and reduce bowel inflammation.
Build Bone Density
Osteoporosis is evaluated as the deterioration of bone tissue and is a massive problem in Western countries. Researchers of a 2014 study published in the Journal of Osteoporosis International, discovered that kefir works well for increasing the absorption of bone-building minerals of calcium and magnesium, which can improve bone density.
Private Member |
massachusetts, united states
Wow, I didn’t know any of this, thank you, I have been thinking about getting some when i saw that you were using it regularly.
I am going shopping!
Thanks for the info!!
Private Member |
usa
What she said ^^^Darlene. 🙂
Private Member |
I would like to encourage people to learn to make their own fermented products, including kefir. Its so much cheaper for me to make my own kefir than to purchase it in the store and I love mine extra fizzy which I seem to get with my homemade product as opposed to what you can buy at the store (the only exception is Ayran at the Turkish store which is super fizzy!). Just go on line, learn about fermentation and the microbiome and its health benefits (from depression and suicide risk to cardiac health). Buy your SCOBI (just google to find out what this is) or get it from a friend and start the process.
Private Member |
Totally agree!…..I make my own yogurt and kefir from raw milk I get straight from the farm. So much cheaper, I save tons and it is so simple to make.
Private Member |
Thank you Laryngospasm for the tip. I will strive to make homemade kefir
Private Member |
curitiba, parana, brazil
I do not drink milk so no use for me! I eat yogurt very few times, like twice in a week. I always look for lactose free yogurt or at least the most natural yogurt possible, with only two ingredients. I take kefir water daily in the morning. My kefir is cultivated in water with organic brown sugar. See you and take care.
Private Member |
san antonio, texas
Thank You for this article. I’m definitely going to add Kefir in mine and my family’s diet. I always see it in Whole Foods and thought it was a type of yogurt. 75% of our immune system resides in our gut! Wow! Will share this info.
Private Member |
My first time drinking kefir! I added a tbsp melted cacao butter with stevia, 1 cup kefir and a half cup frozen blueberries! I’m gonna try adding a little whey protein for next time. I’m in heaven with my new found dessert