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THE MAGIC OF KEFIR: A REVIEW

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Pharmacologyonline 1: 376-386 (2011) ewsletter Gaware et al.

THE MAGIC OF KEFIR: A REVIEW

Vinayak Gaware*1, Kiran Kotade2, Ramdas Dolas3, Kiran Dhamak1,
Sachin Somwanshi3, Vikrant Nikam3, Atul Khadse1 Vivekanand Kashid 3

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik,

M.S, 422101.
2. Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik, M.S, 422101.
3. Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy Chincholi, Sinnar, Nashik, M.S, 422101.

Summary
Kefir is a cultured(fermented) milk drink.It is a complex symbiosis of more than 30 microflora that form
grains or cauliflower-like structures in the milk. In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast it is rich in
amino acids ,vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. It also has numerous antioxidant and
therapeutic properties.In the present review we have discussed the origin, production, consumption and
the health benefits of Kifer.

Keywords: Kefir, Probiotic,Yeasts, Yogurt

Address for correspondence:

Vinayak Madhukar Gaware
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy, Chincholi, A/P: Chincholi,
Tal: Sinnar, Dist: Nashik, 422101, (M.S), India
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile No: 09423572791.
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Introduction

Kefir (pronounced kuh-FEER) (alternately kefīrs, keefir, kephir, kewra, talai, mudu kekiya, milkkefir,
búlgaros), purportedly from either the Turkish "keyif" (joy/pleasure) or "kopur" ((milk) froth, foam), is a
fermented milk drink that originated with shepherds of the North Caucasus region. It is prepared by
inoculating cow, goat, or sheep's milk with kefir grains. Traditional kefir was made in skin bags that
were hung near a doorway; the bag would be knocked by anyone passing through the doorway to help
keep the milk and kefir grains well mixed. Dairy-free alternatives are available, such as coconut milk
kefir and soy milk kefir. In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins,
minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin
K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well
known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and
magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a
particularly calming effect on the nerves. The abundance of enzymes brings more health benefits,
especially to lactose intolerant people, many of whom can tolerate kefir without difficulty, as long as the
kefir is raw and not cooked (cooking destroys the enzymes) 1.

Historyo of Kefir
“Kefir” itself is a word with a Turkish origin “keyif” means joy or pleasure and “kopur” means milk or
froth. For the ancient shepherds of the Caucasus who originally discovered kefir, then, “kefir” was a
pleasurable, frothy milk drink.The shepherds stumbled upon kefir because they carried milk with them
in leather pouches. When the milk would ferment, it would become an effervescent and tasty drink.
Eventually the shepherds started making kefir on purpose by adding kefir grains to a leather bag and
hanging it near a doorway. Whenever someone walked through the doorway, they would often bump the
bag, thus “stirring” the contents.Legend has it that kefir was protected from outsiders for centuries.
Finally, however, a Russian lady by the name of Irina Sakharova convinced a prince in the Caucasus to
give her a few kefir grains in the early part of the 20th century. She started making kefir in Moscow and
ever since then it has been a Russian staple. In the last few decades, kefir has made its way west 2.

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Production

Production of traditional kefir requires kefir grains which are a gelatinous community of bacteria and
yeasts. Kefir grains contain a water soluble polysaccharide known as kefiran that imparts a rope-like
texture and feeling in one's mouth. Kefir grains cannot be produced from scratch, but the grains grow
during fermentation and additional grains are produced. Kefir grains can be bought or donated by other
growers. Kefir grains appear white to yellow and are usually the size of a walnut, but may be as small as
a grain of rice 3.

Kefir Grains Preparation

Kefir grains preparation is described in the papers by and Semih Otles and Ozlem Çagındı (2003).A
goat-hide bag, which was washed with sterile water, was filled with pasteurized milk and the intestinal
flora of a sheep4. It was shaken every hour and was kept for 2 days at a temperature of about 25°C.
During 12 weeks, each time the milk coagulated, three quarters of it was replaced with fresh milk. When
a polysaccharide layer developed on the surface of the hide it was removed and propagated in
pasteurized cow's milk where kefir grains developed. These were grown with fresh milk daily. The
historical source of kefir grains is not really known today; despite the paper of M. Motaghi et al. has
precise description of how to prepare kefir drinks from kefir grains in Iran.5

Different Milk Types

Kefir grains will successfully ferment the milk from most mammals and will continue to grow in such
milk. Typical milks used include cow, goat and sheep, each with varying organoleptic and nutritional
qualities. Raw milk has been traditionally used.In addition, kefir grains will ferment milk substitutes
such as soy milk, rice milk and coconut milk, as well as other sugary liquids including fruit juice,
coconut water, beer wort and ginger beer. However, the kefir grains may cease growing if the medium
used does not contain all the growth factors required by the bacteria.Milk sugar is, however, not
essential for the synthesis of the polysaccharide that makes up the grains (kefiran) and studies have
demonstrated that rice hydrolysate is a suitable alternative medium.6 Additionally, it has been shown
that kefir grains will reproduce when fermenting soy milk, although they will change in appearance and
size due to the differing proteins available to them.7

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The Science Behind Kefir's Claims

Manufacturers of kefir and consumers have believed in the benefits of kefir for a long time. These
benefits are so promising that kefir has gone from an obscure beverage sold only in health-food stores to
a mainstream drink now sold in many large grocery stores. Studies remain inconclusive about whether
kefir actually has the power to fulfill some of its claims, such as being able to stave off diseases or
significantly slow down the growth of cancer cells. More testing is needed to substantiate these claims.
Preliminary evidence does support the hypothesis that drinking kefir regularly is beneficial to the body
in many ways 8.

Vegetarian Protein Source

Kefir, along with yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, cheese and other dairy products, is a significant source of
protein for vegetarians and may be appropriate for those who are lactose-intolerant. Because kefir has
been fermented, the bacteria and active cultures in the beverage feed on much of its lactose during that
process, making it easier for the body to break down and digest the remaining lactose 9.

Good Source Of Probiotics

Kefir contains beneficial probiotics; bacteria that thrive in the stomach and help the digestive system run
smoothly. Research suggests that probiotics can prevent or even treat a host of maladies, such as irritable
bowel syndrome, yeast infections and Crohn's disease. Because kefir is made from grain instead of
typical probiotics made from dairy products, it's suitable for vegans 10.

Comparison Of Kefir And Yogurt

Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria, but kefir contains several strains of friendly bacteria not found
in yogurt - Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter species and Streptococcus species. Kefir
also contains beneficial yeasts, which help to control and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts. If you
suffer from Candida yeast overgrowth, you are suffering from these destructive pathogenic yeasts so
kefir can help destroy these and replace them. These yeasts also strengthen the intestines so they become
more resistant to pathogens such as E.coli11. Another benefit of Kefir is that it is very easy to make your
own at home, which saves you money. You can use milk, either whole, low-fat or non-fat, whichever
you prefer. You can also make kefir from coconut milk, soy, goat, rice or almond milk. Just be aware
that the fatter in your liquid, the thicker the finished kefir will be12.

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Consumption
Some find kefir too sour on its own and prefer to add flavors or sweeteners. Frozen fruits can be mixed
with kefir in a blender to make a smoothie. Kefir is sold with different varieties of fruit and flavors
already added, both in the organic/ecologic and non-organic varieties13. It is a breakfast, lunch and
dinner drink popular across all areas of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Poland (second
largest producer after Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland (especially with Russian and Estonian
minorities), Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania where it is known as an affordable health drink. It is drunk the
same way as milk, often accompanying pastries and other sweets. In Southern Slavic countries kefir is
consumed at any time of the day, especially with zelnik (zeljanica:Serbian), burek and
banitsa(gibanica:Serbian), as well as in cold summer soups14.

Delicious Ways To Use Kefir 15, 16

• You can eat kefir alone. You can season it with herbs and spices and spread it on such things as
breads and biscuits,
• As a smoothie. You can make a chocolate or summer fruit smoothie, my favorite is making
strawberry smoothies.
• In salad dressing. Just substitute kefir for yogurt in yogurt-based dressings.
• Add fruit, nuts and granola to your kefir milk for a delicious snack or meal replacement.
• As popsicles: Use the smoothie recipe provided in the link below. With an ice tray, insert
toothpicks or Popsicle sticks into each square after pouring the smoothie in. place saran wrap
over the sticks making sure each has stuck through the wrap to hold in place.

Health Benefits of Kefir 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

• Skin care
Kefir is a natural anti-oxidant. Therefore, it keeps the skin youthful and glowing. It is also said
to prevent acne, psoriasis and wrinkles. So, having kefir daily will keep you looking young for a
long time.
• Brain-enhancement
One of the important kefir health benefits is that it can enhance the functioning of the brain. It
is considered as a brain-food and helps fighting the stress. It also improves the focus, reflexes
and memory-retention power of the brain.
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• Digestion
It is a wonderful cure for stomach-related ailments. A great health benefit of kefir is that it
improves the digestion, preventing constipation. It helps in cleansing the intestines and
regularizing the bowel movements.
• Heart health
Kefir also helps in maintaining the health of the heart. By drinking milk kefir, you will clear the
vessels of the body and also regulate the blood pressure. This makes the heart healthy and fit.
• Respiratory system
Lungs too are protected by kefir. It is said to cure the respiratory problems right from the
common ones to the more complicated ones like tuberculosis. It plays a vital role in the treatment
of bronchitis and asthma.
• Weight loss
People who want to lose weight in a healthy way should thank kefir. It has probiotics which
speeds up the body’s metabolism. This, in turn, burns the fat quickly, leading to weight loss.
Workout will be more beneficial if you have kefir milk along with it.
• Stress-buster
People who have busy schedule greatly benefit from the Kefir health benefits. It is said to be an
excellent stress-buster. Just a glass of cold kefir milk or kefir water will detoxify your body and
relax you. Not only this, if stress is keeping you awake at night, having the milk is a good idea.
• The Lactose Intolerant
Regular consumption of kefir helps people who lack the lactase enzyme to digest dairy products
again. Some of the bacteria contained by kefir helps to break lactose down, so even those
deficient in the lactase enzyme can digest dairy.
• A Healthier Immune System
Kefir makes the body more efficient at destroying harmful pathogens, including harmful bacteria
and viruses. In addition, the study showed that the friendly bacteria in kefir can help destroy
tumor cells. The study hasn’t been repeated in the human body, but certainly there is good
evidence that kefir helps to fight cancer.
• Prevents against ageing
Kefir is rich in antioxidants which help the aging process to slow down by neutralizing the free
radicals by oxidizing them and reducing the impact of the damage caused to the body cells and
tissues due to them.
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• As an Antibiotic And Antifungal

Kefir has certain anti fungal properties; it proves helpful in treating conditions like psoriasis,
candidiasis (yeast infection) and eczema. It may be useful in similar conditions, candidiasis
(yeast infection), heart disease and HIV / AIDS.
• Anticancer agent
Kefir can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and can prevent certain type of cancers like colon
cancer, breast cancer etc. and reduce the size of tumors. A study published in the Journal of
Medicinal Foods in 2007 showed that kefir extracts have components that specifically target and
stop the growth of human breast cancer cells. For this reason, many women who have been
diagnosed with breast cancer are adopting kefir as an alternative to milk.
• Anti-inflammatory Agent
Kefir is also beneficial in treating a number of disorders like pancreatitis, gastritis, irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcers etc. Treats gum related diseases like periodontitis and cures
bad breath. Beneficial in treating bone related disorders like arthritis, gout, rheumatism and other
inflammatory diseases.
• Anti-Diabetic Agent
Kefir is beneficial for diabetics as it reduces the level of glucose in the blood and maintains the
normal blood sugar level.
• Provides vitamins to the body
Kefir contains rich amounts of vitamins like vitamin K, the B vitamins and important minerals
like magnesium and calcium. These minerals and vitamins are important nutrients required by
the body and regulate every internal organ in a proper manner.
• Reduces the levels of cholesterol
Regular us of kefir helps to reduce high cholesterol levels. It is thus beneficial for preventing the
occurrence of many cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.
• Prevention against toxins
Kefir plays an important role in protecting the body against the harmful effects of radiation and
other toxic pollutants. It thus helps to enhance the immune function. Regular intake of kefir
protects against the ill effects of ageing and helps to look younger.

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Side Effects 22
As beneficial as it may be, Kefir too can have side effects that vary in people. Some people may
have mild side effects while others will only experience severe one. Side effects of Kefir include
bloating, gas and gas pains, constipation, diarrhea, rash or even acne.

Some of the Known Kefir Health Benefits 11, 12

• Strongest natural remedy against any • Cures hypertension

allergy • Stops growth of cancer cells
• Strongest natural antibiotic without side • Speeds up healing process
effects • Treats psoriasis
• Treats liver disease • Treats eczema
• Treats gallbladder, dissolves gall bladder • Treats inflammatory diseases
stones • Reduces size of tumors
• Clears the body of salts, heavy metals, • Treats heart disease
radionuclide and alcoholic products • Reverses calcination of blood vessels
• Cleans the body of chemical antibiotics • Clears the blood vessels
• Treats kidney stones • Boosts the bodies energy
• Good bacteria in kefir are able to fight off • Natural “feel good” food
pathogenic microorganisms • Treats lung infections
• Lowers level of LDL cholesterol • Normalizes metabolism thereby can be
• Cleans the gastrointestinal tract used as for weight loss
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Cures acne
• Treats gastritis • Has anti-oxidants and anti-aging properties
• Treats pancreatitis • Nourishes hair
• Treats ulcers • Treats the gum disease parodontosis
• Prevents and treats colon cancer • Lessens effects of medicines
• Improves digestion • Replenishes body of good bacteria after
• Improves the body functions antibiotic
• Improves the human immune system • Balances the micro flora of the body’s
• Cures Candida digestive system
• Treats attention deficit hyperactivity • Regulates blood pressure

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disorder • Lowers blood sugar

• Improves the brains neuro functions like • Lowers blood lipid levels or cholesterol
reflexes, memory retention, attention, the and fatty acids
five senses • Treats diarrhea
• Reduces flatulence • Treats constipation
• Lactic acid fermentation enhances the • Promotes bowel movement
digestibility of milk based foods. People
who cannot otherwise digest milk, can • Anti-stress properties
enjoy the vital calcium rich Kefir. • Treats sleeping disorders
• Treats yeast infection • Treats depression
• Eliminates vaginal odors • Treats stomach cramps
• Cures wrinkles • Treats chronic intestine infections
• Treats arthritis • Treats liver infections
• Treats colitis • Treats asthma
• Treats gout • Treats bronchitis
• Cures migranes • Treats sclerosis
• Treats rheumatism • Treats anemia
• Treats other stomach disorders • Treats hepatitis
• Detoxifies the body • Healing effects on catarrh, digestive nodes,
• Improves protein quality of milk and astral nodes, bilious complaints
enhances absorption and digestion • Treats leaky gut syndrome
• Good bacteria manufacture B vitamins such • Prevents metastasis
as B3, B6 and folic acid. • Cures bad morning breath
• Aids in treating tuberculosis
Table 1: List of Some known benefits of Kefir

Conclusion
Kefir, the miracle food, is known as a superb probiotic source. With rich probiotic content, it
automatically has a positive effect on our bodies. Kefir and Kefir grains have been around for
centuries and centuries back and all for a good reason. The various health benefits of the Kefir
makes it a magical health drink.

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