Water kefir: benefits, properties, and recommendations

Drinking water kefir daily is a pleasure, because it tastes good and is easy to prepare. Doing so, even in small quantities, as part of a healthy lifestyle and an anti-inflammatory diet in which a varied and balanced diet is followed, supports the intestinal microbiome and improves the immune system. Below we explain what water kefir is, and what are its benefits and properties.

Water kefir is a probiotic and refreshing drink that benefits the body. It is also a healthy alternative to:

• Probiotics that contain caffeine, such as kombucha.

• Dairy-based probiotics, such as milk kefir.

• Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks.

• Alcoholic beverages, since it does not contain alcohol.

Water kefir is fun, as it is a carbonated beverage, but it also provides fantastic health benefits as it is rich in nutrients and suitable for vegans. This fermented beverage is becoming increasingly popular. Have you tried it?

What is water kefir?

Water kefir, although it is a trend nowadays, originated in the 19th century. It is a beverage prepared by adding kefir grains to sugar water. The grains are cultures of bacteria and yeast, which ferment for 24 to 48 hours, producing a probiotic-rich carbonated beverage that is tasty and packed with benefits.

Unlike milk kefir, it can be drunk by those who avoid dairy consumption. Also, because it is made with water, it is easily flavored with fruits, herbs and spices.

What types of probiotics does water kefir include?

Probiotics can vary depending on the exact composition, although some of the strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgarico, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens kefir granum, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides cremoris or Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

In total, there can be dozens of different strains of bacteria and yeasts in each glass of water kefir, which is why it is considered to be one of the best sources of probiotics available.

Preparation of water kefir and recommendations for use

To prepare water kefir at home, you only need the following ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• Approximately 100 grams of kefir grains

• Between 50 and 100 grams of sugar, better if it is organic.

You can add the peel of some fruit, such as lemon or orange.

Then, you have to start the fermentation process following these steps

1. Dissolve the sugar in 2 dl of boiling water.

1. Then pour it into a large glass container along with 8 dl of water and the citrus peel of your choice.

1. Stir so that the sugar dissolves completely and then pour in the water kefir grains, covering the mouth of the container completely with a clean cloth, which should be sealed with the help of a rubber band, to prevent it from moving and more air from entering or escaping.

1. Allow the fermentation to progress for 48 hours.

1. At that time, it is strained with the help of a cotton cloth over a plastic strainer, as it should never come into contact with metal.

1. The liquid is then poured into a bottle and the kefir grains are set aside (which you can use to prepare a new batch without waiting).

Water kefir can now be drunk as is, kept for a few days in the refrigerator, or flavored in what is called the secondary fermentation. For the latter option you need fruit or berries. The way to get it is:

1. Pour the water kefir into a glass bottle with a tight closure.

1. Incorporate some fruit, fresh or frozen, making sure that the bottle is not filled to the brim and that there is room a little at the top.

1. It is optional to add 1 more tablespoon of cane sugar.

1. Close the bottle with a lid and leave it for 24 hours.

1. After that time, put it in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days and it will be ready to drink, delicious and with a slightly bubbly appearance.

Risks and contraindications for water kefir

Second fermentation should be handled with care and always in sturdy containers where the pressure can escape, as there is a risk of glass bottles breaking.

Another potential risk is the appearance of alcohol in water kefir. Water kefir contains yeast cells that feed on simple sugars that are converted to alcohol under oxygen-free conditions. Yeast cells are also found on the surface of the fruit, which also contains many simple sugars. When both fermentations are combined, larger amounts of alcohol can be formed. Avoiding this risk is a matter of common sense. If kefir tastes or smells of alcohol, then it contains alcohol and should not be served to people who cannot tolerate it.

Water kefir: important benefits

Water kefir has many vital benefits for the body:

• Improves intestinal health. Water kefir is full of probiotics (good bacteria) and are an even more important source than yogurt, due to the diversity of yeasts and bacteria it contains.

• Supports the immune system. Due to the high volume of probiotics, water kefir can give your immune system a real boost and prevent recurring infections, some cancers and can even suppress inflammatory responses to asthma.

• Helps maintain a healthy weight. Water kefir has fewer calories than other beverages, which you can substitute by reducing your calorie load right away. But water kefir can support weight loss for another important reason. Science has shown that gut health, which is linked to the flora of good bacteria present, also affects appetite, metabolism, food intake and body weight.

Clearly, water kefir has many benefits. It is full of healthy probiotics and is easy to prepare at home. It is a delicious carbonated beverage that can replace sugary sodas and juices. Although its benefits can be multiplied, do you know how?

Silicon supplements are the best complement to the beneficial effects of water kefir, as they help to take care of the body inside and out, being especially effective in the fight against free radicals.

And, to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance even longer, nothing better than combining both with natural topical skin care products with products that are also natural, such as Silicium Rose Musky.