This type of water contains 500 billion probiotics, helps boost immunity and fight cancer.

This water is called kefir water.

Kefir water is a carbonated beverage, fermented from a mixture of sugar water and kefir grains. This drink is completely dairy-free. Even though it's called a grain, kefir is actually healthy bacteria and yeast. They are jelly-like, small, irregularly shaped, and pale yellow in color.

250ml of kefir water contains up to 500 billion probiotics, which help improve intestinal health and can support your digestion. Some of the probiotics found in kefir water include lactobacillus, lactococcus, streptococcus and leuconostoc.

1. Nutrition of kefir

According to WebMD, kefir water is made from kefir grains, which contain a variety of nutrients such as:

- Vitamin B12

- Calcium

- Vitamin K

- Riboflavin

- Folate

- Phosphorus

2. Health benefits of kefir water

Below are the outstanding health benefits of kefir water:

- Good for the digestive system

Kefir water is an excellent source of probiotics like Lactobacillus and Lactococcus. Adding these good bacteria to your diet can help alleviate digestive problems like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

An imbalance in your gut microbiome can cause you to have a “leaky gut,” which can lead to inflammation-related digestive diseases. Kefir water can help strengthen your gut barrier to limit inflammation.

- Regulate blood sugar levels

The strains of bacteria in kefir may help muscle cells increase their ability to absorb glucose. This helps your body better regulate glucose levels.

Additionally, studies show that kefir water can improve hemoglobin levels. This helps prevent anemia, which can lead to kidney complications if you have diabetes.

- Cancer prevention

Although current research is limited to test-tube studies, some studies suggest that kefir water may help reduce the growth of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer.

The anti-cancer effects of kefir water are thought to be due to the antioxidants in this water. Furthermore, kefir water is rich in probiotics, which may help boost immune function to potentially aid in cancer prevention.

- Enhance immunity

Thanks to its high concentration of beneficial bacteria, adding water kefir to your daily diet can give your immune system a powerful boost.

Studies show that certain strains of probiotics can help reduce the risk of intestinal infections, prevent recurring urinary tract infections in women, and even prevent respiratory infections.

Additionally, a small six-week study in 18 people found that daily kefir consumption may control inflammation and optimize immune cell levels in the body.

- Reduce the risk of chronic disease

Kefir water has the potential to treat obesity. In one study, kefir water caused digestive enzymes to absorb less fat and carbohydrates in animals.

Other studies show that kefir water can lower cholesterol levels by limiting the small intestine's ability to absorb it.

In particular, drinking kefir water may help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Kefir appears to reduce aldosterone production. High aldosterone is associated with high blood pressure.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of kefir water may help if you suffer from asthma or allergies. One animal study identified a specific probiotic in kefir that improved immune system function to reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.

3. Side effects of kefir water

Kefir water is safe for most people but can still cause some side effects, but the symptoms are quite mild.

Like other probiotic-rich foods, the most common side effects of kefir water are digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These side effects tend to decrease with continued consumption.

But it's worth noting that some studies link probiotics to an increased risk of infection in people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor before adding water kefir to your diet if you are undergoing cancer treatment or have a condition that can weaken your immune system.

Additionally, kefir water may contain small amounts of alcohol from the fermentation process. Children and people sensitive to alcohol should avoid this beverage.

Also note that kefir flavored with fruit juice contains added sugar. Limit these flavorings if you have diabetes or are trying to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.

4. How to make kefir water at home

The way to make kefir water is quite similar to the way to make kombucha tea, specifically:

- Use 1/2 cup (118 ml) of hot water with 1/4 cup (50 grams) of sugar in a jar and stir well to dissolve.

- Next, add about 3 cups (710 ml) of room temperature water to the jar along with the water kefir.

- Cover and place the jar in a warm place at about 68–85°F (20–30°C) and let ferment for 24–48 hours.

- The kefir grains can then be separated from the mixture and enjoyed and added to a new batch of sugar water.

- To enhance the flavor of kefir water, you can add fruit juice or mint to this drink.

Note: You can buy kefir in many places, but check the smell and color of the kefir. Good products usually have a pleasant smell and natural color. In addition, you should use glass bottles to ferment kefir, avoid using plastic bottles.

Before soaking kefir, you should make sure the tools are clean to avoid harmful bacteria from entering and spoiling your kefir water.

Some warning signs of spoiled Kefir water

When making your own at home, especially when first making it, you can ferment the kefir incorrectly and cause the fermented liquid to spoil. Some signs that can tell you that your kefir water is having problems:

- Smell: Spoiled kefir water often has a foul or strange smell compared to the normal slightly sour smell of properly fermented kefir.

- Color: If the kefir water changes color, especially if there are signs of mold, or there is a strange layer of scum on the surface, it may be spoiled.

- Taste: Kefir has a naturally sour taste, but if the sour taste is too strong or bitter, the product may be spoiled.

Texture: Kefir can sometimes have a light consistency, but if it becomes too thick or has an inconsistent texture, with the appearance of soft or hard lumps, this can be a sign of malnutrition. broken.

- Gas: Kefir naturally produces a slight amount of gas, but if you notice too many bubbles or a lot of pressure when you open the container, this could be a sign that something is wrong.