Coconut kefir is a probiotic drink made by fermenting milk or water along with kefir grains. It contains many bioactive compounds, yeast, and 30+ good bacteria [1].
Kefir is a tasty, tangy probiotic drink consumed for centuries in Asia. Traditionally it is made of fermented milk and kefir grains. Today, There are 3 types of Kefir – Milk Kefir, Coconut kefir, and Water kefir.
Kefir is extremely nutritious, helps fight against cancer and bacteria, relieves constipation, and has many other health benefits.
What is Coconut Kefir?
Coconut kefir is prepared by fermenting coconut water with kefir grains. It works as fuel for the good bacteria in your gut that helps to fight against bacteria and other harmful infections. It also stimulates digestion and benefits your immune system.
The Kefir is suitable for everyone, including vegans and people allergic to dairy products, as it is gluten and lactose-free. It contains all the nutrients in coconut water and is a good alternative to milk kefir.
Coconut Kefir Benefits
It is power packed with a lot of nutrients and minerals that provide many health benefits, such as:
Boosts Your Immune System
It is one of the best sources of probiotic food. The microbiome helps to fight against harmful bacterias salmonella and E.coli. The lactobacillus bacteria help to boost the immune system and fight against other infections [2].
The kefir also contains a powerful compound called kefiran, an insoluble polysaccharide that helps to fight against candida symptoms and heals external wounds [3].
Works as Digestive Aid
Kefir contains probiotics that prevent constipation and fight against disruptive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. The good flora in kefir also aids against pathogens due to the presence of probiotics in it [4].
It also contains lauric acid, which is helpful for digestion and protects you against stomach infections, worms, and viruses.
Good for Allergies and Asthma
The kefir contains probiotic that helps keep your hut healthy. This further controls your allergies and asthma. The natural microbiome boosts your immune system and helps to suppress allergic reactions [5].
Fights Against Cancer
Research studies show that kefir slows down the growth of tumors and their enzymatic conversions. The healthy bacteria in the body play an anti-carcinogenic role that helps fight against cancer cells [6].
It also has antiviral properties that play an important role in preventing cancers in their early stage.
Suitable for Lactose Intolerance and Vegans
As the coconut kefir is made from coconut water, it is safe for people suffering from or allergic to consuming dairy products.
It is lighter, refreshing, and gluten-free, suitable for people sensitive to gluten.
High Source for Potassium
Coconut is a rich source of potassium. The potassium level in kefir equals 4 bananas. It is an excellent source for maintaining bone health/density, lowering blood pressure, and reducing heart and stroke risks.
It is helpful with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. And can also help to prevent osteoporosis condition.
Coconut Kefir Nutrition Facts
Kefir is highly nutritious and contains Vitamins B12, Vitamin K2, Magnesium, Biotin, Folate, calcium, Enzymes, and probiotics.
A pack of 200 ml coconut kefir contains approx. 68 calories, 3 gm of proteins, 6 gm of carbohydrates, 4 gm of fat, and 0 gm of sugar and fiber.
The nutrition in coconut kefir has many benefits, such as it aids in the digestion of all food items, helps with aches and joint pains, improves vision, clears skin problems, etc.
How to Make Coconut Kefir?
Making this is quite easy. You only need two ingredients, kefir grains, and coconut water, to make the same.
Take a jar filled with coconut water from the green coconut. Now add kefir grains into it and put it aside for a day.
The kefir is ready when you see milkier color and bubbles on the top.
Coconut Kefir vs. Milk Kefir vs. Water Kefir
All the 3 types of kefir are equally nutritious, be it milk, coconut, or water kefir.
Milk Kefir
It is the most common form of kefir made from cow, sheep, or goat milk. The process of making the kefir is unique. It has a tart taste and creamy texture like yogurt. And it is highly nutritious but not suitable for lactose-resistant and vegans.
Water Kefir
Water kefir is made from sugar water or fruit juice. It has a thinner texture and a mild taste. And is a good option for smoothies or desserts.
Coconut Kefir
It is made from coconut water or coconut milk. It is gluten-free and suitable for lactose intolerant people as it contains no dairy products. The kefir is a good source of nutrition and has natural electrolytes.
Coconut Water Kefir Remedy
The kefir remedy is a tangy fermented live culture of coconut water and kefir grains. It has all the nutrients of coconut water and no added sugar.
It is a perfect drink for post-workout and has all the electrolyte and probiotic contents.
Highlights:
- It is full of live cultures
- Contains no sugar
- It is raw and unpasteurized
- Suitable for Vegans·
Bottom Line
Coconut kefir is a nutritious drink that we can make from coconut water and kefir grains. It is rich in amino acids, calcium, magnesium, enzymes, minerals, and other vitamins. It is lactose torent and suitable for vegans as well. Kefir is good for your gut and has many other health benefits. You can easily make it at home or buy it from a food store nearby.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Chen, H. C., Wang, S. Y., & Chen, M. J. (2008, May). Microbiological study of lactic acid bacteria in kefir grains by culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Food Microbiology, 25(3), 492–501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2008.01.003
- Carasi, P., Díaz, M., Racedo, S. M., De Antoni, G., Urdaci, M. C., & Serradell, M. (2014). Safety characterization and antimicrobial properties of kefir-isolated Lactobacillus kefiri. BioMed research international, 2014, 208974. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/208974
- Rodrigues, K. L., Caputo, L. R., Carvalho, J. C., Evangelista, J., & Schneedorf, J. M. (2005). Antimicrobial and healing activity of kefir and kefiran extract. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 25(5), 404–408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2004.09.020
- Hickson M. (2011). Probiotics in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile infection. Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology, 4(3), 185–197. https://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X11399115
- Yang, G., Liu, Z. Q., & Yang, P. C. (2013). Treatment of allergic rhinitis with probiotics: an alternative approach. North American journal of medical sciences, 5(8), 465–468. https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.117299
- de Oliveira Leite, A. M., Miguel, M. A., Peixoto, R. S., Rosado, A. S., Silva, J. T., & Paschoalin, V. M. (2013). Microbiological, technological and therapeutic properties of kefir: a natural probiotic beverage. Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology], 44(2), 341–349. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1517-83822013000200001
