If you are not familiar with what Kvass is and why it is so important that we discuss it out of all the other beverages present. Just keep on reading. You will soon learn everything about this seemingly amazing and ‘healthy’ (Yes, you did read that correctly!) drink that has been making rounds over the internet for the same reason!
What Is Kvass?
However, you may choose to spell it, Kvass or kvas is a special type of non-alcoholic beverage. It originated in Russia and is considered to be a popular drink in that region. [1]
Kvass is prepared through a fermentation process that takes place naturally. Rye or rye bread is used as the raw materials for the process. [2]
Since it consists of rye as its only main ingredient. It is often sold after being flavored with different fruits, herbs, or honey. As per the drinker’s liking or taste, whatever and however, they prefer their drink. [3]
Is Kvass Alcoholic?
Since it is a popular beverage, it is common to consider it an alcoholic beverage or somewhere between its likes. However, Kvass is largely considered to be a non-alcoholic beverage. [4]
It is prepared all naturally and, therefore, is also sold ahead without any significant filtration processes. It is evident that it contains traces of yeast. Making it difficult to determine whether it has an alcoholic content in it or not to the presence of yeast. And so, because of this reason, many people like to call it a ‘low alcoholic beverage’, thus ending the debate altogether. [5]
However, the alcoholic content was not more than 1.5% in Kvass. But it all depends on how long the Kvass drink is allowed to stand and stay put. For it can also increase the alcohol content in it to up to 2.5% in some circumstances. [6]
Because of this low alcoholic content, Kvass is deemed safe to be consumed even by children and also the older adults who might otherwise want to abstain from drinking due to their underlying health disorders.
How Does Kvass Taste Like?
Kvass drink appears to be light brown and somewhat cloudy in appearance.
Regarding its taste, it is both sweet and sour. Some people related it to be close to beer, whereas some said it tasted more like kombucha.
Add in people adding more flavors or fruits to it – and that is how some people prefer having their pitcher of Kvass!
Is Kvass Healthy?
No, look again at the title! Isn’t it obvious what it is implying? Kvass indeed is a healthy and nutritious drink!
Lactose intolerance and allergies are less common because of the immune system’s beneficial effects of kvass. Certain phytonutrients in kvass might be helpful in reducing blood toxicity, making it an excellent choice for flushing out your circulatory system.
This is probably one reason why it is safe to be consumed by children, too – it must have some next-level healthy and wholesome effects that make it such an ideal drink. [7]
It boosts the immune system, alleviates lactose intolerance symptoms, and minimizes the occurrence of allergies.
Because of specific phytonutrients, researchers discovered that kvass could reduce toxins in your blood, making it a perfect approach to cleanse your circulatory system.
But, since many of you might be new to the idea of Kvass or would probably want to know what health benefits it contains, here is a detailed guide that will allow you to glance into the unseen potential of Kvass:
A Potent Probiotic:
Starting from where it all began, it is important to explore the reason why the title of this article is named so!
Since kvass is prepared using an entirely natural fermentation process, it is not hard to guess that some uninvited guests would be present within the drink, i.e., live bacteria and yeasts!
However, you do not need to worry about their presence at all. Research has found that the bacteria and yeasts present in the Kvass drink are in fat ‘probiotics’ and not the unhealthy ones that make you ill.
Probiotics are from that class of bacteria and yeasts that potentiate healthy impacts in your body. As in the case of Kvass, these impacts are seen in the form of Kvass providing essential nutrients such as Manganese, Vitamin B12, Selenium, and others that make sure that your gut stays healthy. [8]
These probiotics also help keep the unhealthy bacteria and other infectious microorganisms away from your body, making this drink a clear winner for all those who are consuming it!
Helps In Liver Detoxification:
Considering it to be an organic drink, Kvass contains many important phytonutrients in it. Betaine is one of such important nutrients. Betaine has important properties that help keep the liver healthy and optimized.
Consuming Kvass drink helps detox the liver, which is basically helping the liver carry out its function efficiently. It helps the liver cleanse off the free radicals, and excessive oxidative stress from the body – the presence of either of these entities is harmful to the body in the long term. [9]
Therefore, this is indeed a great benefit for all those who struggle with liver problems, for consuming a completely natural and organic drink like Kvass could help them stay fit and healthy as long as their liver function does not get compromised.
An Anti-Inflammatory Agent:
All the important components and nutrients present in Kvass also carry an anti-inflammatory potential in them. This potential helps in toning down the unnecessary allergies and diseases that once appeared, are difficult to tone down. [10]
Such inflammatory diseases are usually long-term and take their time in waning off. However, suppose the Kvass drink is incorporated into the diet plans of such people. In that case, it is not hard to guess that these people can experience a slower progression in their symptoms, owing to the power of the nutrients present in the Kvass drink.
Helps In Fighting Cancer:
Combine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Kvass together – and there you go! You have just successfully concocted the perfect combination that could help prevent or reduce cancer risk.
Therefore, incorporating both these properties of Kvass can help fight off different forms of cancers that might have developed in an individual. [11]
This is indeed great news for the people who are suffering from cancer, for it technically means that their risk of cancer progression can ultimately get somewhat reduced with the consumption of the Kvass drink.
Natural Blood Cleanser:
Thanks to the numerous nutrients and essential components present in the raw materials involved in making Kvass, it helps cleanse the blood effectively.
It is seen to direct the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body and, while doing so, makes sure that the blood is clean from all impurities and harmful wastes that might otherwise end up altering the metabolism and functioning of the circulatory system.
Final Verdict – Is Kvass Really Worth It?
It turns out that Kvass is indeed a power-packed, nutritious drink that provides a lot of benefits to the people.
Moreover, it is significantly lower in alcohol content. It’s easier to consume by those who don’t want to incorporate too much alcohol into their lives. Or want to stay away from any alcoholic content. It is often given to children as well. Mainly because they could benefit from its properties and because it is low in alcoholic content.
Originally belonging and also a famous staple drink of Russia, the Kvass drink is easily available worldwide. People have brought forth variations in this drink too. And one can easily enjoy it in different flavors or with added seasonings or essences that make this sweet and sour drink a treat for everyone who drinks it.
Regarding the benefits, it appears as if the Kvass drink can really help bring a change in people’s lives. It can help their bodies stay away from oxidative stresses. And free radicals and even clear off the risk of cancers in some cases.
All these benefits only end up making it a drink that is worth trying. So there is no harm in going ahead and consuming it. Either for the benefits or for the sake of trying out something new if you haven’t had it already! However, remember that it is a low alcoholic drink doesn’t mean that you can chug as many glasses of it as you want to. There is a limit to everything.
So, go ahead, give it a go, but take care not to overdo it. You will probably enjoy your drink and maybe even make it one of your favorites in no time!
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
- Polanowska, K., Varghese, R., Kuligowski, M., & Majcher, M. (2021). Carob kibbles as an alternative raw material for production of kvass with probiotic potential. Journal of the science of food and agriculture, 101(13), 5487–5497. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.11197
- Basinskiene, L., Juodeikiene, G., Vidmantiene, D., Tenkanen, M., Makaravicius, T., & Bartkiene, E. (2016). Non-Alcoholic Beverages from Fermented Cereals with Increased Oligosaccharide Content. Food Technology and Biotechnology, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.54.01.16.4106
- Dlusskaya, E., Jänsch, A., Schwab, C., & Gänzle, M. G. (2007, July 25). Microbial and chemical analysis of a kvass fermentation. European Food Research and Technology, 227(1), 261–266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-007-0719-4
- Pastell, H., Westermann, P., Meyer, A. S., Tuomainen, P., & Tenkanen, M. (2009). In vitro fermentation of arabinoxylan-derived carbohydrates by bifidobacteria and mixed fecal microbiota. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 57(18), 8598–8606. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf901397b
- Jargin, S. V. (2009, September 1). Kvass: A Possible Contributor to Chronic Alcoholism in the Former Soviet Union–Alcohol Content Should Be Indicated on Labels and in Advertising. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 44(5), 529–529. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agp055
- Clifford, T., Howatson, G., West, D., & Stevenson, E. (2015, April 14). The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease. Nutrients, 7(4), 2801–2822. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7042801
- Bati, V. V., & Boyko, N. V. (2016). The Microbial Diversity and Its Dynamics in the Ethnic Fermented Foods of the Black Sea Region. Mikrobiolohichnyi zhurnal (Kiev, Ukraine : 1993), 78(5), 53–64.
- Klewicka, E., Zduńczyk, Z., Juśkiewicz, J., & Klewicki, R. (2015, July 16). Effects of Lactofermented Beetroot Juice Alone or with N-nitroso-N-methylurea on Selected Metabolic Parameters, Composition of the Microbiota Adhering to the Gut Epithelium and Antioxidant Status of Rats. Nutrients, 7(7), 5905–5915. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7075260
- Park, B. G., Jung, H. J., Cho, Y. W., Lim, H. W., & Lim, C. J. (2013). Potentiation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cultured wild ginseng root extract through probiotic fermentation. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 65(3), 457–464. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12004
- Tan, M. L., & Hamid, S. (2021). Beetroot as a Potential Functional Food for Cancer Chemoprevention, a Narrative Review. Journal of cancer prevention, 26(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.15430/JCP.2021.26.1.1
