The discount retailer is now selling kefir, a fermented milk drink that is packed full of live cultures, calcium, and protein – and has a number of health benefits
Home Bargains has introduced a new health drink to its shelves that claims to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For a mere £1.29 per bottle, customers can now pick up three different flavours of kefir drinks – raspberry, natural, and a tropical blend of passionfruit, mango and papaya.
Kefir is a tasty dairy beverage brimming with live cultures, calcium, and protein. Hollywood A-lister Margot Robbie reportedly incorporated kefir into her diet while preparing for her role in her blockbuster film Barbie.
Made from kefir grains, this fermented milk drink is packed with calcium, protein, and B vitamins. Kefir can contain up to 61 different microorganisms, making it a powerful probiotic option among fermented dairy products.
Research has shown that consuming 200ml of kefir daily for six weeks decreased inflammation markers, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Kefir offers numerous health benefits:
- Kefir is packed with protein to help keep you fuller for longer.
- It is rich in calcium and fibre, which aids digestion and bloating.
- It may reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease.
- It’s high vitamin B12 content helps support immune system.
- It is a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance.
This lactose-free beverage is rich in a probiotic called Lactobacillus kefir and a carbohydrate known as kefiran, which help protect against harmful bacteria. Probiotics are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, and since kefir is a good source of vitamin B12, it can boost your immune system.
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of probiotics and foods high in them for easing digestive issues. These can include bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and more, reports Surrey Live.
Studies have shown that full-fat kefir, a calcium and vitamin K2-rich drink, can boost bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The probiotic-packed fermented milk drink could also be a weapon in the fight against metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase heart disease risk.
Experts believe kefir can help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Adding kefir to your diet could be beneficial for those battling type 2 diabetes.
Studies have found that regular consumption of kefir can be helpful for people with high blood pressure. This is thought to be due to several mechanisms, including an inhibitory effect on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the subsequent relaxation of veins and arteries.
Regular consumption may lower fasting blood sugar levels and manage other diabetes-related issues like insulin resistance and blood pressure, although more research is needed. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, kefir’s high protein content could keep you fuller for longer, potentially aiding weight loss.
However, while kefir is brimming with beneficial bacteria and yeast that usually bolster the immune system, those on immunosuppressants should be cautious as it could heighten illness risk.
Clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer has given her take on the benefits of kefir, saying: “Kefir naturally provides live cultures, produced during the all-important fermentation process. The cultures help to restore the natural equilibrium of the gut, maintaining the delicate balance of healthy bacteria.”
She added, “Once the gut is well-balanced, not only will digestion run smoothly, but the immune system will also be well supported. Our overall health will also improve – 70% of the immune system lives in the gut.”
Echoing the importance of regular consumption, Biotiful Gut Health advises that kefir should be a daily staple within a nutritious diet that aligns with official recommendations like the Eatwell guide. A spokesperson from the company recommended: “We typically say a normal daily portion is 250ml, which is what is traditionally given to kids in schools in Russia.”
It is important to note that while incorporating kefir into your diet is scientifically shown to be beneficial, it isn’t a miracle solution. Before making any drastic diet and lifestyle changes, always speak to your doctor.
Check with your GP also for any underlying medical conditions if you notice the following symptoms, as they may indicate high blood sugar and cholesterol levels:
- Soft, yellowish growths or lesions on the skin
- Pain during physical activity, known as claudication, can indicate high cholesterol
- In men, arteries affected by high cholesterol can cause impotence
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
For more information about probiotics, visit the NHS website.
