People can now get their hands on a large kefir drink in stores that also helps boost the immune system and gut health
TV doctor shares how to reduce high cholesterol levels
Aldi customers can now benefit from a health-boosting beverage that’s known to help maintain cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The budget-friendly supermarket is offering a large kefir drink, renowned for its immune system and gut health-enhancing properties.
Retailing at an affordable price of £1.99, shoppers can grab a 750ml bottle of Beautiful Everyday Kefir in stores. The nutritious drink comes in two flavours – natural and mixed berries.
Beautiful Everyday Kefir is free from artificial sweeteners, gums or emulsifiers. Initially introduced to Aldi last summer, the supermarket has decided to bring it back this month as a permanent fixture on shelves.
Customers can purchase a bottle for 70% less than Marks and Spencer’s Brain Food Tropical Kefir Shot, which costs £4 for a pack of three 150ml bottles. Kefir is a tasty dairy drink packed with billions of live cultures, calcium, and a substantial amount of protein.
How does kefir boost your health?
This fermented milk beverage, made from kefir grains, is rich in calcium, protein, and B vitamins, reports Surrey Live. Its high vitamin B12 content contributes to a stronger immune system, making it an excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant.
Kefir, a fermented dairy product, is known to be a potent probiotic choice due to its hosting of up to 61 different microorganisms. It’s particularly rich in a probiotic called Lactobacillus kefiri and a carbohydrate known as kefiran, both of which help protect against harmful bacteria.
The anti-inflammatory benefits of probiotics, including those found in kefir, are well-documented. This fermented milk beverage also provides a great source of vitamin B12, enhancing your immune system.
As it’s packed with live bacteria and yeast, kefir aids your immune system in managing and preventing infections. However, if you’re on immunosuppressants that weaken your immune response, consuming kefir could increase the risk of illness.
Kefir is believed to help lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol levels, and improve triglyceride levels in the blood. Emerging research suggests that kefir may play a role in combating metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease.
A study conducted in 2023 examined how two different types of kefir impacted the health of individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels. One type contained the traditional kefir cultures, while the other did not.
Participants indulged in both types of kefir for a month each, with a break in between. The study showed that traditional kefir was successful in lowering LDL cholesterol, reducing inflammation markers, and improving endothelial function, all of which are beneficial to heart health.
Numerous studies underline the benefits of probiotics and foods rich in probiotics in easing digestive issues such as bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers. Kefir is also packed with calcium and fibre, which encourages healthy digestion and lessens bloating.
Regularly drinking kefir might also assist in weight loss. Its high protein content can help you feel fuller for longer, potentially leading to fewer calories consumed and possible weight loss.
Adding kefir to your diet could also be advantageous for those with type 2 diabetes. However, further research is required to back up these claims.
Experts propose that regularly drinking kefir could aid in lowering fasting blood sugar levels and managing other diabetes-related problems, such as insulin resistance and blood pressure. A review carried out in 2021 found that consuming kefir may help lower fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin levels, both of which are vital in managing diabetes.
A 2015 study delved into the effects of kefir and traditional fermented milk on blood sugar levels in diabetics. The findings revealed that those who consumed kefir had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels compared to those who drank regular fermented milk.
Diabetics are advised to scrutinise labels carefully and opt for plain versions without added sugars. Kefir is generally deemed safe for most, but those with milk allergies should steer clear unless they opt for a non-dairy version.
Despite the advantages of including kefir in your diet, it will only yield results if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly. The optimal ways to keep cholesterol and blood levels in check – and to sustain a healthy gut – include:
- following a balanced diet
- staying active
- quitting smoking
- maintaining a healthy weight
- limiting alcohol
- avoiding processed foods
- drinking plenty of water
How to make your own kefir:
Start by placing kefir grains into a jar. Typically, you’ll want to use about one tablespoon of grains for every cup of milk. Next, pour the milk into the jar, leaving a little space at the top. Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band.
Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 12 to 36 hours, or until it thickens and develops a sour flavour. Once ready, strain the kefir into a jug or bottle using a sieve or strainer. You can enjoy the kefir immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later.
