Learn about the history & benefits of Kefir, discover recipes and find kefir grains
Showing posts with label kefir health benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kefir health benefits. Show all posts
Tibicos
Tibicos can be found in many places, and it is said that the properties of each tibicos culture varies according to its origin. The tibicos health benefits, however, are universal.
What are they, then? Tibicos are a culture of bacteria and yeast mixed in polysaccharide. They are a whitish / yellow mass, with the appearance of crystals. Colorful aliases include: tibi, Japanese water crystals and California Bees. Others call it water kefir grains or sugar kephir. There are also many stories concerning the tibicos benefits and the tradition of giving them to others: one of those stories tells how Mother Theresa of Calcutta once traveled to Tibet to gather tibicos to help heal the poor and needy.
As with kombucha, tibicos can have benefits for anyone who can't consume dairy products, as the water kefir provides the same probiotics as dairy / tea cultured products.
It is apparently beneficial against migraines and arthritis, plus problems of the digestive system, circulation, muscular, and of other organs (liver, lungs and kidneys).
It's on my list of things to try.
EDIT: On a very important note, a reader reminded me that to ensure quality of the tibicos, one should prepare a tibicos culture with attention to having water as pure as possible. That means avoiding soap residues, chlorine, tap water, and the likes. Thanks for the heads-up, Jane!
Kefir Health Benefits
By now, if you have been following my blog, chances are you know a bit about kephir already. So, let's take a look at what actual benefits lead to try this amazing fermented drink.
What kefir health benefits are there?
- Kephir has antioxidant properties, which help reduce aging effects (!)
- Kephir is said to help reduce nervousness (a must, for me)
- It contains living microorganisms, which help with digestion and with the intestinal process (promotes regular bowel movement)
- Provides you with several vitamins, proteins, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus
- Helps your immune system, and its antimicrobial properties assist in fighting infections
And these are just the main kefir health benefits. Note though, if you are lactose intolerant, you have a choice between milk kefir grains and water kefir grains. Read previous posts to know more about what to consider when choosing, lactose intolerance isn't necessarily impeditive of taking milk kefir (consult your doctor first for advice, as well... better safe than sorry).
In short, kephir is associated with the prevention or at least reduction of several maladies: respiratory and allergy problems (asthma, allergies, acne, bronchitis, ...), skin problems (such as acne), depression, hypertension, sleep disorders & chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive or intestinal problems, and diabetes.
There are a few studies that have been and are being conducted to assess kefir health benefits, but for now it hasn't reached mainstream level. For now, those who tried it keep at it for the kefir health benefits they already have, and tell about them to their friends :)
As it should be, then each person can decide for herself!
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