Coconut kefir is a probiotic drink that comprises coconut water fermented with kefir grains. This means that it contains good bacteria that contribute a great deal to improving your health. Even better, this fermented beverage is both lactose-free and gluten-free, which makes it a suitable drink for people with lactose intolerance and celiac disease respectively, as per the Mayo Clinic. To prepare this drink, you simply need to mix coconut water and kefir grains, stir, and culture the mixture at an appropriate temperature for at least 12 hours. The health benefits of fermented coconut kefir grains include:
Boosts Immunity
This beverage contain a variety of immune-boosting probiotics including, among others, Lactobacillus kefiri, which helps fights harmful microbes such as E. coli and salmonella. It also contains kefiran, an insoluble polysaccharide that contains anti-microbial properties.
Fights Cancer
Coconut kefir contains anti-carcinogenic properties, which means it can fight cancer cells. To give you an idea, a study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) shows that kefir can slow down the development of tumors and their conversion from non-cancerous to cancerous. Other studies have proved that kefir can reduce breast cancer cells by over 50%. On the other hand, coconut water contains anti-viral properties, which can help a great deal in fighting malignant tumors in the body.
Alleviates Asthma and Allergies
Scientific studies have linked allergic reactions and diseases, such as asthma, to internal inflammation and bad gut health. According to the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), kefir is one healthy food that can alleviate allergic reactions by reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the respiratory system. It is worth noting this this beverage not only reduces inflammation, but also prevent diseases associated with inflammation such as chronic peptic ulcer. Additionally, it also prevents the buildup of mucus in the air passages.
Improves Digestion
The digestive tract contains 300 to 500 different species of bacteria which aid digestion and keep your gut healthy. Even so, some of these bacteria are harmful, and they disrupt digestion, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. Regular consumption of coconut kefir can help boost the good gut microbiome and hence, improve digestion.
Conclusion
These are some of the health benefits of coconut kefir grains. Even so, ensure you consult your doctor before consuming this drink, especially if you are using high blood pressure medications or have diabetes. This is due to the effects that coconut kefir has on blood pressure, blood sugar, and other biological parameters.