Kefir and Health: A Contemporary Perspective

• Published in: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 2013-01, Vol.53 (5), p.422-434
• Main Authors: Ahmed, Zaheer, Wang, Yanping, Ahmad, Asif, Khan, Salman Tariq, Nisa, Mehrun, Ahmad, Hajra, Afreen, Asma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anticarcinogenic activity; antimicrobial properties; athletes; Bacteria; Beverages; Biological and medical sciences; blood glucose; carbohydrates; Carbohydrates - analysis; Cholesterol; composition; Control systems; Cultured Milk Products - chemistry; Cultured Milk Products - microbiology; Dairy products; Diet; Dietary Proteins - analysis; digestive system; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Fermentation; Food Handling; Food Microbiology; Food science; Foods; Functional Food; functional foods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Glucose; Health; Humans; immune system; infants; Kefir; Lactose Intolerance; Microorganisms; minerals; Nutraceuticals; nutrients; Nutrition; Nutritive Value; proteins; therapeutic effects; Trace Elements - analysis; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems; vitamins; Vitamins - analysis; Weight control; weight gain; yeasts
• ISSN: 1549-7852; 1040-8398; 1549-7852
• DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2010.540360

Kefir and its related products are renowned nutraceutical dairy products produced through fermentation of yeasts and bacteria naturally present in grains of kefir. The nutritional attributes of this self-carbonated beverage are due to presence of vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and some nutraceutical components. Antimicrobial activity, better gut health, anticarcinogenic activity, control on serum glucose and cholesterol, control on lactose intolerance and better immune system can be achieved through its regular consumption. Moreover, on the one side kefir is good dietetic beverage, and of particular interest of athletes, and on the other side the whole kefir is good for feeding small babies and pre-schoolers for good tolerance against disease and quick weight gain. Lots of works have been done on kefir from a health point of view. This study summarizes all the data that have been compiled to date. The purpose of this review is to gather information about microbiological, chemical, nutritional, and therapeutic aspects of kefir and kefir-like products to provide justification for its consumption. This review leads us to conclude that kefir begins a new dawn of food for the mankind.