What is coconut kefir used for In addition to cells, our bodies are made up of bacterial cultures. When healthy and in balance, our body is home to beneficial bacteria, known as probiotics. Beneficial bacteria strengthen our immune system, aid in the digestion of food, promote health, well-being and energy. Learn about some vegan recipes to increase these good bacteria in your body.
Probiotics also benefit a good mood and even mental health, since gut function has to do with brain health.
Harmful bacteria take up residence when health neglect and imbalances occur in the body, then the body becomes ill, developing infections, inflammation, digestive problems, food allergies, and various other illnesses.
Beneficial bacteria can be found naturally in the body, but can also be obtained through food. Dairy products (based on animal milk) are often said to be a source of probiotics, but in reality they are usually produced with additives and pasteurized milk, which itself reduces their beneficial properties. Additionally, there are excellent sources of plant-based probiotics.
These probiotic vegetable sources can be: fermented vegetables, vegetable yogurt, rejuvelac, tepache, kombucha, water kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and pickles, among others.
Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria and are foods like: onion, asparagus, garlic, bananas, and others.
Kefir is a good alternative to probiotics that can be made at home, simply and cheaply.
Follow along below for more information on kefir and more vegan ways to grow it.
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What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented beverage made with kefir “grains”, highly beneficial bacterial cultures that promote good digestion, gut health, immunity, as well as benefit the brain and improve mood.
The types of kefir
There are two types of kefir: milk kefir, made with the product of animal origin, and water kefir, which is the vegan option, also known as Tibico. This fermented is made up of several nutrients, with an emphasis on vitamin B12 and other B vitamins.
Kefir beans can be purchased through donations or online. There are several physical and virtual communities that promote the donation of kefir grains.
The basic way to culture kefir is in a mixture of water and brown sugar, allowing it to ferment for 1-2 days, then strain and consume. And, to maintain the “creation” of the kefir, a new fermentation process begins with the same grains that, over time, will multiply and, consequently, the production of this probiotic drink will be continuously maintained and can even donate the surplus grains. . Coconut kefir for use
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What is warm kefir or water kefir?
Tibico is also known as Water Kefir or Chinese Mushroom. There are indications that water kefir originated in Tibet. There was an occasion when Tibetan monks gave Tibico grains as a gift to Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who in turn took the kefir grains to Mexico and, with their use, wanted to save the poor and needy population. , who lived in places with few resources, where there was a lack of doctors and medicines.
Water kefir has also been used in the vicinity of the Caucasus Mountains, where the milk kefir grains originated from.
In various cultures, Tibisco beans have been fermented with lemon, raisins, or sugar.
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How to grow water kefir (vegan)
The culture of water kefir can be done with water, natural juice or vegetable milk.
Kefir grown with these three substances will have a different microflora than kefir grown on animal milk, so it will not have the same texture or flavor.
The kefir culture of the recipes that will be taught in this content, will be made in water with brown or demerara sugar, coconut water or coconut milk and you will culture with these ingredients, according to your preference.
Important note: kefir grown with cow’s milk only feeds on lactose, so for it to ferment and stay healthy it will only work if it is grown with milk of animal origin (cow, goat, etc.) and, in this way, It is no longer. Therefore, when buying kefir grains, it must be grown in water (Tibico).
(Vegan) water kefir feeds on glucose, so its fermentation occurs when it comes into contact with sugar water or a little sweet fruit juice, such as coconut, grape, and others.
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Coconut kefir for use
If you are going to culture kefir with coconut water, use fresh coconut water and not box.
Coconut water kefir will offer double properties, since coconut water itself is highly enzymatic, moisturizing, rich in amino acids and minerals.
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Coconut water kefir benefits
Coconut water kefir has the following benefits
improves health
regulates bowel function
fight intestinal infections
promotes energy for the body
help to lose weight
brings a feeling of satiety to the body
contributes to weight loss
relieves body pain
Because it contains coconut water, it restores the body’s electrolytes and hydrates it, as well as being a rich source of potassium and magnesium.
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Coconut Water Kefir Recipes
Basic Coconut Water Kefir Recipe
300ml coconut water
2 tablespoons kefir grains (warm)
Preparation
Place the kefir grains in a dry, sterilized glass jar.
Add the coconut water.
Cover with a clean, light cloth for fermentation.
Leave in a dark place for 24 hours.
Strain and store in the refrigerator.
Also know Kefir: benefits and contraindications
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kefir with coconut milk
Another very healthy and tasty option for growing kefir is coconut milk. Learn how to make vegan kefir with coconut milk. Here is the prescription:
Ingredients
2 tablespoons of kefir grains
350 ml homemade coconut milk
Preparation
Place the ingredients in a dry, sterilized glass. Coconut kefir for use
Cover with a clean cloth and let rise for 24 hours in a dark place.
Store in the refrigerator.
Another way to prepare is to add kefir whey to coconut milk to make vegan kefir grains.
Tips for Using Coconut Milk Kefir
You can use kefir with coconut milk in recipes for yogurt, ice cream, sweets, vitamins, smoothies, among others.
How to get water kefir grains
To get the water kefir grains, there is a group on Facebook, called kefir kombucha, vegetarian and vegan probiotic exchange donation picnics, in which there are members who offer water kefir donation.
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Also know
Remedies to regenerate intestinal flora
Probiotics and prebiotics: Benefits and contraindications
Sheep’s Milk: Benefits and Disadvantages
Homemade remedies and masks with yogurt
Properties of sauerkraut and how to prepare it
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