The use of kefir at night: the benefits and harm, recipes

What is a glass of kefir at night - a useful habit or no more than a standard ritual, performed automatically and not bringing special benefits to the body? At what time it is better to use a fermented milk drink?

Kefir is better absorbed than milk, because thanks to special fungi it turns lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid. This significantly increases the benefit of kefir and makes it possible to use it even for people who do not tolerate lactose.

It contains vitamin A, vitamins of group B (B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12) and choline (B4), ascorbic acid.

The mineral composition is even more diverse, and is represented by:

• calcium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• zinc;
• sodium;
• chlorine;
• selenium;
• phosphorus.

Due to the peculiarities of production (fermentation under the action of the fungus) kefir has a positive effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to create the right microflora and suppress pathogens. This, in turn, is conducive to improving digestion, strengthening the immune system (most immune cells are in the intestines), preventing the development of intestinal infections, and improving the skin condition.

Good digestion - a pledge of the fullest and fastest processing of food, which allows to avoid the formation of putrefactive processes in the intestines, eliminate the feeling of bloating and heaviness, remove toxins. As a result, metabolic and lipid metabolic processes are accelerated. This acceleration is also due to the presence of thiamine (B1), which is responsible for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Kefir helps prepare the digestive organs for processing breakfast. It stimulates the synthesis of digestive juices, as well as increases appetite. Eaten in the morning the food will be better digested, charging energy for the entire first half of the day.

Often there is a question about whether this fermented milk drink strengthens or weakens. It turns out that it depends on the time that has passed since its production. Kefir, which is 1-2 days, has a laxative effect. Drink, from the date of manufacture of which more than two days have passed, on the contrary, it strengthens.

Kefir contains a lot of calcium, which is combined with vitamin C. The latter significantly increases the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium is needed primarily for the structure and strengthening of bones and teeth. Its deficiency also affects the condition of the nails and hair. In addition, this trace element, like protein, will be needed for the construction of muscle mass. It is not surprising that kefir is present in the menu of most bodybuilders.

The presence of vitamin A and B2 (riboflavin) is beneficial for the organs of vision, in particular, the retina. Regular consumption of kefir - one of the most effective preventive measures in the fight against cataracts.

Ascorbic acid, also present in the product, is known for its pronounced immune-strengthening and anti-cough effects. However, its effect in kefir is enhanced by the presence of vitamin B2. Sour milk drink is recommended to be sure to include in your diet during the period of seasonal colds.

A large amount of vitamins of group B speaks about the beneficial effects of kefir on the nervous system. Drunk at night, he relieves nervous tension, fatigue. Due to the presence of the amino acid, tryptophan drink gives a calm and sound sleep until the morning, facilitates the process of awakening.

In addition to relaxing the nervous system, kefir strengthens the heart, which is caused by the presence of magnesium and potassium in the composition. The heart rate is normalized, the conductivity of the heart muscle is improved.

At the same time the drink is not calorie, although it helps to suppress the feeling of hunger. It does not cause insulin spikes, as it slightly raises blood sugar levels. This is an important property of evening drinks for those who follow the figure. Also this fact makes it possible to receive kefir for people with diabetes, obesity.

Continuing the conversation benefits of kefir for losing weight, it is worth noting that it also has anti-edema action. And, although most liquids drunk at night, bring swelling in the morning, kefir does not cause this. Reviews help to conclude that a month at night using kefir and following the principles of good nutrition can lose at least 4 kg.

There are also kefir express diets, allowing to get stunning results in a short time. However, due to their aggressive action, one cannot sit on such a diet for more than 5-7 days and resort to it more often 1 time in half a year.

Finally, there are fasting days on kefir, which last 1-3 days. As a rule, except for kefir and water, during this period you can not use anything. Separately, it is necessary to allocate diets for kefir with greens. The dairy product becomes the basis of cocktails, where greens are added, including green onion feathers and cucumbers.

Women in the position is also very helpful to drink a glass of kefir daily before bedtime. Due to the richness of the vitamin and mineral composition, it will strengthen the mother's body and give the child all the necessary elements. Especially important in this case, potassium and iron. As you know, during pregnancy a woman's body actively loses calcium. At the same time, it is from kefir that it is best absorbed.

Iron helps maintain hemoglobin levels, which means better nutrition of the mother’s tissues, normal blood circulation between the mother and the fetus. This, in turn, reduces the risk of anemia and associated with preterm birth, entanglement with umbilical cord, hypoxia, miscarriages.

Magnesium together with calcium not only strengthens the heart (which is very important, because at the time of gestation the volume of circulating blood in the woman’s body doubles, and this is an increased load on the heart), but it also removes uterine hypertonus.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid in the beverage is essential for the fetus. She is involved in laying the fetal neural tube, the formation of the brain and spinal cord, and some other internal organs. The greatest need for this vitamin comes in the first trimester of pregnancy.

For men, kefir is useful in the presence of zinc in the composition, which is involved in the development of the main male hormone - testosterone. It gives energy, improves the potency and quality of sperm, which affects the ability of men to bear children, increases libido.

For those who play sports and build muscle, kefir will be an alternative to some protein supplements. As already mentioned, it contains easily digestible protein - the main building material for muscles. It is also important and a large amount of calcium in it - because the bones and joints of bodybuilders are subject to considerable stress.

Phosphorus in the composition is shown to improve cerebral circulation, and also allows you to quickly restore muscle. It reduces the amount of cortisol in the blood and increases the amount of growth hormones, normalizes sleep. Finally, it is extremely necessary for athletes "on the ground", because it improves the condition of the intestine, overloaded with abundant nutrition, accelerates the digestive processes.

Do not drink kefir for people allergic to the product.However, just above it is said that there is no lactose in the composition of kefir - a protein that often causes allergy in adults. Then what other allergic reaction can we talk about?

In this case, casein intolerance. It is also a milk protein, which is already present in the composition of kefir.

Lactating women kefir is useful, but you need to first assess the condition of the child. Skin rashes, colic or diarrhea indicate that it is better to postpone taking kefir. The fact is that the intestines of a newborn continue to form and are not always ready to accept enzymes that kefir is rich in. Although it is fair to note that this product does not apply to strong allergens.

During lactation, it is better for women to drink kefir, the production time of which is no more than 1 day. It almost does not contain alcohols, and in its composition less enzymes. If a child from the first days is prone to allergies, then the mother's acceptance of kefir is better to be postponed until the infant reaches four months of age.

Care should be taken kefir with kidney problems, with enuresis, because the product has a diuretic effect. It is harmful to drink kefir with increased acidity of gastric juice. Milk bacteria kefir only exacerbate the situation. Diseases of the digestive tract during the period of exacerbation, as well as a tendency to flatulence - all this is an excuse to refuse this product.

Children under one year old should not be given kefir, however, and at a later age the child should be offered a special children's product, the composition of which corresponds to the list of ingredients permitted for its age.

It is important that the drink is properly stored. The optimal packaging is glass or thermopack. But in plastic and polyethylene, the drink loses some of its beneficial properties, but it reacts, as a result of which the oxidation process proceeds more intensively.

Harm and poisoning can cause a product that was stored indoors. You can keep it only in the refrigerator at a temperature of from 0 to + 3C. Fermented milk products die at low temperatures. Frozen kefir is suitable only for adding to the dough.

Caloric content of a drink depends on the degree of its fat content. It is customary to distinguish 3 groups of dairy products, depending on the degree of fat content.

Fat-free is kefir with a fat content of not more than 1%. Completely removing fat from the product is not possible. An average of 40 kcal per 100 g of such a product is about 100 kcal per cup.

With a decrease in fat content, the chemical composition of kefir remains the same (except for vitamin A, which is practically absent in this product), but the protein content slightly increases.

Kefir with fat content of 2.5% is considered by many to be tastier than low-fat. The amount of fat in it increases, and the amount of proteins, respectively, decreases. Its caloric content is usually 53 kcal per 100 g of product.

According to its chemical composition, medium-fat kefir is identical to fat-free, but it already contains vitamin A. In addition, such kefir contains about 8 mg of cholesterol per 100 g. Recall that its maximum amount is 300 mg per day.

Fatty kefir with a fat content of 3.2% is called fat. By its nutritional value, it is identical to the medium one, the energy value is 56 kcal. This product contains the most vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene.

The fat content of 3.2 for kefir is the limit. With an increase in this indicator, the product turns into ryazhenka or clabber.

Often from friends you can hear that if you drink at night, you lose weight and improve the bowels. However, it is completely wrong to drink a drink and immediately go to bed.

It is better to drink kefir in the evening, an hour and a half before going to bed. Then he will also help to digest the dinner, especially if it turned out to be dense enough. If for some reason you did not have dinner, then you can drink a drink half an hour before bedtime, so as not to have trouble sleeping because of the feeling of hunger.

You can drink kefir every day, the main thing is not to abuse it. For an adult in the absence of contraindications, this dosage is 1 cup or 250 ml. A child of 2-3 years old can be given no more than 50 ml of drink, choosing the one according to age. After three years, you can smoothly increase the amount of kefir you drink, but not exceed the rate of 100 ml.

In pregnancy, it is better to drink the drink not at night, but in the morning. Having a diuretic effect, it will overload the kidneys, and the next morning can not avoid edema. Advice to use a fermented milk product in the morning is fair for people suffering from diabetes, kidney disease.

Kefir itself, consumed on a regular basis, will provide a significant improvement in the functioning of most body systems. However, there are recipes in which this drink, when mixed with other ingredients, has a targeted healing and strengthening effect.

Cinnamon is a spice that has the ability to lower pressure. She is very good with kefir, which, due to its ability to lower the level of bad cholesterol, also helps to normalize the pressure in hypertension. The tandem of these components gives a more pronounced effect.

At 250 ml of kefir, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and mix thoroughly. The drug should be allowed to stand for 5-7 minutes, after drinking in small sips 30-40 minutes before bedtime.

Cinnamon is better to grind just before adding to kefir. If there is no such possibility, then the ground product should be stored in an airtight container. Otherwise, its healing properties are markedly reduced.

Fat burning drink contains ingredients that increase thermogenesis. The latter implies an increase in the temperature of the flow of many processes in the body, improving blood circulation. This, in turn, activates metabolism, lipid metabolism. The extra fluids from the body go more actively, the food is better digested. All this gives the prerequisites for weight loss.

A cup of skim kefir will require half a teaspoon of cinnamon and ginger (ground) and a pinch (on the tip of a knife) of ground red pepper. All ingredients should be mixed and consumed on a daily basis instead of dinner.

The positive effect of this cocktail on the body is explained by the healing properties of each of its components. Kefir in it acts as a basis, enhancing the effect of the other components. It also improves digestion, provides an enveloping effect, speeds up metabolism, removes toxins and mucus.

Cinnamon also has beneficial effects on the digestive tract, speeds up the breakdown of fat and lowers blood sugar levels, which helps to prolong the feeling of satiety.

Ginger makes it possible to accelerate blood circulation and in many respects it provides the mentioned process of thermogenesis. Red pepper serves as an assistant to ginger. It has the same properties, but to a lesser extent.

In the evening, especially at bedtime, nutritionists recommend eliminating carbohydrates from the menu, leaving proteins. However, a quite popular drink for cleansing and slimming is kefir with bran.Despite the fact that the latter are carbohydrates, they pass through the intestines in transit, not digesting. This gives a cleansing effect - all toxins, slags that are removed from the body are collected.

Kefir also makes this process more delicate, helps to restore the microflora after such a cleaning. On a glass of product you need to take a teaspoon of bran, adding them, you need to give the drink to stand for 5-7 minutes.

According to the same recipe you can make kefir with fiber. The latter is sold in the form of powder or flakes. It is more convenient to use it, since fiber has a smaller fraction, it is well suited for a cocktail.

This drink is recommended to use, if you want to increase the amount of muscle. He can be drunk not only at night, but also after training, as a second breakfast.

For a glass of yogurt you need to take 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese and beat everything with a blender. You can put sesame or flax seeds. Those who are “on the ground” can make this cocktail with cottage cheese, adding to it a banana, honey, dried fruits or oatmeal. It should be remembered that the calorie content of one serving of a drink can reach about 400-500 kcal, which is equivalent to a full breakfast or dinner.

Prunes are known for their mild laxative effects. The basis of enhancing it will be kefir. However, it should not be bold, and since its production should not take more than 2 days.

Prunes before use, rinse and pour hot water. Leave for half an hour and then re-wash. Soaking will remove impurities and possible chemicals from the surface of the product. In addition, after soaking, the taste of prunes is revealed better, it becomes brighter.

Half a handful of prunes should be finely chopped and put in a glass of yogurt. Consume at night. You can put the ingredients in a blender and make a cocktail with it. Instead of kefir, a finely grated apple will do.

Due to the high caloric content and high sugar content in dried fruits, this drink is not suitable for people suffering from diabetes, obesity. Due to the ability to cause increased intestinal motility, prunes are not recommended during the last stages of pregnancy - the likelihood of increasing the tone of the uterus and preterm labor is high.

This drink is designed to get rid of worms and other parasites. Antigelmint action here demonstrates garlic. It destroys parasites and forces them to leave the intestines.

Kefir also protects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract from aggressive garlic essential oils and other elements of the composition. It also acts as a means of cleansing and removing toxins and waste products of parasites. Finally, it restores the intestinal microflora, which is inevitably affected by helminthiasis and similar diseases.

The drink is recommended to combine with garlic enemas, in severe cases - with specialized drugs.

About 5 cloves of garlic should be pushed through a press and mixed with a glass of kefir. Drink 1-2 times a day on an empty stomach. Due to the aggressive action of the drink, it is contraindicated for any diseases of the digestive tract organs, including in remission.

Kefir itself contains substances that have a calming effect, contributing to a better sleep. Honey helps to strengthen it. It is necessary to take a fresh, natural, liquid consistency. For a glass of yogurt enough 1 teaspoon of sweetener.

Kefir is recommended to take fat-free, since honey already significantly increases its caloric content. Sour milk should be warm or at least room temperature.

Kefir with sugar also helps to fall asleep in some way, as well as deceive the feeling of hunger.However, preference should be given all the same honey, as a more natural ingredient.

Cool sour kefir - a great option for quenching thirst. Strawberries and lemon help make it even more tasty and effective.

On a glass of drink you need to take a slice of lemon and 3-5 strawberries. All carefully knead and mix. It should be remembered that kefir with strawberries and lemon due to the high concentration of organic acids is not recommended for people with inflammatory processes in the digestive tract, as well as increased acidity of gastric juice.

See whether you can drink kefir at night, see the following video.