Coconut Kefir : The New Superfood – Health Benefits and How to Make It at Home

Kefir is a fermented beverage, which has many anecdotes to its claim. Kefir was written by Marco in its diaries and it was also believed to have been a gift of the Prophet Mohammed.

One of the most fascinating tales about kefir is in association with the Russian temptress Irina Sakharova who was sent to enchant a prince of Caucasus to know the secret of kefir.

In today’s time, kefir still continues to be popular all over the world as a refreshing and healthy beverage. However, coconut kefir is a new entrant claiming to overshadow the health benefits of the traditional kefir with the tasty combination of flavor of coconut water and benefits of kefir and is thought to be a superfood game changer.

Coconut water is the liquid found within the green coconut when it is cracked open. It is slightly cloudy or can be clear looking with a distinct coconut flavor. Coconut water is different from coconut milk, which is made from grated coconut meat taken from a brown mature coconut. Coconut water has many beneficial ingredients, such as minerals, potassium, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins.⁽¹⁾  It has zero cholesterol and is low in fat.

Coconut water also has contains minerals and electrolytes, which are beneficial to the body and to the function of cells in the body. It can also act as a replacement drink when electrolytes are lost through diarrhea, vomiting or sweating. In places where there were no medical sources, pure coconut water has also been used as an intravenous fluid for critically ill people.⁽²⁾

The traditional kefir is manufactured from the milk of goat, cow or sheep, which is then fermented using kefir grains.^{(3, 4)} These grains are not cereal grains or plant seeds, but are a combination of different ingredients consisting of: yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, proteins, sugars and lipids. A gelatinous substance is formed with these ingredients resulting in live and active cultures, which are like those present in a sourdough bread starter. Fermentation occurs when the kefir grains are mixed with coconut water or milk in a manner similar to yogurt, buttermilk and sour cream.

Coconut kefir is nothing, but coconut water which has been fermented using kefir grains. Similar to dairy kefir, coconut kefir also acts as fuel for the beneficial bacteria in the GI tract. The good bacteria help in fighting the harmful bacteria along with any infection. Other benefits of coconut kefir include enhancing the immunity and stimulating digestion.

The nutrients that are present in coconut water are also found in coconut kefir. The only negative side being that coconut kefir has more sodium than other forms of kefirs, and a lot of its calories are derived from sugar. With that being said, coconut water kefir is the new emerging superfood with the following health and nutritional benefits:

Coconut kefir has the same amount of potassium as a banana. Potassium is beneficial in preventing the bone mineral density loss and also decreases the risk of osteoporosis. One study shows that increased dietary potassium is linked with decreased risk of stroke and reduced death rate in older women from any cause.⁽⁵⁾ One more study shows that potassium helps in protection of men from stroke.⁽⁶⁾

The live bacteria or yeast are probiotics which line the GI tract. These healthy bacteria help in countering the effect of the unhealthy bacteria and prevent them from entering body and residing in the gut. Probiotics in coconut kefir helps in balancing the pH of the intestines and help with digestion.

An article shows that probiotics helps in preventing and treating various conditions, such as: urinary tract infections, diarrhea, bacterial vaginal infections, respiratory infections and some features of inflammatory bowel disease.⁽⁷⁾

The coconut water kefir is not produced from dairy and is made with coconut water and is well tolerated by those individuals who are lactose intolerant. Coconut kefir is also gluten-free thus increasing its popularity and suitability for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

This nutritious and tasty drink can be bought at various stores and you can make it at home also.  For making coconut kefir at home take a packet of kefir grains and mix it with coconut water taken from green coconuts. This concoction should be left to sit for around 24 hours till it becomes slightly milky in color with bubbles forming on the surface.

Irrespective if the coconut kefir is store bought or made at home, there is no denying its health benefits. Unlike the traditional kefir, coconut kefir is dairy free and is well tolerated by lactose intolerant and gluten sensitive individuals making it one of the game changing superfood in the food industry.

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Also Read:

• What is Kefir, Know its Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits and its Side Effects
• Kefir vs. Kombucha: Which One Of The Two Is Healthier?
• Yogurt vs. Kefir : A Nutritional Comparison and Health Benefits