Probiotic water start with water kefir grains, which are not actually grains but rather a mixture of bacteria and yeast that produces small, rubbery “grains” that resemble cooked quinoa or small tapiocas. probioticseverything.com
So, what is probiotic water, exactly?
These grains are used to make water kefir (probiotic water), a beverage created by mixing kefir grains with organic sugar water at home. The grains, also known as California bees, tibicos, or Japanese water crystals, are grain-like yeast and bacteria cultures. Water kefir (probiotic water) is a probiotic beverage that dates back to the 1800s. The grains and sugar are fermented for 24 to 48 hours, yielding a carbonated, probiotic-rich beverage that is both tasty and healthy. probioticseverything.com
If you’ve heard of kefir before, it’s likely milk kefir. Cow, goat, or sheep milk is traditionally used to make milk kefir. However, because many people nowadays eschew dairy products, water kefir has become increasingly popular. probioticseverything.com
Water kefir (probiotic water) can also be flavored with fruit, herbs and spices, or vegetables because it is created with water. Water kefir (probiotic water) is a better alternative to soda or sugary drinks. We all know that a can of soda is bad for you, probiotics soda is actually good for you. probioticseverything.com
WHICH STRAINS OF YEAST AND BACTERIA ARE IN WATER KEFIR (PROBIOTIC WATER)?
The probiotics in each batch will differ. However, here are some of the strains that could be present:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
Lactobacillus helveticus
Lactococcus lactis subsp. Lactis
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris
Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefiranofaciens
Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. Kefirgranum
Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides
Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. Cremoris
Streptococcus thermophilus
There could be up to 56 distinct bacteria and yeast strains. One of the best sources of probiotics is water kefir (probiotic water).
WATER KEFIR BENEFITS
Water kefir provides a slew of health advantages:
GUT HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
Water kefir is full of probiotics (good bacteria), which help to maintain intestinal health. Probiotics have been shown to be quite beneficial to our general health in numerous studies.
Because of the variety of yeast and bacteria found in kefir grains, they are a better source of dietary probiotics than yogurt. probioticseverything.com
IMMUNE FUNCTION IS IMPROVED
Water kefir can help your immune system by supplying a large amount of probiotics. It has been shown to protect women from recurrent urinary infections, some types of cancer (more on this below), and even respiratory infections. It may even reduce asthmatic inflammatory reactions. Probiotics are essential for a balanced immunological response. probioticseverything.com
HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS
Our regular go-to beverages have more calories than water kefir. As a result, substituting it for soda and sugar-sweetened liquids will quickly cut your calorie intake. Water kefir, on the other hand, can help you lose weight for another reason. Gut health, which is linked to the flora of healthy bacteria present, has been found to influence hunger, metabolism, food intake, and body weight. probioticseverything.com
MAY HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER CELLS
It’s fantastic to learn that the probiotics in water kefir may help combat cancer cells. Kefir has been shown in studies to delay or even stop the growth of some cancer cells. This impact was shown in its ability to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Other studies have found it to be effective against colon and blood cancers. Much more research is required, but the outlook is promising. probioticseverything.com
SUITABLE FOR ANY DIET
When kefir is made with sugar water, it is inherently vegan and dairy-free. Water kefir is a great substitute for milk kefir, and because water is easily flavored, you can prepare it to fit your personal preferences. probioticseverything.com