Emphasizing that dairy foods are an important source of many nutrients, especially protein, calcium, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12, Nutrition and Diet Specialist Dietitian Aslıhan Kara from VM Medical Park Pendik Hospital said that kefir, which is a very important dairy product in daily nutrition, has a place in Ramadan nutrition. informed about.
A GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN
Dietician Aslıhan Kara, who stated that fasting people can include kefir in their iftar and sahur meals because kefir is an important source of protein and calcium, said, “Kefir contains all the nutrients in milk. In addition, it has been determined that amino acids and some fatty acids, which are extremely necessary for the body and must be taken with food, are found in the composition of kefir. Since kefir is a high nutritional value and a good source of protein, it allows us to stay full during long periods of hunger while fasting during Ramadan.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY NUTRITION IS INCREASING
Noting that the consumption of probiotic foods has increased in order to be protected from diseases and to have a healthy life today, Dietitian Kara explained the health benefits of kefir as follows:
“Kefir is a natural complex fermented milk product containing more than 50 strains of probiotic bacteria and yeast. Its place in healthy nutrition is increasingly important. Some vitamins and various metabolites formed in kefir production positively affect the intestinal flora and immune system of the human. Kefir has many antioxidants and contributes to the treatment process of many diseases such as unwanted bowel syndrome, hypertension, risks of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, cholesterol, yeast infections, wounds, diabetes, weight control and cancer.
DO NOT USE MORE THAN 2 GLASSES A DAY
Pointing out that the amount of kefir should be paid attention to, Dietician Kara said, “Even though the daily consumption amount varies according to the person, a maximum of 2 glasses should be consumed during the day. For children, the daily consumption amount can be recommended as 1 glass.
GOOD FOR STOMACH AND BOTTOM PROBLEMS
Dietitian Kara explained the benefits of kefir for those with stomach and intestinal problems:
“Kefir ensures the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora, prevents pathogens from settling in the intestines, and contributes to the prevention of constipation by regulating the functioning of the intestines. It also contains calcium, magnesium, etc. increases the absorption of minerals. Since lactose in milk is reduced by 75 percent after fermentation, people who are sensitive to lactose can safely consume kefir. It is reported that fresh kefir is effective in the work of the stomach muscles and faster emptying of the stomach, reducing the acidity of the stomach, reducing pain and digestive disorders. In addition, it has been observed that the growth of this bacteria is inhibited when kefir is used in the treatment of ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
Stimulates the immune system against infections
Emphasizing that there is a direct relationship between nutrition and the immune system, Dietitian Kara said, “Kefir has been shown to have a regulatory effect on the immune mechanism, both in human studies and in animal experiments. It is stated that the lactic acid bacteria in kefir increase the effectiveness of the drugs given in the treatment of the immune system. It also has the ability to stimulate the immune system against infections.
HAVE DEPRESSION REDUCTION FEATURE
Dietitian Kara, who stated that kefir is a fermented milk product and is an ideal beverage for people with lactose intolerance, said, “Kefir is a mild nerve sedative and depression reducer. Microorganisms in kefir produce a large amount of vitamin synthesis. Biotin produced by kefir microorganisms also increases the absorption of other B-complex vitamins. Kefir is an inexpensive and natural nutritional option that has therapeutic properties in chronic hepatitis and multiple sclerosis diseases due to a special substance it contains. There is great global interest in kefir’s nutritional potential because it is safe and economical. Kefir, as a functional food, is now more and more included in our daily diet due to its many health-promoting properties.
Source: DHA