Health Benefits of Water Kefir (Tibicos)

A good source of beneficial bacteria and microbes, water kefir can be an excellent alternative for dairy-based probiotic preparations. Thus, it can be taken by individuals who are lactose-intolerant.

Probiotic beverages such as milk kefir and water kefir are made using kefir grains, which are cultures of strains of yeast and beneficial bacteria existing in a symbiotic relationship. Milk kefir grains are white in color, whereas water kefir grains are somewhat translucent.

Kefir grains are also known as tibicos, Tibetan mushrooms, Japanese water crystals, and California bees. Water kefir is made by fermenting sweetened water at room temperature with kefir grains for 24 - 48 hours. Flavored extracts or dried fruit can also be added to it.

It is the symbiotic relationship between the beneficial bacteria and yeast that is responsible for the production of enzymes. The enzymes help convert sucrose into simple sugars such as fructose and glucose. Friendly bacteria, especially bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus and yeast break down the simple sugars into acetic acid and ethanol.

A fermented beverage, water kefir is prepared by adding water kefir grains to sweetened water. Even coconut water or juice can be used instead of sweetened water. Flavored water kefir is a healthier alternative to carbonated beverages, soda pop, or juice.

Bacteria and microbes are not always placed in the category of pathogens or disease-causing microbes; some bacteria are actually responsible for maintaining the balance of microbial flora in our gastrointestinal tract.

An unhealthy diet and excessive use of antibiotics is known for disturbing this balance. This balance can be restored by consuming probiotic supplements (beverages or pills).

These strains help in controlling the population of pathogens.

Made from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), kefir is a healthy probiotic drink that might contain some of the following strains of beneficial bacteria:
✦ Lactobacillus brevis
✦ Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus
✦ Lactobacillus alactosus
✦ Lactobacillus casei casei
✦ Lactobacillus pseudoplantarum

✦ Lactobacillus plantarum
✦ Streptococcus lactis
✦ Streptococcus cremoris
✦ Leuconostoc mesenteroides
✦ Saccharomyces florentinus
✦ Saccharomyces pretoriensis
✦ Kloeckera apiculata
✦ Candida lambica
✦ Candida valida

It also has a high nutritional value. A serving of 10 ounces of water kefir provides 40 calories, 9.9 g of carbohydrates, and 5.1 g of sugar. It is also an excellent source of vitamin B, vitamin K, vitamin C, and amino acids. This beverage is also a good source of minerals, enzymes, and sugars that can be easily digested.

It is believed that water kefir might offer health benefits to diabetics. As mentioned earlier, the presence of bacteria and yeast in this beverage leads to the production of enzymes, which helps break down sucrose into fructose and glucose. Fructose is metabolized in the liver, and it has a low glycemic index.

Therefore, it does not increase the blood sugar levels. The glycemic index also gets lowered due to acetic acid and carbon dioxide that are produced due to fermentation.

Besides being a healthier alternative to carbonated drinks, it is also a great product for individuals who are lactose-intolerant. It is believed that its use might prove beneficial for those who are affected by digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, diarrhea induced by the use of antibiotics, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.

It may also help strengthen the immune system and lower cholesterol. A study conducted on rats suggested that kefiran, which is a water-soluble polysaccharide present in kefir, was responsible for lowering cholesterol levels and suppressing an increase in the blood pressure.

This probiotic drink can also be taken by those who are affected by yeast infections. It must be noted that water kefir contains Candida lambica and Candida valida, and not Candida albicans, which is the causal organism for yeast infections.

While yogurt and certain probiotic supplements contain only a few strains of beneficial bacteria, water kefir contains several strains of friendly bacteria. To add to that, it is also a good option for diabetics and those who are lactose-intolerant.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.