Kefir: Ancient Drink, Modern Superfood? Scientific Studies Highlight Health Benefits and Potential as Future Medicine

Kefir, a fermented beverage with roots in the Caucasus, is gaining recognition as a "superfood" due to its probiotic content and diverse health benefits. * **Gut Health:** Prof. Glenn Gibson from the University of Reading (UK) highlights kefir's role in regulating gut microbiota, supporting digestion and immunity. * **Immunity:** A study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy suggests kefir may possess antiviral properties and suppress inflammatory responses. * **Inflammation:** Dr. Jennifer Jackson from Ohio State University (USA) notes animal studies indicate kefir reduces inflammation in conditions like prediabetes and obesity. * **Diabetes:** Research in Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science found kefir consumption reduced blood sugar and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes patients. * **Bone Health:** A Taiwan study showed kefir increased bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients. * **Cancer:** Prof. Hiroshi Ohno from Osaka University (Japan) points to test-tube studies showing kefir extract reduced breast cancer cells by 56%. * **Lactose Intolerance:** Dr. Francisca Joly Gomez (France) suggests kefir is easily digestible for those with lactose intolerance due to probiotics pre-digesting the lactose. * **Heart Health:** A review in Nutrition Research Reviews indicates kefir may lower cholesterol and protect heart health. Experts recommend starting slowly with kefir consumption due to potential initial gas or bloating. Further human studies are needed to fully explore kefir's potential.