Kefir is a superfood to eat and wear for your inside out beauty.
Unveil the beauty secrets of kefir and let your skin radiate with vitality. Kefir is a superfood to eat and wear for your inside out beauty.
Remember, consistency is key. Whether you choose to consume kefir or use it topically, integrating it into your beauty care regimen can lead to a noticeable improvement in your skin’s texture, tone, and overall health.
White to cream-coloured fermented raw cow milk, kefir is a unique beverage, a probiotics powerhouse. It has a slightly fizzy, viscous consistency; a distinct sour smell; and a tart taste similar to liquid yogurt or buttermilk.
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is believed to have originated in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is made by adding kefir grains to milk, which are a combination of bacteria and yeast cultures. The fermentation process transforms the milk into a tangy, probiotic-rich beverage.
Kefir is one of the world’s oldest fermented foods and considered by nutritionists as superfood with many scientifically proven health benefits. Many essential for your inside out beauty nutrients (such as proteins, B vitamins, including B12, biotin, calcium, and folate) are abundant in kefir.
Kefir contains amino acids that perfectly nourish your skin. Thanks to the bacteria, kefir masks help to regulate the acid-base balance of the skin. It has bleaching properties, which will be helpful for freckles and age spots.
Kefir from a supermarket is probably not kefir. Make it youself!
Probiotics boost immunity, combat obesity and reduce intestinal issues. Kefir also helps your body to get rid of toxins and fight free radicals, the main reasons for skin aging. The high probiotic content of kefir intensifies the absorption of vitamins, calcium and magnesium, giving your skin, hair and nails natural glow.
Kefir from a supermarket is probably not kefir
Because kefir is extremely difficult to commercialize, more likely, what you buy at a supermarket is just pasteurized milk with some live cultures. If you are not sure about the quality of the product you are buying, make kefir yourself. It’s absolutely not complicated.
How to make kefir
First, you have to buy kefir grains at a health store or online (they will mail you freeze-dried cultures). Add 1 tbsp of kefir grains per 1 liter of 3.5% organic milk and leave it at room temperature (covered only by light fabric) for 24 hours. Then strain out the kefir grains – the resulting liquid is kefir.
If refrigerated, homemade kefir should last for about 2 weeks.
Beauty secrets of kefir
While kefir is primarily consumed for its health benefits, including improved digestion and immune support, it also has many beauty secrets:
- Probiotics for Skin Health: Kefir is a rich source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome is often linked to improved skin health, as skin conditions like acne and eczema are sometimes associated with imbalances in gut flora.
- Rich in Nutrients: Kefir is packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are important for overall health, including skin health. These include calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, and various B vitamins.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Kefir contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is linked to various skin conditions, so consuming kefir could potentially help with redness, irritation, and other inflammatory skin issues.
- Topical Application: Some people use kefir topically as a natural skincare product. The lactic acid in kefir is a mild exfoliant and may help to brighten and smooth the skin. However, it’s important to be cautious with this approach, as it might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin.
- DIY Face Masks: Kefir can be used in homemade face masks along with other natural ingredients like honey, oats, or clay. These masks are often believed to be beneficial for brightening the complexion and providing a healthy glow.
- Moisturizing Properties: The lactic acid in kefir may act as a natural moisturizer, helping to hydrate the skin.
- Acne Treatment: Some people claim that applying kefir topically or consuming it can help with acne due to its probiotic content and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
5 Most common ways to eat kefir
Kefir can be a healthy and delicious addition to a well-rounded diet. Here are 5 easy ways to eat kefir:
- Drink it: Because it’s a drink you can simply drink it. You can also add honey or any freshly squished juice. According to healthcare professionals, regularly drinking kefir may improve health in 4-5 weeks. People who started drinking kefir reported feeling better after a few days of use. At the beginning, it is better to drink kefir after a meal primarily to ensure your body does not get overwhelmed by its acidity.
- Make a smoothie: If you use yogurt as a base for your smoothies, why not to try kefir instead? Simply blend your smoothie the exact same way you use yogurt.
- Make a delightful dessert: Use your imagination and whatever fruits and berries you have in your fridge.
- Make pancakes: There are tons of recipes from bread, scones, waffles that you can make with kefir. Try to make pancakes – you’ll be surprised.
- Make your own tzatziki sauce: Tzatziki is a dip, soup, or sauce found in the cuisines of Greece and the Middle East. Mix kefir with cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, sometimes with vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and thyme. Don’t forget about salt.
Kefir to wear – DIY facial masks
- The simplest way to wear kefir is just taking a cotton pad, dipping it in kefir and applying it on cleansed face and neck. Keep kefir on your skin for 10-15 min and then rinse with warm water.
- Grind the cucumber on a grater and squeeze out the juice. Mix cucumber juice with kefir. Apply the mix on cleansed face and leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Instead of cucumber, you can use strawberries or raspberries.
- Make any smoothie with kefir and before drinking it, put a little bit aside for your facial mask.
This fermented raw cow milk is a unique food that Mother Nature created for your health and beauty. Kefir is not only a probiotic powerhouse, but also packed with many essential for your inside out beauty nutrients such as proteins, B vitamins, including B12, biotin, calcium, and folate.
Drinking a cup of kefir daily can be a great way to make you more beautiful. Naturally.