The gut is the second brain. Inside, there are more than 100 million neurons that allow the gut to work autonomously. All the more reason, then, to take good care of it with a healthy, balancing diet. TikTok’s current obsession is coconut kefir, an ingredient that’s ideal for blending up delicious smoothies and shakes that are rich in probiotics. With a yoghurt-like flavour, kefir is a fermented beverage, and has significant benefits for the entire digestive system.
The difference between milk kefir and coconut kefir
The main difference between regular kefir, or milk kefir, and the coconut version, is that coconut is a vegetarian and vegan alternative. It’s also a good alternative for those who are dairy intolerant, but it doesn’t contain the same beneficial protein and calcium as milk.
The health benefits of coconut kefir
Rich in probiotics (aka good bacteria), coconut kefir improves gut health and facilitates digestive processes that keep the gut microbiome balanced and healthy. Nutritionist Jo Woodhurst, who is head of nutrition at the supplement brand Ancient + Brave, says “the consumption of kefir on a consistent basis, as a regular probiotic, is likely to have these positive effects”. Kefir is also an excellent source of potassium, calcium and vitamins D, A and B12.
How to take kefir
The body needs time to adjust to probiotics, according to Woodhurst. “Starting small and increasing the dose is good advice – side-effects usually happen in those who are not accustomed to certain bacterial strains, or [with] digestive systems that are worn down. Once you have been taking the same dose of kefir for a week without side-effects then you can gradually start to increase the dose.” Since it is a fermented food, kefir might cause some bloating. Be consistent over a three-month period and allow the body time to get used to it. Generally, a dose of coconut kefir should be around 200-300ml per day.
What are the benefits of traditional kefir?
“Kefir is a probiotic drink and contains not only beneficial strains of bacteria for the gut, but also other bioactive compounds (enzymes), vitamins such as vitamin B12, K2, folate and vitamin A, and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium,” says Woodhurst. “It’s also high in protein and fats.” The probiotics that are found in kefir improve digestion and support our immune system. According to the nutritionist, probiotics also help to support the repair of gut lining and, when paired with other key nutrients, can protect against a “leaky gut”. “What’s great about kefir is that it doesn’t only contain probiotics, but has a full complex of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and that all-important protein,” explains Woodhurst. “The success of your kefir relies on the quality – be sure to check the other ingredients, preservatives and fillers used when you get shop-bought kefir, to ensure they aren’t having a detrimental effect on your gut health.”