Can Babies Eat Kefir?
Kefir, also known as kephir is a fermented milk drink, which is thinner than yogurt, made from kefir grains. Kefir grains are a specific kind of mesophilic symbiotic culture. The word kefir comes from the Russian, from the places of origin of kefir: Russia, North Caucasus and Eastern Europe. Originally kefir was prepared in goatskin bags being hung near a doorway, so that everybody who would pass by it, could knock the bag, in order to keep the milk and the kefir grains well mixed all the time. This product spread throughout Europe, Japan and the US only in the early 21st century. In Latin America it is known as bulgaros, meaning Bulgarian drink.
People who suffer of lactose intolerance can eat kefir, because after the fermentation process, there is very little lactose left.
Kefir products have calories, protein, carbs, sugar, dietary minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, various B, C, D, E and essential amino acids. There are different types of probiotic bacteria found in kefir, and strains of yeast, which may or may not metabolize into lactose.
What Are The Side Effects of Kefir?
Kefir products are safe for most adults and babies older than 1 year old, but they can have side effects as well like nausea, constipation, bloating, intestinal cramping, if they are consumed for a too long period of time. It is recommended to eat kefir products no longer than 8 weeks.
Can Babies Eat Kefir?
Babies can have kefir products once they are 1 year old. Some pediatricians recommend feeding kefir to babies starting at the age of 6 months, once babies start eating solids. Kefir is similar to yogurt, so there are slight chances of allergic reactions to these products. Kefir products do not substitute breast milk.
Probiotic Cantaloupe Soup
Ingredients: 1 cup cubed cantaloupe, 1 cup peeled and cubed mango, ½ cup plain kefir.
Blend the melon and mango in a blender until smooth. Stir in the kefir. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Serve cold.
FAQ
What is the kefir?
Kefir, also known as kephir is a fermented milk drink, which is thinner than yogurt, made from kefir grains. Kefir grains are a specific kind of mesophilic symbiotic culture.
How healthy is the kefir?
Kefir products have calories, protein, carbs, sugar, dietary minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, various B, C, D, E and essential amino acids. There are different types of probiotic bacteria found in kefir, and strains of yeast, which may or may not metabolize into lactose.
When can you start giving kefir to your baby?
Babies can have kefir products once they are 1 year old.
The risks of giving kefir to your baby?
There is a slight chance for allergic reactions, because of the lactose level of kefir.
