Though it may not look appealing at first, fermented milk has become a fashionable drink, on par with mate or kombucha.
Whether it’s called buttermilk, kefir or leben, it’s increasingly found on our supermarket shelves. But how should it be consumed, and what are its health effects? This article explains why you should start incorporating fermented milk into your diet.
What is fermented milk?
Fermented milk is none other than milk where lactic bacteria remain alive. These bacteria help the milk to transform and the living organisms present in the fermented milk produce a product that is rich in probiotics, which is beneficial for improving the balance of intestinal flora.
It is the action of lactic ferments that gives milk a pleasant taste and transmits to your body contributions in calcium, proteins and carbohydrates beneficial for health.
Richer and more delicious, fermented milk brings all the benefits of regular milk. By converting lactose into lactic acid, milk becomes easier to digest. Aside from yogurt where fermented milk is consumed in solid form, there are plenty of drinks like buttermilk, leben, kefir, lassi, buttermilk, buttermilk… They all contain the same nutrients as milk and boast superior taste properties. Indeed, these versions are increasingly consumed by men today.
How to consume kefir, leben, or lassi?
Fermented milk can be consumed in its creamy or liquid form, depending on the duration of its fermentation. It is purchased in a carton or jar, and can also be made at home. It is quite easily found in supermarkets, sold in a carton like traditional milk.
Many brands have created recipes with varied flavors (fruits, almonds, honey…) to satisfy all tastes. It can then be consumed throughout the day, at breakfast or as a dessert, as a snack for a snack or during workout sessions.
One can also find fermented milk in its natural form, which is easy to incorporate into dishes such as soup, dishes in sauce, and easy to serve as a side, seasoned with herbs, spices or fruit. Finally, you can also enjoy kefir toasts (as a replacement for Saint-Moret for example) with crispbread!
The health benefits of fermented milk
Milk provides the body with proteins and calcium, essential for growth and strengthening bones. That’s why children should consume it every day. Once an adult, milk no longer has the growth effects on health and often causes digestive problems. An adult male body is not designed to ingest milk in its standard form; yet it still needs calcium and proteins.
Fermented milk will therefore have its place in an adult’s diet as it will provide the body with the necessary nutrients to improve the functions of the gut flora and the digestive system. Like probiotics, products made from fermented milk balance the transit and aid in the development of immune functions. Don’t we say that the stomach is our second brain?
Fermented milk is the health asset of the entire digestive system. Very high in protein, it is the ally of all athletes! Good for health, pleasant in taste, variety of products, easy to find and low cost, fermented milk has only good reasons to be consumed every day.