Not very appealing at first glance, fermented milk has nevertheless become a trendy drink, just like mate or kombucha.
Whether it’s called buttermilk, kefir or leben, you can find it more and more on our supermarket shelves. But how should you consume it, what are its effects on health? In this article, we explain why you should start eating fermented milk.
What is fermented milk?
Fermented milk is none other than milk where lactic bacteria remain alive. These bacteria will help the milk to transform and the living organisms present in the fermented milk will produce a product rich in probiotics which will be beneficial to improve the balance of the 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.
More creamy and better, fermented milk will bring you all the benefits of regular milk. By transforming lactose into lactic acid, the milk will be easier to digest. Aside from yogurt which is consumed as a solid form of fermented milk, there are numerous drinks known as buttermilk, leben, kefir, lassi, buttermilk, buttermilk… All benefit from the same nutrients as milk and have superior taste properties. And it is indeed these versions that are increasingly consumed by people nowadays.
How to consume kefir, leben or lassi?
Fermented milk can be consumed in its creamy or liquid form, depending on its fermentation duration. It can be purchased in a carton or jar, and can also be made at home. It is quite easily found in supermarkets, sold in cartons like traditional milk.
Many brands have created recipes with a variety of flavors (with fruits, almonds, honey…) to satisfy all tastes. You can then consume it throughout the day, at breakfast or as a dessert, as a snack for a snack or during workout sessions.
We also find fermented milk in its natural form, which is easy to integrate into dishes such as soup, dishes in sauce, and easy to serve as a side dish, seasoned with herbs, spices or fruits. Finally, you can also enjoy kefir toast (as a substitute for Saint-Moret for example) with crackers!
The health benefits of fermented milk
Milk provides the body with proteins and calcium, essential for growth and strengthening bones. That’s why children need to consume it every day. Once adult, milk no longer has the effects of growth on health and often causes digestion problems. An adult human body is not made to ingest milk in its classic 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 intestinal flora and the digestive system. Much like probiotics, products based on firm milk balance transit and help develop immune functions. Don’t we say the gut is the second brain?
Fermented milk is the health asset of the entire digestive system. Very rich in proteins, it is the ally of all athletes! Good for health, pleasant in taste, variety of products, easy to find and low cost, fermented milk only has good reasons to be consumed every day.