Kefir is a unique fermented drink that contains probiotics and other nutrients useful for digestion and immunity, weight control and muscle building. In this article we will consider the question of whether it is possible to drink kefir after training, as well as the main beneficial properties of this drink.
What is kefir
Kefir tastes like yogurt. It contains many of the same beneficial bacteria as yogurt, but by its consistency it is more liquid and almost free of lactose. Lactose is a natural sugar in milk.
Kefir is produced by fermentation of milk kefir grains. In fact, this is not grain at all. They are gelatinous masses that contain different types of bacteria and beneficial yeast mixed with milk proteins that are capable of fermentation at room temperature. Grains are removed from milk, later they can be used to prepare a fresh batch of kefir, similar to how the sourdough is processed. The final product is a delicious milk drink that is filled with beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics.
Nutrients
Milk kefir is a good source of protein and essential amino acids. One glass of drink contains approximately 10 grams of protein. Whey protein found in dairy products helps muscles recover from a workout. Casein is a protein found in kefir. Its feature is that it is slowly digested. In other words, it provides muscle cells with nutrition for a long time. For decades, bodybuilders and athletes have been using casein (formerly in dairy products, now powder) as a sports nutrition.
Kefir also contains magnesium, calcium and vitamin D. Magnesium and calcium together are necessary to maintain the health of the central nervous system, which is very important after intense cardiovascular training. Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for bones. Kefir is rich in B vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is a natural source of energy.
For the above reasons, a glass of kefir after training will help restore energy and muscles that have worked perfectly.
Weight control
After training, you may feel hungry and want to eat something high in carbohydrates to get a quick but short-term boost of energy. This can make you feel good for a short period of time, but unnaturally increase blood glucose levels and provide “empty” calories. It will not saturate you, like healthy low-fat meals with lots of protein and fresh foods. You will be very hungry and in the future you can overeat. If time is limited, consider making a quick, nutritious shake with fresh fruits, such as a banana or strawberry. Such a fruit kefir after a workout will saturate perfectly and will not allow you to gain excess weight.
A full-fledged dairy product can help control weight because it boosts the feeling of fullness, and fatty acids can help regulate weight. You can eat after training as kefir, and yogurt or cottage cheese.
While the latest dietary trends are increasingly tending to eliminate dairy products from the diet, there is some strong evidence that protein, probiotics, and other nutrients found in fermented dairy products cannot be excluded from the diet.
Summary
So, we examined the question of whether kefir is possible after training. The answer is undoubtedly positive - it is possible and even necessary. The next time you finish your intense workout, try kefir to restore and increase muscle, suppress hunger, healthy bones, and boost energy.