Microbiological, technological and therapeutic properties of kefir: a natural probiotic beverage
Braz. j. microbiol
;
44(2): 341-349, 2013. ilus
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-688574
ABSTRACT
Kefir is a fermented milk beverage produced by the action of bacteria and yeasts that exist in symbiotic association in kefir grains. The artisanal production of the kefir is based on the tradition of the peoples of Caucasus, which has spread to other parts of the world, from the late 19th century, and nowadays integrates its nutritional and therapeutic indications to the everyday food choices of several populations. The large number of microorganisms present in kefir and their microbial interactions, the possible bioactive compounds resulting of microbial metabolism, and the benefits associated with the use this beverage confers kefir the status of a natural probiotic, designated as the 21th century yoghurt. Several studies have shown that kefir and its constituents have antimicrobial, antitumor, anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory activity and also improve lactose digestion, among others. This review includes data on the technological aspects, the main beneficial effects on human health of kefir and its microbiological composition. Generally, kefir grains contain a relatively stable and specific microbiota enclosed in a matrix of polysaccharides and proteins. Microbial interactions in kefir are complex due to the composition of kefir grains, which seems to differ among different studies, although some predominant Lactobacillus species are always present. Besides, the specific populations of individual grains seem to contribute to the particular sensory characteristics present in fermented beverages. This review also includes new electron microscopy data on the distribution of microorganisms within different Brazilian kefir grains, which showed a relative change in its distribution according to grain origin.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Beverages
/
Probiotics
/
Cultured Milk Products
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. microbiol
Journal subject:
Microbiology
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro/BR
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