What are milk kefir grains and what are their benefits?

The milk bulgars have become a very popular ingredient in recent years, as these bacteria can be used to prepare kefir, a type of yogurt rich in probiotics and other nutrients.  If you want to learn more about milk bulgars, their benefits, and how to use them in cooking, this information is for you! You can also read: Differences between probiotics and prebioticsWhat are bulgars? You have probably seen bulgars, which look like cooked rice or small pieces of cauliflower, but they are actually the secret ingredient for making bulgar yogurt, also known as kefir, a fermented drink with many health benefits. According to information published by the Food and Fisheries Information Service, milk bulgars “are a genus of facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, named so because most of its members convert lactose and other monosaccharides into lactic acid”, meaning they are bacteria that help you ferment milk over and over again. Although grandmothers were the ones who prepared bulgar milk, the art of this type of homemade fermentation has been used for centuries, since “it is believed that they appeared as a result of the spontaneous growth of microorganisms under conditions suitable for fermentation to prevent spoilage”. You can also read: What you eat could be taking away your harmonyOn the other hand, Profeco states that “the Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov discovered that this fermentation was caused by a bacterium, which was named Lactobacillus bulgaricus, found in the herbs that sheep grazed. Once they were milked, it remained active, resulting in sour milk, which was part of the Bulgarian diet”, which is why in Mexico we simply know this bacterium as bulgars.  Years later, the research conducted by Grigorov allowed Iliá Méchnikov, a Russian microbiologist, to isolate the bacterium and define “the beneficial effects that consuming fermented milk had on intestinal health”, thanks to the good amount of probiotics it contains.  What are the benefits of milk bulgars? According to information published by the federal government, bulgars have countless health benefits: Protects against the natural acidity of the stomach. Prevents and controls infections, diarrhea, constipation, and colitis.  Recommended after a course of antibiotics. Restores the intestinal flora affected by medications. Next, we will delve into the many benefits that ferments made with bulgars have for your health. You can also read: The best foods to combat stressA great source of probiotics As we explained in a note published in 2021, probiotics are live microorganisms found in certain foods, mostly fermented. This type of bacteria has countless health benefits. So, if you want to improve your intestinal health, don't hesitate to make bulgar milk or bulgar yogurt at home, as the WebMD portal points out that it contains “30 unique species of probiotics, which are known to improve intestinal health and may help in the body's digestive processes”. Now you know, if you suffer from constipation or have digestive issues, bulgar yogurt can be a great ally.  Contains vitamins and minerals In addition to being an excellent source of probiotics, products made with bulgars also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, according to WebMD: Folic acid Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Vitamin C Vitamin K Bulgars for the heart Experts indicate that consuming kefir has incredible benefits for the heart. On one hand, they point out that probiotics help keep your heart healthy, while also helping to lower cholesterol levels.  Kefir to combat allergies According to the Healthline portal, some studies have been conducted in animals, which indicate that “kefir suppresses inflammatory responses related to allergies and asthma”, although it should be noted that scientists need to conduct studies in humans, but the potential benefits are there.  You can also read: 10 foods that will make you feel happierHow to prepare bulgar yogurt The Food and Fisheries Information Service explains how to prepare bulgar yogurt, also known as kefir, at home:  Ingredients 1 tablespoon of bulgars ½ liter of milk at room temperature Additional material Glass container Clean and dry cloth Instructions 1. Soak the bulgars with the milk for at least 12 hours. 2. Stir the mixture every couple of hours. 3. After the fermentation time, the bulgar yogurt should have a sour taste and a viscous texture.  4. Taste the kefir. If you like its flavor, you can strain the bulgars and store the drink; if not, let it ferment longer. 5. After straining the bulgars, store them in a clean glass container. 6. Remember that you can blend the kefir with all kinds of fruits, nuts, honey, and more.