Rainy days often call for cozy comfort and a little something extra to keep our health in check. Fermented drinks are a fantastic way to do just that. Rich in probiotics and essential nutrients, they offer numerous health benefits. Here are five tempting fermented drinks to try this rainy season.

Read: Top 10 Diet Hacks that works best for Monsoon

Top 5 Probiotic-Rich Fermented Fun Drinks 🍄🍞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭🦠🧫🧂

1. Kombucha

Taste😋: Slightly tangy and effervescent with a hint of sweetness.

Origin: China

Nutrition Facts: Kombucha is rich in probiotics, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace amounts of alcohol and caffeine. One serving (8 ounces) typically contains around 30 calories.

How to Prepare at Home

1. Brew black or green tea.
2. Add sugar and let it cool.
3. Pour into a glass jar and add a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast).
4. Cover with a cloth and let it ferment for 7-10 days at room temperature.

Read: Kambucha: Potential Health Benefits of Kombucha, Its Nutrients, Benefits & Side Effects

Health Benefits

• Improves digestion and gut health.
• Boosts immune system.
• Provides antioxidants which may reduce inflammation.

Effective for: Digestive issues, immune support, and detoxification.

Occasions to Enjoy: Kombucha is perfect for family brunches or friendly gatherings as a refreshing, health-boosting alternative to sugary sodas. It's also a popular choice for health-focused events and wellness retreats.

Note: People with compromised immune systems or those who are pregnant should avoid unpasteurized kombucha due to the risk of contamination.

2. Kefir

Taste😋: Creamy, slightly sour, and tangy.

Origin: Caucasus Mountains

Nutrition Facts: Kefir is high in probiotics, protein, calcium, and vitamins B12 and K2. One cup (8 ounces) contains about 100-150 calories.

How to Prepare at Home:

1. Add kefir grains to milk (cow, goat, or plant-based).
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Strain the grains out and use the liquid.

Health Benefits:

• Supports gut health.
• Enhances bone health due to high calcium content.
• May improve lactose digestion.

Effective for: Gut health, bone health, and lactose intolerance.

Occasions to Enjoy: Serve kefir at breakfast with family or as a healthy post-dinner digestive aid during gatherings. It's also a great addition to smoothies and can be enjoyed during fitness and wellness sessions.

Note: Those with dairy allergies or sensitivities should opt for non-dairy kefir options or avoid altogether.

3. Beet Kvass

Taste😋: Earthy, slightly salty, and tangy.

Origin: Eastern Europe

Nutrition Facts: Beet kvass is rich in probiotics, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. One cup (8 ounces) contains around 50 calories.

How to Prepare at Home:

1. Chop beets and place them in a jar with water and salt.
2. Cover and let ferment at room temperature for 3-5 days.
3. Strain and refrigerate.

Health Benefits:

• Aids in digestion.
• Supports liver health.
• Provides antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Effective for: Liver health, digestion, and reducing inflammation.

Occasions to Enjoy: Beet kvass is great for family dinners or festive occasions where you can introduce guests to this unique and healthy drink. It's often served during health-focused ceremonies and can be a respectful gesture to guests interested in trying traditional fermented beverages.

Note: Those with kidney stones or prone to oxalate issues should avoid beet kvass due to high oxalate content in beets.

4. Tepache

Taste😋: Refreshing, mildly tangy with a hint of sweetness.

Origin: Mexico

Nutrition Facts: Tepache contains probiotics, vitamin C, and bromelain. One cup (8 ounces) contains around 40-50 calories.

How to Prepare at Home:

1. Use pineapple peels, sugar, and water.
2. Let it ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days.
3. Strain and refrigerate.

Health Benefits:

• Supports digestive health.
• Boosts immune system.
• Provides enzymes that aid in digestion.

Effective for: Digestive health and immune support.

Occasions to Enjoy: Tepache is ideal for summer picnics or BBQs with friends and family as a refreshing and tropical drink. It's a popular choice for festive celebrations and casual get-togethers, bringing a taste of Mexican culture to the table.

Note: Those who are diabetic or need to monitor sugar intake should consume tepache in moderation due to added sugar.

5. Water Kefir

Taste😋: Light, fizzy, and slightly sweet.

Origin: Mexico

Nutrition Facts: Water kefir is rich in probiotics, enzymes, and vitamins B and C. One cup (8 ounces) contains around 20-30 calories.

How to Prepare at Home:

1. Dissolve sugar in water and add water kefir grains.
2. Let it ferment for 24-48 hours at room temperature.
3. Strain and refrigerate.

Health Benefits:

• Improves gut health.
• Supports immune function.
• Provides a low-calorie probiotic option.

Effective for: Gut health and immune support.

Occasions to Enjoy: Water kefir can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink during family movie nights or shared with friends at casual get-togethers. It's also a delightful addition to outdoor parties and can be flavored with various fruits to suit different tastes.

Note: Those with yeast infections or candida overgrowth should avoid water kefir as it contains yeast.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)❓

Q: Which fermented drinks are best for weight management?

A: Kombucha and water kefir are low in calories and can help with weight management by improving digestion and metabolism.

Q: Which fermented food has the most probiotics?

A: Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir are known for their high probiotic content due to the fermentation process that increases beneficial bacteria.

Q: Are all fermented drinks probiotic?

A: Not all fermented drinks contain probiotics. The presence of probiotics depends on the specific fermentation process and ingredients used. Drinks like kombucha and kefir are typically probiotic-rich.

Q: How can fermented drinks benefit cardiovascular health?

A: Fermented drinks like beet kvass and kefir are rich in nutrients that support heart health. Beet kvass, in particular, is known for its ability to lower blood pressure due to the nitrates found in beets.

Q: Are these drinks suitable for managing blood sugar levels?

A: Kombucha and kefir can help regulate blood sugar levels by improving gut health and insulin sensitivity. However, it's essential to consume them in moderation, especially tepache, which contains added sugar.

Q: What other health conditions can benefit from fermented drinks?

A: Fermented drinks can also help with conditions like lactose intolerance (kefir), liver health (beet kvass), and immune support (kombucha and water kefir).

Keep an Eye on Your Health Numbers

Maintaining your health involves more than just a good diet and exercise; it’s also about monitoring vital health numbers like blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. Using the right kind of health monitoring device from a brand like Dr Trust can help you keep track of these metrics accurately and easily at home.

 References

• Aragon, G., & Graham, D. B. (2020). The Benefits and Risks of Probiotics. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 49(2), 307-324.
• Foster, J. A., & Neufeld, K. A. M. (2013). Gut-brain axis: How the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 36(5), 305-312.
• Mokkala, K., Röytiö, H., Munukka, E., et al. (2016). Gut microbiota rich in Lactobacillus and Akkermansia improves metabolic health during pregnancy. Scientific Reports, 6, 30762.