Acidophilus is a fermented milk product that tastes like a mixture of kefir and curdled milk. For the production of this drink, sour-milk microorganisms are used, which Dr. Podgorodetsky was able to identify only in 1903. In Soviet times, the drink could be found freely in any store. Now this drink is much less common on store shelves.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 51 |
| Protein in 100 g, (g): | 2.8 |
| Fats in 100 g, (g): | 2.5 |
| Carbohydrates in 100 g, (g): | 4.2 |
| Glycemic index: | 25 |
Acidophilus production technology
During the production of the drink, milk is fermented at a temperature of 30 to 33 degrees. The taste will depend on what temperature will be observed.
There are two types of production:
- Reservoir.
- Thermostatic.
Regardless of how the drink is made, it contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and even alcohol. In general, acidophilus is a drink that can be included in a complete diet.
Acidophilus and kefir, what’s the difference
The main difference between the two drinks is in the microorganisms that are used in the fermentation process. Kefir can be made on the basis of milk from sheep, goats and, naturally, cows . Acidophilus is prepared exclusively on the basis of cow’s milk.
After acidophilus enters the body, the drink provokes the development of organisms that are actually analogues of antibiotics that suppress putrefactive and inflammatory processes.
Kefir is also useful for the body, but does not have such properties. The therapeutic effect of the use of kefir is much less when compared with acidophilus.
The composition and calorie content of acidophilus, vitamins and minerals
The drink has high nutritional properties and has a considerable calorie content – 100 units. But even 200 ml of acidophilus will allow you to get enough and not feel hungry for a long time.
Vitamins of groups B, C and A are present in the drink. The product contains nicotinic acid in large quantities. There are minerals: iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and zinc.
Useful properties of acidophilus
The drink has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines, has a positive effect on the microflora of the esophagus and maintains immune forces in a “working” state.
Acidophilus stabilizes the production of gastric juice, restores the microflora and inhibits the aging process. It is useful for removing toxins, relieves migraines and promotes the fastest healing of wounds.
The benefits of acidophilus for women
The mineral substances contained in the drink allow you to preserve the reproductive function as long as possible. Acidophilus prevents inflammation in the pelvic area, prevents discomfort and itching.
During the period of taking antibacterial medicines, women are recommended to drink a drink. It allows you to prevent changes in the microflora in the vagina, which are typical for treatment with such drugs.
The drink relieves the appearance of a rash during PMS.
The benefits of acidophilus for men
The main benefit of the drink for the male body is the ability to produce microorganisms like antibiotics. It is they who prevent the occurrence of poisoning. To be honest, men often abuse fast food and alcohol. Acidophilus will destroy harmful microbes and cleanse the body of toxins.
acidophilus during pregnancy and breastfeeding
A drink will be useful both during the bearing of the baby and after his birth. It has a mild laxative effect and improves the digestion process.
There are many vitamins and other useful substances in acidophilus, which will improve the baby’s immune system and prevent bone fragility.
Can acidophilus be used by children
It is necessary to introduce this drink into the children’s diet from 8 months from birth. It is best to make acidophilus at home, as the store-bought drink contains a large amount of preservatives and other chemical components.
The drink itself stimulates the growth of bones, strengthens them, helps to heal faster the wounds that often appear in children after falls. Babies who consume this drink on a regular basis rarely suffer from dysbacteriosis and do not suffer from a lack of appetite. It will be useful after prolonged illness and treatment with antibacterial agents.
Is acidophilus good for weight loss
The drink is recommended to be included in the diet. It helps to reduce body weight, is useful for taking between main meals. Acidophilus is acceptable to replace one meal a day.
With the help of a drink, you can clean the gastrointestinal tract, get rid of anxiety while dieting.
The use of acidophilus in diabetes
There are no contraindications to the use of the drink in the presence of sugar disease. It is absorbed by the body by 100%. But do not get too carried away with acidophilus and buy drinks made under industrial conditions, especially those containing sweeteners.
How to take acidophilus for medicinal purposes
Most often, the drink is used in the process of getting rid of dysbacteriosis. This problem often occurs while taking certain medications. They drink it in courses if they suffer from constipation, headaches and anemia is present.
The drink is used in the treatment of tuberculosis and with increased bone fragility. The drink will get rid of heaviness and discomfort in the digestive tract.
A drink will be useful if boils and acne are exhausted. It prevents the active reproduction of bacteria.
The use of acidophilus in cosmetology
Acidophilus is widely used in folk medicine. It will be useful for external use in the presence of boils and acne. To do this, you need to apply a drink daily to problem areas of the skin. The mask must be kept until completely dry, then rinse with warm water.
The drink can be applied to the hands and neck to soften the skin and even out the tone. It stimulates the regeneration of the skin and gives a feeling of velvety.
How to make acidophilus at home
The drink is hard to make at home. You will have to purchase a special leaven, which is sold in specialized stores or pharmacies.
Milk is pasteurized to destroy all microorganisms. This is actually a boiling process, but at a temperature of 90 degrees, milk should not be allowed to boil. Boil milk for 30 minutes. After that, the milk is quickly cooled to 40 degrees. Leaven is added and left for 10 hours, in a warm place or in a wrapped state.
Then the second liter of milk or skim milk is sterilized, cooled and the primary starter is added in a volume of 50 ml. Leave to ferment for 5 or 6 hours. As a result, a dense mass should be formed , which is the finished drink. Initially obtained sourdough can be used for the preparation of the following portions of acidophilus.
Harm and contraindications of acidophilus
Despite the huge benefits for the human body, acidophilus can cause an eating disorder. The drink carries a great risk for people with ulcers and gastritis. The drink is not recommended for people with high acidity.
With a strong passion for acidophilus, increased gas formation and bloating may begin.
The optimal dose for consumption per day is 2 cups.
How to choose and store acidophilus
Choose a drink by expiration date and composition. Do not buy a product containing preservatives and dyes.
The total shelf life for this drink is 3 days. If the manufacturer prescribes a longer period on the label, then it means that it contains preservatives. Such drinks are especially dangerous for children.