Boots now offers a 31p pill that could help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Each capsule, packed with five billion live kefir cultures, is gut-friendly. Kefir, a fermented dairy drink, is loaded with billions of live cultures, a substantial amount of calcium, and a rich protein source. A pack of 30 capsules costs £9.37, which works out to 31p per tablet. These pills do not have the thick texture or sour taste typically associated with kefir.
Studies have shown that kefir can help regulate blood pressure, manage cholesterol levels, and improve triglyceride levels in the blood. A thorough review of randomised controlled trials suggested that kefir might reduce fasting blood sugar and insulin levels.
It has also been found to decrease systolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension significantly. Another study suggested that kefir could help control other diabetes-related factors, such as insulin resistance and blood pressure. The probiotics in kefir can affect gut bacteria by producing hormones that increase insulin secretion and promote glucose absorption in muscle. Kefir may also reduce inflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to inflammation and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, reports Surrey Live. However, more research is needed to substantiate some of these claims.
In a study involving animals, hypertensive rats were given kefir for 60 days, resulting in a significant drop in their blood pressure. It's also suggested that kefir could help lessen the impact of metabolic syndrome, a condition that can increase heart disease risk.
