Difference between kefir and yoghurt-Have you ever tried the kefir drink?
Just like yoghurt, kefir is also made from milk. When you drink it, you will feel like it’s a yoghurt drink. However, that does not mean that they both are the same, there are still many differences between kefir drink and yoghurt.
Both yoghurt and kefir are dairy products, and both are packed with calcium, proteins, potassium and vitamins. Both have a slightly sour taste. However, the difference is in the method that they are prepared, their consistency and the type of bacteria that they contain. This bacterium is, of course, the healthy bacteria in both of them.
Difference between kefir and yoghurt:
Nutritional values
Both kefir and yoghurt are great sources of calcium and proteins and vitamins. These minerals help in the digestion. Moreover, both of them contain healthy bacteria called probiotics. These healthy bacteria have the ability to fight the harmful bacteria, even those related to cancer and they help enhance the immune system of the body.
In comparison, kefir has three times more probiotics as compared to yoghurt which means that it can provide more protection against diseases and make the immune system stronger than yoghurt can. Moreover, kefir also contains tryptophan, which is known to help calming the body and relaxes the mind.
Development
Both kefir and yoghurt need incubation to let the bacteria grow and form the cultures. There are two types of incubation that are followed in the process of making kefir and yoghurt.
- The mesophilic incubation
This type of incubation needs can be carried out at room temperature.
- The thermophilic incubation
This type of incubation needs extra heat and gradual warming.
The production of kefir follows the mesophilic incubation. While yoghurt follows the thermophilic incubation to form stables cultures.
Starter cultures
The main ingredient of both kefir and yoghurt is milk but on the second number, the main ingredient for both of them is the bacteria. The healthy bacteria that forms cultures to produce kefir or yoghurt.
Kefir and yoghurt both use different types of bacteria cultures. Yoghurt is mostly made by mixing some old yoghurt with fresh milk. The old yoghurt works as a starter. The bacteria in this old yoghurt multiply further under the warmth and the rest of the milk is also turned to yoghurt.
However, on the other hand, the production of kefir starts with a kefir grain. This grain is a combination of lactic acid and yeast bacteria. These grains, just like the other bacteria, multiply during the process of incubation under the heat and are removed when the kefir is ready.
So, both kefir and yoghurt take different starts in their production.
Types of bacteria
As you know by now that the main ingredient for both kefir and yoghurt is the bacteria. This bacterium is some healthy bacteria and can actually take care of your health.
The yoghurt bacteria can keep your intestines healthy, however, these bacteria finish after some time and does not stay for a long period of time.
On the other hand, the bacteria found in kefir has the capability to stay in the gut and get further growth inside the intestine. These healthy bacteria can better take care of your digestive system and your intestines.
Consistency
One of the major difference between kefir and yoghurt is in their texture and consistency. They both have almost the same sour taste however the consistency is not as thick as yoghurt. Kefir can be consumed like a liquid or a milkshake however yoghurt mostly needs to be eaten with a spoon. It tastes best when frozen. Yoghurt may also become less thick if it is exposed to heat, but it will also lose its taste then.
Both kefir and yoghurt are very healthy foods. Both have their own nutritional values. They might seem the same, but they are a lot of different in many aspects that have been mentioned in this article. So, choose the one that tastes the best to you.
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