Kumis: main properties and features of use
Today in stores you can see a huge variety of products from different countries. There is no difficulty in buying delicacies from different parts of the world - fruits from hot countries, all kinds of cheeses and meats. Many of us are no longer surprised by what stores have to offer, but still try to find something new. Oddly enough, amazing and unusual products can be found in the vastness of our Motherland - for example, koumiss.
A drink well known to many peoples of Russia since childhood. And it is not only tasty, but also incredibly useful: for centuries it has been used to treat many diseases. The article describes the beneficial properties of various types of koumiss, as well as all the features of its use to achieve the best results.
What is it and how do they do it?
The name comes from the Turkic languages. This is a fermented milk drink obtained as a result of alcoholic and lactic acid fermentation from horse milk. It turns out white and frothy, its taste is special - it is both sour and sweet at the same time. The quality of koumiss depends very much on the conditions under which it was prepared. It may vary in alcohol content, which can lead to a slight intoxication when drinking a large amount of the drink. But this can only happen if the alcohol content is high.Sometimes koumiss is prepared in such a way that, on the contrary, it produces a calming effect, then this drink can be used to combat insomnia and attacks of aggression.
The drink can be made from different types of milk, such as cow, goat or mare. There is also a camel drink. Kumis can also have names such as Bashkir or Yakut. The benefits of koumiss for both men and women are simply undeniable. It can be used by pregnant women and diabetics. The main thing is to always look at the expiration date on the package.
Composition and calories
Due to the peculiarities of the preparation of this drink, the milk protein in it is easily digestible, while milk sugar is converted into ethyl alcohol, lactic and carbonic acid during the preparation process. Because of this, the nutritional properties of koumiss are incredibly high. It is used in weight loss to control appetite. In addition, it has a unique pleasant taste and aroma, which allows it to be used in the preparation of various dishes.
The alcohol content of the drink varies from 0.2% to 4%. The exception is Kazakh, the strength of which can reach 40 degrees. One way or another, regardless of the method of preparation, koumiss contains many vitamins, for example, thiamine, B12, vitamin C, folic acid. And the calorie content is very low - less than 50 kcal, as a result of which this drink is suitable for everyone who is losing weight.
Types of drink
Many people wonder why neither cheese nor cottage cheese is made from horse milk. Everywhere they write about the beneficial properties and the unique taste of horse milk, but the usual products for us are not prepared from it.It's all about the qualitative composition of this type of milk: it contains a lot of albumin, and when a starter is added, an acid is released that destroys the proteins in the milk. Therefore, the preparation of cheese and cottage cheese from horse milk is impossible. But the sugar content in it is much higher, so when preparing koumiss, a lot of gas is formed, as a result of which the drink foams very well. At the same time, the drink is often also prepared from cow's milk that is familiar to us. It is stored less than traditional, but compared to cow's milk itself, koumiss from it is absorbed by the body much easier.
The calorie content of koumiss from horse and cow's milk is the same. If you are allergic to casein, it is better to give preference to koumiss from horse milk. Many are interested in whether it is an alcoholic drink, but it depends on the method of preparation. Koumiss is divided by strength into weak, medium and strong, depending on the alcohol content. A special kind is Kazakh, which is distinguished by a greater strength - about 40%, you can really get drunk from it.
Useful properties and harm
As mentioned above, koumiss is very easily absorbed by the human body. When compared with milk, there are many more useful properties. This is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, so regular consumption of koumiss can have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body and even cure diseases. There is an opinion that they can even replace meat in a vegetarian diet, this drink is so nutritious. For example, koumiss can help with dysentery and typhoid fever.
It has been scientifically proven that when drinking this drink, the secretion of gastric juice is significantly increased and the process of splitting fats is improved, which contributes to an easier course of the disease and a speedy recovery.
Due to some properties koumiss can even be used instead of an antibiotic. With a very high pace of life and the presence of constant stress, its use will significantly strengthen the immune system. Recent studies by scientists have shown that koumiss can be useful in combating putrefactive microbes and E. coli. With a lack of sleep or insomnia and the presence of sudden attacks of aggression due to constant stress, you can try adding koumiss to the diet. Many peoples traditionally considered him one of the best remedies for dealing with nervous disorders.
The use of koumiss also has a beneficial effect on the composition and properties of the blood, which positively affects the state of the body's immunity. After you have suffered a serious illness, you can always try adding koumiss to your diet. It will help the body recover as soon as possible. It would be best if it does not contain a lot of alcohol. But the medicinal properties of this drink do not end with a beneficial effect on the internal state of the body. Quite successfully, you can treat both acne and skin diseases. The drink has a rejuvenating effect.
The drink will help to significantly improve not only the condition of the skin, but also help strengthen nails and hair. To make a great skin scrub, you just need to mix koumiss with sea salt. It is enough to use such a scrub only once a week, and hair masks can make hair stronger.There are even special farms for the production of koumiss to use it exclusively for cosmetic purposes. Since the drink is made from horse milk, it is worth remembering its beneficial properties.
It has been scientifically proven that such milk has incredible nutritional value, it can even help with anemia, for example, during pregnancy. Taking antibiotics is strictly contraindicated, but koumiss can help get rid of the disease.
Of course, adding a large amount of koumiss to the daily diet should be approached with caution, because there are contraindications. Its use can be harmful to health, therefore, when deciding on the daily use of the drink, it is necessary to carefully study the issue. The Internet provides a large amount of information on how to properly use this drink, and the attending physician can also provide detailed information.
First of all, it is worth mentioning the negative effects of excessive consumption of koumiss. This will inevitably lead to flatulence and diarrhea, which are easy to get rid of if you simply reduce the amount of drink consumed. And also with a high alcohol content in some of its types, you can encounter the effect of intoxication.
In the presence of gastroenterological diseases, it is worth remembering that the chemical composition of koumiss is very specific - about 4% sugar, 3% animal protein, at least 2% fat. Therefore, if you have any concerns, you should consult with your doctor. If you have kidney disease or peptic ulcer, your doctor may recommend reducing the amount of koumiss in your diet.
Due to the alcohol content of the drink, it may should not be given to children, especially at a very young age. In addition, the specificity of this drink is such that it spoils rather quickly. And that is why it is best to buy the koumiss that was made in your region.
Application
Kumis has firmly established itself in cooking. For example, many peoples use it when marinating meat for barbecue. In order for the barbecue to turn out delicious, you need to cut the meat into pieces (you can take lamb or beef), add spices. As spices, you can use salt, black or red pepper, herbs. Add half a liter of koumiss, lemon juice and onion, cut into rings. In this marinade, the meat should be kept for four hours.
Kumis is good not only in cooking because of its wonderful taste, it is widely used in folk medicine. Its healing properties have been known for centuries. Traditional medicine claims that koumiss can help in the treatment of very serious diseases. However, when treating any disease with its help, it is worth consulting a doctor, since koumiss treatment has a number of features. But in general, if there are no serious diseases and contraindications, adding koumiss to your diet will have a beneficial effect on health, well-being and appearance.
It has been scientifically proven that by adding it to your daily diet, you can strengthen your immune system and get rid of many nervous ailments. People who use koumiss regularly become more energetic and cheerful.
For weight loss
Koumiss is also indispensable for those who seek to find an ideal figure. First of all, because this drink contains very few calories. But do not forget that koumiss is saturated with vitamins and microelements that can normalize digestion and speed up metabolism.It is also a natural fat burner, so with the help of koumiss you can really more effectively get rid of extra pounds in a fairly short time. Of course, it all depends on how much you want to lose weight.
At the same time, koumiss can be called a very satisfying drink. It can help to cope with the feeling of hunger, especially in the evening and before bedtime. It is useful to drink one glass in the morning before breakfast - saturation will come faster and you will eat less. So, you can lose a few pounds in just one month. Which koumiss to choose is up to you. Whether it is made from cow's or horse's milk, one way or another, its properties do not change from this.
There are also recipes using koumiss for weight loss.
- Spinach Green Smoothie is an easy-to-make drink that's delicious and satisfying. To prepare it, you need to grind cucumber and spinach in a blender, and then add koumiss and beat thoroughly. Such a drink will bring a feeling of satiety without extra calories.
- Strawberry drink with koumiss is prepared very simply - you only need a glass of koumiss, strawberry puree and ice. Mix the ingredients, you can decorate with berries. This is a wonderful dessert for those who follow their figure.
Important! Kumis is good both as a drink and in hearty dishes and desserts.
In cosmetology
Kumis is a miraculous remedy not only for the treatment of diseases and weight loss. This wonderful drink can improve health not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Of course, as you know, beauty comes from within, but the use of additional products for the care of appearance will never be superfluous. Kumis is very widely used in cosmetology, as well as in home care. With this drink, you can improve the condition of the skin, nails, hair.There are many ways to do this.
Since koumiss is sold in any grocery store, and its cost is low, you can add several products based on it to your care.
- Hair Mask. Preparing such a mask is very simple - you just need to mix half a glass of koumiss with a teaspoon of honey and yolk. It turns out a very nourishing mask. It must be applied to the hair and left for half an hour, then washed off. Best of all, if you can fix the result using a hair oil of your choice.
- Mask for the face. With the help of koumiss, an effective mask is prepared for many types of skin - dry, oily, problematic. To prepare the mask, moisten gauze with koumiss and apply on the skin for 10-15 minutes. This procedure is best repeated several times a week.
If you try using koumiss to make homemade natural hair and skin care products, the results will not be long in coming. It is very effective in combating acne, dry skin and brittle hair, perfectly moisturizes both skin and hair.
How to drink?
It is best to introduce koumiss into the diet gradually. Start with a small glass of the drink a day, gradually increasing the dose at a pace that is comfortable for you. Doctors say that you can drink up to one liter per day. It is very useful to drink a glass of koumiss before meals, as well as drink it in the evening and before going to bed. Then you can achieve the effect of losing weight.
In the presence of serious diseases you should definitely consult with your doctor. He will tell you the maximum allowable amount of koumiss per day for you. It is best if you do not abuse the drink, so as not to encounter various side effects, for example, indigestion, flatulence.And also with caution you need to treat the use of this drink in the presence of gastroenterological diseases. There is also a risk of individual intolerance to the product.
How to cook real koumiss at home, see the following video.