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Milk mushroom (Tibetan, kefir) is a symbiosis of more than ten different beneficial bacteria that turn milk into kefir.
The history of milk fungus is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that it was accidentally received by Tibetan monks, who washed jugs for curdled milk not in a well, but in a lake, thus deciding to save clean water. There is an assumption that it was from the reservoir that special microorganisms got into the dishes for fermenting milk. Having entered into symbiosis with lactic acid bacteria, they became the “progenitors” of the most useful product of our time.
According to another legend, the milk mushroom, also known as kefir and Tibetan, was received by the Muslim tribes of the North Caucasus as a gift from the Prophet Muhammad. It happened over 1500 years ago. For its useful properties even then people called it a gift of Allah.
How the mushroom got to Europe is still not exactly known. It is believed that it was brought in by a traveler who was somehow able to exchange the recipe from the monks. About 300 years ago, the fungus appeared in Bulgaria, and at the beginning of the XNUMXth century in the Crimea, after which it spread throughout Russia.
Dairy mushroom is a symbiosis of bacteria and microbes of the genus Zooloea. The drink obtained on the basis of the Tibetan mushroom is saturated with vitamins, microelements, easily digestible proteins, lactobacilli and beneficial acids. Since ancient times, it has been used to improve immunity, treat diseases of the digestive system, and improve the body.
Outwardly, milk fungus resembles cottage cheese or overcooked rice. It is round and spherical. When favorable conditions are created, the fungus grows rapidly, reaching a diameter of 3-7 cm.
The benefits of milk fungus
Since ancient times, a drink based on milk fungus has been used to improve the functioning of the liver, intestines, and pancreas. Tibetan monks considered it the No. 1 product for memory, sound sleep and good spirits. With its help, they slowed down the aging process of the body, rejuvenated externally and internally.
The influence of milk fungus on the body was studied by many scientists, including I. I. Mechnikov. In past years, it was used as a medicine for heart disease and for nursing premature babies.
Proven Benefits of Milk Mushroom:
Helps to get rid of excess weight, useful for people with obesity, allows you to control appetite.
Strengthens immunity. A drink based on milk fungus is recommended to be included in the menu during seasonal outbreaks of SARS.
It stops the manifestations of dysbacteriosis, allows you to normalize the microflora after taking antibiotics.
Useful for diabetes, lowers blood glucose levels.
Regulates blood pressure. A drink based on it is indicated for people with hypertension and hypotension.
Helps reduce allergy symptoms such as itching and skin rashes.
Neutralizes toxins, removes toxins from the body.
Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, helps in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
Useful for mental disorders, increases brain activity.
It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, it is necessary for intestinal disorders caused by poisoning.
Promotes the removal of small stones and sand from the urinary system.
Normalizes sleep, helps to get rid of insomnia.
Increases performance.
It has a positive effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin. For this reason, the mushroom is actively used in cosmetology.
Strengthens bone tissue.
Helps cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol, is a means for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.
Good for eyesight.
Milk mushroom composition
The benefits of milk fungus are due to its diverse composition, which has no analogues. It is enough to drink a glass of such a drink so that a whole range of biologically active substances enters the body.
Vitamins | Quantity | % RDN |
Vitamin A (retinol) | 400-1200 μg | 150% |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0,15-0,3 mg | 23% |
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 0,5 mcg | 21% |
Beta-carotene | 200-600 μg | 12% |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0,1 mg | 8% |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0,1 mg | 8% |
Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinic acid) | 1,0 mg | 6% |
Minerals (in 100 g): | Quantity | %RDN |
Calcium | 120 mg | 12% |
Zinc | 0,4 mg | 4% |
Iodine | 6 mcg | 3% |
Hardware | 0,1-0,2 mg | 1% |
Dairy mushroom for weight loss
The undoubted advantage of the product is its low calorie content, which is 59 kcal per 100 g. Overweight people, athletes and vegetarians can safely include it in their menu. It charges the body with energy that is not deposited in fat.
Lactobacillus, which are part of the fungus, allows you to normalize the balance of the intestinal flora, inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to the easy digestion of fibrous foods. Their usefulness in preventing the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, in particular, oncopathologies, has been proven. Lactic acid produced by lactobacilli improves the absorption of iron, calcium and vitamins, increases cholesterol metabolism, preventing its deposition on the walls of blood vessels.
Benefits for pregnant and lactating women
Tibetan mushroom is useful for pregnant women, as it is a source of folic acid, calcium, iodine and iron. As practice shows, the deficiency of these substances is observed in more than 80% of expectant mothers.
The problem of many pregnant women is constipation. Regular use of a milk fungus-based product allows you to normalize stools.
Women who are breastfeeding can take the drink, but it should be introduced into the diet gradually, in small portions. You need to make sure that the child does not have an allergic reaction.
Despite the benefits of milk fungus for the body, you should consult a specialist before taking it.
Benefits for women
Milk mushroom will be useful for women suffering from thrush. To have a therapeutic effect, you need to take the drink regularly.
The product is included in the diet to improve skin condition, strengthen nails and hair. It is recommended for women during menopause, as a means for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Benefits for men
Men will be grateful to the drink for increased potency. The vitamins of group B and vitamin D included in its composition are necessary for the prevention of prostatitis. They normalize blood flow in the pelvic organs, dilate blood vessels, prevent blood stasis, stimulate the protective functions of the prostate, and activate lymph outflow.
It is recommended to drink milk mushroom kefir for men suffering from early hair loss. The product is no less useful for alcohol abuse. It removes toxins and normalizes metabolic processes.
Tibetan mushroom in cosmetology
Tibetan mushroom helps improve appearance. It is widely used in cosmetology to get rid of many problems.
Acne. With acne, Tibetan fungus kefir is consumed in the morning and evening in an amount of 250 ml. At the same time, all harmful foods must be removed from the menu: fatty, fried and salty dishes. Twice a day, you can wipe your face with mushroom serum, diluting it with water in equal proportions.
For convenience, kefir is poured into ice molds. Every morning, cubes massage problem areas. Wash off after 15 minutes.
For dry skin. If the skin is dry prepare the following mask:
2 tbsp. l. kefir;
1 tbsp. l. cottage cheese;
1 yolk.
All components are mixed, applied to the face for 20 minutes, then washed off with warm water. Repeat the procedure every 4 days. Instead of the yolk, you can use fish oil capsules. Or linseed oil.
For oily skin. To combat increased oily skin, use a mask based on 2 tbsp. l. kefir of the Tibetan mushroom and curdled milk. The composition is applied to the face, washed off after 20 minutes. To enhance the effect, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or 1 tsp to the mask. vodka.
To reduce wrinkles. To rejuvenate the skin of the face and neck, you can use the following recipe:
Kefir – 2 tbsp. l.
Honey – 1 tbsp. l.
Olive oil – 1 tbsp. l.
Oatmeal – 2 tbsp. l.
The composition is applied for half an hour to problem areas. Wash off with cool water. The mask is used every 3 days.
Dandruff To combat dandruff, you need to not only take the drink inside, but also make a hair mask with it. To prepare it, you will need the following components:
Kefir – 5 tbsp. l;
Yolk – 1 pc.;
Calcium chloride – 1 tsp;
Lemon juice – 1 tsp
The composition is rubbed into the scalp and left until completely dry. Then you need to comb your hair with a rare plastic or wooden comb and wash it using any shampoo.
From hair loss. To strengthen the hair roots, once every 1 days you need to rinse them with a mixture of Tibetan mushroom kefir, infusion of birch leaves and onion peel.
Another effective way to combat hair loss is to irrigate them with mushroom serum diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5. Use a spray bottle for easy application.
Harm and contraindications
Milk fungus is unable to harm the human body. This has been proven not only by centuries of experience in its use, but also by scientific data. A drink based on it can be consumed by both adults and children. However, you need to take care of a quality product that was prepared in compliance with sanitary and hygienic rules.
Despite all the benefits of milk fungus, not all people can use it. Contraindications for drinking:
Diabetes mellitus with a patient dependent on insulin.
Joint reception with alcoholic beverages.
Intolerance to dairy products (hypolactasia).
Bronchial asthma.
Diarrhea.
Gastritis with high acidity.
Children are offered a drink only after reaching the age of two.
Dairy mushroom in the treatment of diseases
A drink based on milk fungus is used for certain diseases:
With chronic pancreatitis. Kefir should not be drunk during an exacerbation of the disease, but after achieving remission, it is necessary for the body. The mushroom contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes, the breakdown of fats, and the removal of stress from the digestive system.
For gastritis with low acidity, the drink is taken 1/2 cup before meals. It helps to normalize the acid-base balance and promotes the speedy promotion of food through the digestive tract.
With constipation. Regular intake of the product heals the microflora, helping to eliminate the stagnation of feces in the intestines. A positive result is achieved even when taking a minimum portion of 100 ml. In severe constipation, the drink is taken 3 times a day: in the morning on an empty stomach, in the afternoon and in the evening.
With intestinal dysbacteriosis and vaginal dysbacteriosis. The intake of lactobacilli in the body normalizes the disturbed microflora. It is important that kefir acts gently, does not provoke the development of diarrhea. The drink is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening an hour before bedtime.
Colitis. A cup of the mushroom should be taken every 3 hours for 3 days. When there is a feeling of hunger, white dried bread is eaten. Be sure to use clean water.
Stones in the gallbladder. For their dissolution, a monthly treatment course is carried out. In this case, kefir should be alternated with cucumber juice. In the morning and before dinner, take a glass of cucumber juice, and in the evening 30 minutes before bedtime – an infusion of milk fungus.
Cystitis. In the morning on an empty stomach they drink a glass of kefir, the same amount is taken after dinner. In the evening they replace dinner. Be sure to perform warm sitz baths.
With diabetes. The drink is useful at an early stage of the disease, until a person has developed dependence on insulin. The daily norm is 1 glass per day. They drink the drink for a month, after which they take a break for 2 weeks.
How to grow a Tibetan mushroom at home?
Without a base, it will not be possible to grow milk mushroom at home. For its reproduction, at least a small part of the product is needed. You can buy it at a pharmacy or ask friends.
After obtaining a part of the milk fungus, you can begin the process of growing it. It consists of several stages:
Grow the product in a glass container. The jar needs to be washed with soda and dried.
Pour 2 tsp into the container. dry milk mushroom (you can buy it, or take it ready-made from friends) and pour it with 600 ml of milk at room temperature. You can use boiled and chilled homemade milk or what is sold in the store, but it does not have a long shelf life.
Cover the jar with gauze folded in several layers. Do not cover it with a lid, because without oxygen the bacteria will die.
Remove the jar of milk for a day in a dark place.
After 24 hours, a thick kefir cap will appear on the surface.
The drink is drained, and the jar is refilled with milk. This is done daily.
Ready kefir should be consumed within 3 days. Store it in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. As the mushroom grows, it is divided and distributed to friends. It takes about 3 weeks for a set of nutrients.
[Video] Years of experience in the care and preservation of milk fungus: