Kvas: benefits and harm to the body of men, women

Kvas is one of the most popular drinks during the hot summer months. It can be consumed alone or added to various dishes, such as okroshka or baked goods. What is the usefulness of the drink, whether it has harmful properties and contraindications, we deal with the expert.

What is kvass?

Kvas is a traditional Slavic drink, which is known for its refreshing taste and light sour flavor. It is believed that kvass was known even in ancient Egypt. Back in the 5th century B.C., the ancient Greek historian Herodotus described a drink that was made by soaking bread crusts and fermenting them.

Something similar to kvass was prepared everywhere, but it was in Russia that this drink took root. The first written references to it date back to the IX-X centuries.

At first kvass was prepared on the basis of bread broth with the addition of sugar or honey to stimulate the fermentation process. Over time, its recipe became more diverse: various spices, fruits, berries, herbs and other ingredients were added to give the drink a bright and unique flavor.

Kvas is considered a non-alcoholic drink, although it has a small percentage of alcohol.

Health benefits of kvass

Candidate of Medical Sciences, doctor-gastroenterologist of the Euroonko network of expert oncology clinics

“Kvas is a traditional Slavic drink that is made by natural fermentation of bread. It contains many nutrients.”

High-quality kvass has a positive effect on human health.

Firstly, the drink is rich in B vitamins, which are important for the nervous system and metabolism. It is also a source of vitamin C – this antioxidant helps to strengthen immunity, improve iron absorption, maintain the health of skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage.

Secondly, kvass contains beneficial minerals, including potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, iodine, manganese, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and sulfur. They are essential for maintaining the health of the heart and blood, as well as other organs and systems.

Thirdly, the drink has probiotics, which favorably affect the intestinal microflora and digestion.

It should also be noted that kvass is an excellent source of energy, while having a low calorie content (about 36 kcal per 100 ml).

Harm and contraindications

Despite the benefits, kvass can be harmful in the following cases:

With individual intolerance or allergy to the components of the drink;
in stomach diseases (for example, gastritis or ulcer) due to the acidity of the drink;
with diabetes mellitus – kvass should be consumed with caution due to its sugars content.

Also do not forget that the drink has alcohol, although in small amounts (from 1 to 2%). Therefore, pregnant women and children are better not to abuse it.

As with the introduction of any new product in the diet, it is recommended to start with small portions and monitor the reaction of the body. If you have chronic diseases or special health conditions, it is better to consult a doctor before using kvass.

How to choose the right kvass?

Now there is a large number of recipes for kvass. Preparing the drink is quite simple: the classic recipe requires only black bread, kvass yeast, sugar and water. Kvass should insist in a dark, cool place for a few days. To spice it up, you can add honey, lemon, apples, dried or dried berries.

Most people buy kvass in stores. Let’s tell you what parameters should be paid attention to when choosing a drink.

Buy kvass with a short shelf life and without preservatives. These signs indicate the naturalness of the product.
Refuse a drink with a high content of sugar and additives. Such kvass can have a harmful effect on people with diabetes and overweight.
Pay attention to the labeling – the real product must be produced by fermentation. In stores you can find “kvass drinks”, which have nothing in common with natural kvass and, as a consequence, do not have the same wide range of beneficial properties. In addition, their composition may contain food additives, flavorings and dyes that are harmful to the body.

How much kvass can be drunk per day?

This depends on the individual characteristics of the body, general health and diet. In general, moderate consumption of kvass, for example, one glass a day, is considered safe.

People with diabetes are advised to consume the drink with caution due to its sugar content.