Water Kefir Beverages and Probiotic Properties
摘要
Water kefir beverages have gained attention as a potential alternative to soda, offering a non-alcoholic and naturally fermented option that can be enriched with various fruits and vegetables to enhance both flavor and health benefits. Water kefir exhibits variability in its characteristic all over the world which can be attributed to several factors. In this book chapter, we explore the diverse range of water kefir products available and highlight innovative approaches to enhance their probiotic potential. Water kefir provides a multitude of health benefits, including the presence of probiotics and juice components that supports antioxidant activities, gut microbiota modulation, immunomodulation, enhanced nutrient absorption, and improvement of metabolic activities. Exploring the utilization of different substrates rich in bioactive compounds, including the valorization of food waste, holds promise for the development of novel attributes and economic value in water kefir beverages. Certain fruits and vegetables exhibit higher microbial viability than others, emphasizing the importance of substrate selection in water kefir fermentation. Consideration of the chemical composition of the chosen fruits or vegetables is essential, as it not only stimulates the fermentation process but also contributes to the development of flavors. The microbial composition of water kefir beverages is primarily influenced by the grains used in the fermentation process, which, in turn, is affected by their origin. Despite the growing demand for healthy, refreshing, low-sugar, and ready-to-drink probiotic beverages, there remains a limited exploration of water kefir fermentation using diverse substrates and its large-scale production. To fully capitalize on the potential of water kefir, further research and industrial-scale production are imperative.