Beet kvass: homemade recipes, benefits and harms of beets

A glass of incredibly tasty and cold kvass in hot weather can not only quench your thirst, but also bring true pleasure. It’s not for nothing that many people associate this drink with summer. However, kvass lovers drink it all year round. The most popular, of course, is the bread drink. But no less tasty is kvass made from beets. What is known about this amazing drink? Let's figure it out.

So, His Majesty beet kvass: benefits and harms, reviews from amateurs - all this information will be presented in the review and will help you understand what the drink is.

Composition of the drink

So, let’s evaluate the benefits and harms of a drink like beet kvass. Reviews from people who use it indicate a huge beneficial effect.

The main ingredient of the drink is beets. It is she who saturates kvass with all the beneficial substances included in this root vegetable. And, it must be said, there are a lot of them. After all, beets are considered simply a record holder for the content of vitamins, mineral salts and other useful substances.

Thus, beet kvass is rich in:

vitamins B, K, PP;
ascorbic acid;
iron;
magnesium;
potassium;
calcium;
copper;
manganese

In addition, phytoncides and flavonoids, sugars and acids, anthocyanins and natural antioxidants pass from the root vegetable into the drink.

The composition of the drink is enriched with bacteria, which ensure fermentation and prevent the body from the development of pathogenic microflora, as well as putrefactive processes.

It is not surprising that modern people are interested in the benefits and harms of a drink such as beet kvass. Reviews from scientists make sure that the drink fills the body with energy. In addition, it is an excellent protection against a variety of infections.

Use of the drink for medicinal purposes

The question of how to take beet kvass for medicinal purposes is very important. If the dosage is significantly exceeded, harm is possible, especially for people with gastrointestinal diseases.

To improve your overall health, take 3-4 tablespoons of beetroot. 3 times a day before meals (dosage is individual and depends on the specific disease). Store in the refrigerator.

After consuming the entire volume, the first cleansing and regeneration of the body will occur. Before drinking the second jar, take a 3-month break, and only after that repeat the treatment.

Take another break and repeat the therapeutic course a third time. In a year, the liver, kidneys, intestines and the body as a whole will be completely cleansed and restored.

Detoxification of the body Beet kvass is a good remedy for cleansing the body. This wonderful elixir of health not only improves immunity, but also perfectly lowers blood pressure. 1 glass a day for 3 weeks is enough.

As American scientists have shown in the course of their research, this use cleanses the body and generally improves the condition of the skin. This is due to the high silicon content. The drink contains dietary fiber that promotes good digestion.

And, as you know, a properly functioning, cleansed intestine is the basis for the excellent condition of the entire digestive tract, which is responsible for most health problems.

Note! During detoxification, urine and stool may take on a reddish tint. Don't worry - this effect is caused by a natural dye (it is not only harmless, but also useful).

Liver cleansing The vegetable, like kvass made from it, contains a large proportion of betaine, which promotes healthy liver function. Cleansing with a healing drink has a number of advantages compared to pharmaceutical drugs - it does not cause any side effects. All toxic substances are gently excreted in the urine.

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For a detoxification course, prepare 3 liters of kvass. Take 100-150 ml 3 times a day before meals. Continue the course until you have used the entire prepared amount.

Cleansing is recommended 2 times a year.

Keep in mind that such detoxification, in addition to its benefits, is also fraught with harm to the liver: it is contraindicated in case of liver pathologies!

Hypertension High levels of nitrogen compounds help lower blood pressure. Drinking 2 glasses of kvass daily has a significant effect on health in hypertension.

Weight loss Thanks to the high content of soluble dietary fiber, the healing drink helps with weight loss. At the same time, it provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals.

In order to get rid of excess weight, it is recommended to carry out fasting days (no more than once a week!). On such a day, drink 1 liter of kvass. If you feel hungry, add fruit or vegetable snacks to your drink.

Diabetes Unlike fresh vegetables or their juice, kvass is recommended for diabetes if sugar is excluded when preparing it.

The drink contains enzymes that have beneficial effects on the digestive system, which is important for diabetics, both type 2 and type 1. The recommended daily dose is up to 100 ml.

Menstrual and menopausal problems Thanks to the high iron content in this healthy drink, it has a positive effect on the production of red blood cells and the replacement of those lost during menstruation.

Consumption of kvass mitigates complications caused by menstruation. In addition, it is very useful during menopause, thanks to the stabilization of hormonal levels.

Recommended consumption is 100-150 ml per day.

Anemia The mentioned iron and a number of other substances present in kvass contribute to the formation of new red blood cells. It helps not only in treating anemia due to blood loss during menstruation, but also in treating anemia due to other reasons.

Suppresses inflammation The healthy drink contains a large amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals and suppress inflammatory processes.

Improved mood and psyche Betaine and tryptophan are responsible for these effects - substances that effectively calm the mind and relieve stress.

Prevention and treatment of cancer Many studies have shown that both juice and kvass from red beets (250-300 ml per day) have strong anti-cancer effects, protect cells from mutations, promote regeneration and the formation of new healthy tissues.

Strengthening muscles Drinking a healthy drink increases muscle strength. Taking it regularly will help you achieve better athletic results.

Contraindications

When using the beneficial properties of beet kvass, you should also keep in mind the contraindications to its consumption. The vegetable in any form is not recommended for people with kidney pathologies, peptic ulcers and the acute phase of gout.

People with low blood pressure should also exercise caution when drinking it - the vegetable's components lower blood pressure. Contraindications include candidiasis. If you are unsure about use, talk to your doctor.

Medicinal properties

Since ancient times, beet kvass has been drunk in Rus'. The benefits and harms of the drink have been questioned more than once during this time.

Having carefully studied the resulting liquid, people came to the conclusion that kvass provides the following positive effects on the body:

treats hypertension;
stimulates the formation of blood cells;
cleanses the intestines, as well as the liver, kidneys from toxins and waste;
removes salts;
treats iron deficiency anemia;
relieves constipation;
normalizes sleep;
cleanses lymph and blood vessels;
helps fight obesity;
has a beneficial effect on the beauty and growth of hair.

Tips for improving the taste of beet kvass

There are a few things you can add to your homemade beet kvass as a “starter” to infuse probiotics. Some people use whey (not whey protein powder), the "liquid" that can be drained from yogurt.

I've done lacto-fermentation with a whey "starter" in the past, but it's not usually used. And if you are very sensitive to milk, whey "starter", you are probably better off not using this.

Instead, I either skip the starter entirely—lacto fermentation will be fine without it—or I add about 1/4 cup of raw sauerkraut juice.

Lacto fermentation can proceed faster or slower depending on the temperature. I prefer my beet kvass after about two days, but I've heard of people letting it ferment for up to a week. I would test the taste in two days. If you like, hide it in the refrigerator with the lid still on.

Liver cleansing

As mentioned above, the drink has an excellent cleansing effect. This was confirmed by scientists who carefully analyzed the benefits and harms of such a liquid as beet kvass.

This is undoubtedly extremely important for the liver. After all, it is this organ that filters the blood and removes all harmful impurities from it. A person’s health directly depends on the condition of the liver.

Therefore, it is important to periodically (1-2 times a year) clean this “filter” from contaminants and toxins. It should be said that beet kvass will not only cope with this task perfectly, but will also make the procedure quite soft.

To make the drink, you need to grate beets (500 g). Place it in a 3-liter jar. Add flour - 2 tbsp. l., and sugar - 1 cup. Fill the contents with boiled cooled water up to the very beginning of the neck. Place the jar in a warm place. After 7-9 days, strain the drink.

To cleanse the liver, you need to take 30 g of beets (remaining after filtration) daily. In addition, you should drink kvass at any time. When all the drink and beets are gone, be sure to take a break for 3 months. Then the “treatment” can be repeated.

Recipes for making beet kvass at home

The technology for preparing this healing drink is no different from making regular homemade kvass, but will require careful selection of root vegetables to obtain a quality product. For cooking at home, choose beets that are dark red in color, strong and juicy, without a large number of white internal veins.

Yeast-free

To prepare a yeast-free drink you will need the following components:

3-4 medium beets;
2-3 liters of clean cold water.

The root crop without tops is thoroughly washed under running water, peeled, and chopped into small slices. The beet pieces are placed in a three-liter jar and filled with prepared water. Covering the vessel with gauze, it is sent to a warm, dark place for fermentation. After bubbles begin to rise from the bottom of the glass container, the liquid can be drained.

To add flavor, a couple of finely chopped carrots are added to the jar before fermentation begins, or after pouring, mixed with the juice of rowan berries, currants, cranberries, sea buckthorn or kefir, homemade spices. Chopped greens will give kvass additional taste and vitamins.

With yeast and honey

The drink not only quenches thirst well, but also has a positive effect on the restoration of mental and physical strength. You will need the following components:

Beetroot – 0.5 kg.
Natural honey – 3 large spoons.
Dry yeast – 10 g.
A couple of crusts of stale black bread.
Hot and cold water.

The root vegetable should be peeled, finely chopped and placed in the oven to dry. After drying slightly, remove the baking sheet from the stove, transfer the beet pieces into a saucepan, and add hot water slightly above the laying level. Place a metal container on the stove and cook until the vegetable is ready.

Place the prepared beet pieces in a glass jar, add bread crusts, natural honey and dry yeast, and cover with cool water. Cover the neck of the bottle with gauze or a thin cloth and place it in a warm place. In a couple of days the drink will be ready.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for a week, which is much longer than the shelf life of any other kvass.

With rye bread

The infusion can be used for beetroot soup and cold borscht. The ingredients of the drink are:

beets – 2 pcs.;
stale rye bread - 3 crackers;
water – 4 l;
granulated sugar – 5 tbsp. l.

Finely chop the peeled root vegetables and place in a 5-liter glass bottle. Add sugar, rye rinds, pour cold water. Cover the neck of the bottle with several layers of gauze and place in a warm place. As a moldy film appears on the surface of the infusion, remove it promptly. After 4-5 days, when the kvass is ready, strain and put in the refrigerator. The product is used for drinking, preparing cold borscht or lean soup.

With raisins

The presence of dried grapes in the infusion makes it not only refreshing, but also regulates the acid-base balance of the body. Kvass has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the urinary system. Ingredients for the drink:

Beets – 3 medium pieces.
Raisins – 25 pcs.
Lemon – 0.5 pcs.
Granulated sugar – 3 tbsp. l.
Water – 5 l.

Bring water to a boil, keep on low heat for 5 minutes. and remove the pan from the stove. After the water has cooled, add sugar and fresh lemon juice. Wash the beets, remove the peel and chop finely. Place the root vegetable pieces on a metal sheet and place in the oven to dry. After light drying, place the slices in a 5-liter glass container with the addition of raisins. Pour the mixture with cold water. Cover the jar with a drain lid and wrap it in a thick blanket. Gas bubbles that appear after 2-3 days will indicate that the infusion is ready for consumption.