Lactic fungus: useful properties and contraindications

Milk (kefir or Tibetan) mushroom is used for the preparation of various dairy drinks. Recently, it is almost impossible to find it in the kitchen of hostesses. But the product with constant use brings invaluable benefits and can be used daily.

What is the lactic fungus?

Lactic fungus is a microorganism that is formed by interacting with yeast fungi and lactic acid bacteria. In its composition it has many useful substances and a large amount of calcium, which is necessary to strengthen bones, hair and nails.

In appearance, it resembles a ball, which is capable of growing up to 7 centimeters in diameter. It looks more like grains of rice or grains of cottage cheese. When mature, it resembles cauliflower inflorescences in appearance.

The mushroom is mostly white in color, but may have a yellowish tint. It tastes sour and has a specific flavor. But it is the taste that is determined by the composition of the product, which is its basis.

The product got its name because Tibet is considered its homeland. Over time, it has spread widely around the world. On its basis, many dairy products are made, as well as added to baked goods.

Composition and calories

The benefits are due to the composition. The mushroom contains a large number of trace elements, nutrients and vitamins. Its composition includes:

1. Retinol. This is vitamin A, which is involved in cellular metabolism and tissue cell division.
2. Zinc and iodine. These substances are required for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which controls the production of a large number of different hormones. It is these substances that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
3. Thiamine and riboflavin. On the content of riboflavin depends on the condition of the skin, hair and nail plates. Due to the large content of this substance, milk fungus is also used in cosmetology. Thiamine also plays an important role in the human body. He is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive and nervous systems.
4. Iron. It is necessary for the body to form blood cells. Its deficiency leads to the development of anemia, symptoms of which are constant fatigue, dizziness, headaches.
5. Calcium. Milk mushroom also contains a sufficient amount of calcium. Microelement takes an active part in the construction of bone tissue, nails, hair, supports dental health.
6. Niacin and pyridoxine. Niacin is a nicotinic acid. It takes an active part in the metabolic processes of the body. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is also involved in metabolism and controls the nervous system.
7. Vitamin B12. Provides invaluable benefits for the brain, nervous system and digestive tract. Milk mushroom contains about 20% of the daily allowance.

The product also contains polysaccharides, lactic bacteria, alcohol, and yeast fungi. The usefulness of milk fungus is due to its composition, which, unlike many other products, is not rich, but is high in micronutrients and vitamins, especially calcium. It is they who constitute the bulk of useful substances for the body, and its normal functioning is impossible without them. In addition, the lack of these elements leads to diseases such as anemia, diarrhea and others.

The product contains only 59 kcal per 100 grams, which allows the use of milk mushroom for weight loss and in diets for athletes. It will not only maintain weight, but also saturate the body with the most important microelements, increase strength and reduce hunger.

Useful properties of milk mushrooms

General benefits

Due to its composition, milk or Tibetan mushroom has invaluable benefits for the body. Experts recommend consuming it as often as possible, preferably daily and in small portions for the following reasons:

1. Reduces the negative impact of stress on the body, is an excellent prevention of depression, psycho-emotional disorders.
2. It increases immunity, strengthens the body's defenses. That is why it should be used during the high season of flu and acute respiratory viral infections.
3. It increases attention, which is reflected in the ability to work.
4. Helps relieve symptoms of allergic reactions to food, cosmetics and household chemicals, which may appear as rashes, redness of the skin.
5. Cures the symptoms of infectious lesions, allows speeding up the recovery process.
6. Removes from the body the substances contained in antibiotics. That is why the milk fungus is recommended after prolonged treatment with these drugs. In this case, lactic acid bacteria have enveloping properties, protect the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract from the negative effects of antibiotics and help restore normal microflora of the digestive tract.
7. Improves sexual activity and desire. Also increases potency and helps to increase sexual attractiveness.
8. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Milk mushroom can also be used as an antispasmodic.
9. Helps normalize metabolism, restores intestinal microflora, acidity.
10. Helps to eliminate harmful substances from the body, such as products of pathogens, toxins, bile, toxins and salt.
11. Beneficial effect on the performance of the gastrointestinal tract.
12. It has a negative effect on solid inclusions in the urinary system, destroying and removing them from the body.
13. Removes headaches.
14. Normalizes sleep, gets rid of insomnia.
15. Increases efficiency and concentration.
16. Normalizes the blood pressure. That is why kefir mushroom is recommended to people who suffer severe fluctuations in BP.
17. Improves the quality of vision due to the content of vitamin A.
18. Strengthens the nail plate, bone tissue, hair and has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. Similar properties allow the mushroom to be used for cosmetic purposes.
19. It prevents the formation of malignant tumors.
20. It is an excellent prevention of heart attacks, heart muscle and vascular diseases.
21. Helps cleanse the body of "harmful" cholesterol, which causes blockage of blood vessels and their permeability.

Milk mushroom can be used to treat stomatitis, liver colic, thrush, osteochondrosis and rheumatism. In addition, it has a positive effect on the respiratory system. Due to its composition, milk fungus is able to accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.

For women

Lactic fungus brings great benefits for women, provided the correct and regular use. It helps to stop the signs of thrush, which often bothers the fair sex, especially during pregnancy and after a course of antibiotics.

Kefir mushroom in folk medicine is also used to treat many diseases of the genital system, having a mild effect on the body. It can improve the condition of the skin, prolong youth, strengthen the nails, weakened hair, protect the joints from the development of osteoporosis during menopause.

For men

With constant use, milk fungus increases potency in men, greatly enhances libido. Its components are the prevention of prostatitis.

Often, men after the age of 35 years begin to lose their hair. Consumption of milk fungus will help eliminate early alopecia and keep the hair for many years.

Kefir mushroom is useful for poisoning by alcoholic beverages and after drinking them, as it helps to restore the well-being, remove toxins and normalize the general condition.

In pregnancy.

Tibetan mushroom contains many useful substances in quite large quantities, which will bring invaluable benefits during pregnancy. After all, at this time, the female body consumes not only energy, but also various micronutrients two to three times more than before pregnancy.

But you should remember that you can consume the product only with the permission of a leading gynecologist, because there are certain contraindications and restrictions.

Milk mushroom in the period of pregnancy is not consumed if a woman has diabetes mellitus, increased acidity of the stomach and gastritis. Also a contraindication is an allergic reaction to lactose. When preparing a drink based on the milk mushroom, you should not use pasteurized milk.

When breastfeeding

Even after the birth of a child during the breastfeeding period, the female body needs more nutrients, trace elements and vitamins.

Tibetan mushroom in lactation can be introduced into the diet only after consulting your doctor and gradually. This is due to the fact that the product can cause allergy symptoms in a baby. In this case, you need to introduce it, starting with a small portion, carefully watching the reaction of the baby. In the absence of negative signs within a day, you can increase the daily rate.

For children

To date, experts can not come to one opinion about the benefits or harms of milk mushroom for children's body. According to studies, it has been established that the use of the product in small quantities helps to improve attention, mental abilities and strengthen bone tissue.

Also, according to some experts, milk fungus is an excellent prevention of digestive disorders and constipation. Its use allows you to eliminate dermatitis of various types of occurrence. But children should be given milk fungus and products based on it only when the child is three years old, because at an early age the product can cause damage to the immature body. In this case, the daily rate should not exceed 1 cup.

It is also important to consult with your pediatrician about the possibility of giving your child milk mushroom, because every body is different. If symptoms of allergic reactions occur, you should immediately exclude the product from your baby's diet and consult a doctor.

When losing weight

Tibetan or kefir mushroom is characterized by low calories. In 100 g of the product contains only 59 kcal. Thus, its consumption will not affect the figure.

Among other things, the mushroom contributes to the breakdown of fats, which are broken down into simple compounds and are removed from the body without being deposited under the skin.

Another positive property for weight loss mushroom is its ability to eliminate the feeling of hunger for a long time. To maintain weight or to reduce it, experts recommend to arrange for the body the so-called "off" days or for a certain period of time to follow not the most stringent diet.

Lactic fungus for weight loss is consumed after a meal and two hours before going to bed. This should be done daily for 3 weeks. Only in this way you can achieve positive results. After that, take a break for 10 days and repeat the course.

Tibetan milk mushroom in medicine

Lactic fungus is widely used in folk medicine. It is used to treat certain diseases, relieve unpleasant symptoms and improve the overall condition. But it is important to remember that it should be used in strict accordance with the recommendations, without increasing the dosage, because it can harm and aggravate the disease.

In case of diabetes

The benefit of milk mushroom in the case of diagnosed diabetes mellitus depends on the stage and type of the disease. In the absence of dependence on insulin, you can consume the product 6 times a day in small portions. The total daily rate can not exceed one glass.

The course of therapy is 30 days, after which a break for 2 weeks and repeat the treatment.

Insulin-dependent patients with type I disease are forbidden to use milk mushroom, because it can not be used with medicines. The substances that make up the mushroom neutralize their action, which can create a serious danger to the patient's body, including his life.

In pancreatitis

The inflammatory process involving pancreatic tissue is always accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. In pancreatitis, milk fungus can be consumed only after removing the period of exacerbation of the disease, when there are no pronounced symptoms in the form of acute pain. At this time, patients are advised to fast.

Tibetan mushroom is used in the chronic form of pancreatitis, which is due to the included lactobacilli. They help to slow the spread of inflammation, normalize the microflora of the digestive system. Also due to the breakdown of fat several times reduced the load on the stomach.

With pancreatitis, milk mushroom is consumed by 2 cups daily, but with caution. In the case of increased acidity, it is better to refuse the product for a while.

With gastritis

The possibility of consuming milk mushroom with gastritis depends on the level of acidity in the stomach. In cases when it is reduced or neutral, the product can be introduced into the diet. It is consumed by half a glass before a meal. In this case, it will bring invaluable benefits, as it will help to relieve inflammation, restore the microflora, the process of digestion, protect the mucosa from the negative effects of a number of factors. But with increased acidity, milk fungus should not be used, because it can only harm the body, become a cause of deterioration of the general well-being and the development of complications.

When constipation

Tibetan mushroom has unique cleansing properties. He is able to cleanse the digestive tract and normalize the process of digestion. That is why folk healers recommend using it when there are stagnant processes in the intestines.

To eliminate constipation, it is enough to drink about 100 ml of the drink. The result is noted after half an hour. In addition, the product is able to eliminate abdominal pain that occurs against the background of constipation.

Lactic fungus in cosmetology

Tibetan mushroom has been widely used in cosmetology as well. It is part of many different masks, which are used to restore the beauty of hair, natural complexion, eliminate wrinkles, slow down the aging process. The use of milk fungus helps not only to maintain beauty, but also to save money on expensive cosmetic products.

For face

Particularly popular is the mask, which allows you to refresh the skin, tighten it and eliminate fine lines, especially around the eyes. For its preparation, you will need the following components:

• 1 tablespoon of potato starch.
• 50 ml of milk mushroom.
• 15 ml of cognac.
• 4 tablespoons of cucumber juice.

All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the face. The mask is left on for 15 minutes and then washed off with warm running water. After the procedure, moisturizing cream is applied to the face. It is recommended to use the mask twice a week. After a month the first improvements will be noticeable.

To even out the complexion, remove freckles, pigment spots and tan make a special whitening mask. To prepare it at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of kefir, prepared from the milk fungus;
• A teaspoon of honey.

Kefir and honey are mixed and applied to the face. Leave the mask for 15 minutes, then rinse. Apply the remedy should be if there is no allergic reaction to bee products. For best results, it is better to use the mask up to three times a week.

If dry skin prevails, it is recommended to use a mask which is made on the basis of Tibetan kefir mushroom and has nourishing, moisturizing properties. It can be used for sensitive skin.

To eliminate dryness kefir, prepared on the basis of the milk mushroom, applied to the face, evenly distributing the mass. Leave for 15-20 minutes.

Before using kefir, you can add olive oil and egg yolk. They will help to enhance the effect, make the skin soft and elastic. For best results, it is better to make the mask regularly.

For hair

The mushroom is also used to restore the beauty of the hair. The substances in the product help to get rid of dandruff and eliminate hair loss.

After washing the hair, apply kefir, which has been prepared on the basis of the milk mushroom, and thoroughly rub it into the hair. Then everything is wrapped in plastic wrap and covered with a towel to keep warm. Keep the mask for 30 minutes and wash your hair with shampoo. Hair will become stronger if you use it every 7-8 days. The procedure will not only get rid of premature baldness and hair loss, but will also help wake up dormant hair follicles. As a result, the volume of hair will increase significantly.

Milk fungus will get rid of dandruff, as well as increased greasiness of the scalp. A therapeutic remedy can be prepared from the following ingredients:

• Egg yolk.
• 100 ml of milk fungus.
• A small spoonful of lemon juice.
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

All components are mixed and applied to the skin of the scalp. The remedy is well rubbed into the skin and left to dry. At the same time a crust is formed, which is combed out with a comb. Then you wash your head with shampoo. After a few weeks with regular use, the dandruff will completely disappear. Folk healers recommend using the remedy and as a prophylactic once every two weeks.

Harm and contraindications

Milk fungus does not always bring benefits to the body. It can cause irreparable harm and has a number of certain contraindications for use. That is why, before you consume this product, it is important to make sure that there are no contraindications and correctly use the mushroom.

First of all, the use of milk fungus in large quantities may cause symptoms such as indigestion, diarrhea, allergic reactions in the form of rashes, redness of the skin and other unpleasant symptoms.

If they occur, you should immediately abandon the milk mushroom and, if necessary, consult a doctor.

Contraindications to use include:

1. Diabetes mellitus in which the patient is insulin dependent.
2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
3. Individual intolerance to the components included in the composition, as well as dairy products.
4. The presence of bronchial asthma.
5. Intestinal disorder.

It is also not recommended to give it to children under two years of age. The use of milk fungus in the presence of contraindications can cause serious consequences for the body.

How to store the mushroom

Store the Tibetan mushroom in a cool place. It is best to leave it in the refrigerator in a glass jar with water. It is recommended to dilute the water with milk in a ratio of 50:50. The storage period is three days. After this period, it can be used to make homemade kefir.

Can it be frozen?

Many housewives wonder whether it is possible to freeze the milk fungus. Specialists do not recommend doing this, as too low temperatures will lead to the death of useful bacteria.

Also you should not leave the mushroom at room temperature, as it will spoil within a few hours. It should be placed in the refrigerator immediately after purchase or consumed. Only in this way it will not harm your health and bring benefits to the body.

How to grow lactic fungus at home

It is impossible to grow a lactic fungus independently at home from scratch. This will require a small part of it. You can buy it in pharmacies, although it is quite rare.

The process of growing Tibetan mushroom from a small part consists of several steps:

1. In a dry clean jar, put two teaspoons of dry product.
2. Lightly heat a liter of milk and pour it into the jar.
3. Cover the container with gauze folded in several layers. Do not use a lid for this, because the bacteria need oxygen. Fix the gauze with a rubber band.
4. Put the jar in a dark place and leave it for 24 hours. After this time, a kefir layer will form on the surface, which has a rather thick consistency.
5. Drain the drink into a separate container.

The mushroom is left in a jar and poured daily with milk. This will ensure its further growth. The drink is consumed as desired, but stored for no more than three days.

It takes about three days for the milk fungus to reach sufficient size. After that, one part of it can be transplanted into another container. This is how it can be divided and distributed to acquaintances.

How to take care of

Milk fungus in its composition has micronutrients and vitamins necessary for the body, in large quantities. It will bring invaluable benefits if you take care of it correctly. There are a number of rules, which should always be followed:

1. It is important that the container is sterile.
2. It is not recommended to use ordinary tap water. It is pre-cleaned with filters or use bottled water.
3. Do not allow exposure to ultraviolet rays on the milk fungus. They will destroy all the useful substances.
4. It is best to use a colander to separate the drink from the starter.

The mushroom is washed daily and put back in a cold place. This way he will retain all the useful properties.

How to properly use the milk fungus

In order for the milk fungus to bring as many benefits as possible, it is important to consume it correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few recommendations:

1. Do not consume more than a glass of the prepared drink per day. Experts recommend drinking it before going to bed, about one hour on an empty stomach. This way, the milk mushroom will bring more benefits for the stomach and other organs.
2. You should not use Tibetan mushroom more than 3 weeks. After that, you need to take a break for 10 days. Then, if desired, the course can be repeated. Daily use of the mushroom for a long time is not necessary, because it can harm your health.
3. Full course of treatment is one year. During this time, the mushroom will replenish all the necessary reserves of vitamins and minerals.
4. During the reception of the milk mushroom is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, medicines and products based on alcohol. Alcohol can not be combined with this product.
5. During a break in the reception of the mushroom should not be stopped in his care. This is due to the fact that in the absence of proper care, the bacteria will die and a new portion of the mushroom will be needed to prepare a new portion.
6. The product does not lose its beneficial properties if it is added to baked goods or made into cottage cheese.
7. Within 10 days of a break the mushroom can be used as a cosmetic for skin and hair.

Before starting to use the milk fungus, it is important to know that in the first few days the stool may be disturbed, increased intestinal activity. Many people complain of increased gas. Thus, do not drink the drink in the morning.

During therapy with milk mushrooms can also change the color of urine. She becomes darker. The stool becomes more frequent.

If there are stones in the urinary system, when using milk mushroom, there are discomfort and pain in the area of the kidneys, the liver. The discomfort passes after 14-16 days, the gastrointestinal tract gets better. Patients also say about the improvement of general well-being, mood and increased sexual activity.

What can be cooked from the milk mushroom: Recipes

On the basis of the milky mushroom make not only a healing drink. He is also used in cooking for the preparation of pancakes, cheesecakes, cookies, bread, pies. Also from it prepare sour cream, cheeses and cottage cheese. Its use allows you to make products more useful.

To get a tasty and, most importantly, healthy product, it is important to prepare the sourdough properly.

Yogurt

Milk fungus can be used to prepare both kefir and healthy yogurt at home. It is made in the same way as kefir, but it should be kept at an ambient temperature of 38 degrees. This helps the finished product to thicken.

It is recommended to add a tablespoon of powdered milk for every 200 ml of ready yogurt, if it is not dense enough. Also when making yogurt you can use different additives. These can be berries or fruits, jams or jam. They are added to taste just before consumption.

Ryazhenka

To make it you need 400 ml of clarified milk and 100 ml of cream. They are mixed in a ceramic bowl, cover with a lid, then put in a preheated oven to 100 degrees. Leave it for two hours. After this, the product acquires a beige color.

It cools to room temperature, then poured into a jar. For ryazhenka add 2 tablespoons of milk fungus. The drink can be consumed already after 2 hours.

Cottage cheese

Useful cottage cheese is obtained from the milk fungus. There are several recipes for its preparation at home. For this you will need a large amount of milky fungus.

The most common for making homemade cottage cheese based on the Tibetan mushroom is the following recipe:

1. The drink obtained from the fermentation of the mushroom is poured into a saucepan.
2. The container is placed on a small fire and brought to a boil. As a result of high temperatures, the mass turns into curd and becomes quite thick.
3. It is boiled for 5 minutes, then leave to cool.
4. The resulting mass is put in gauze, wrapped and thoroughly squeezed.
5. Let the cottage cheese drain, after which it can be consumed.

You can add sour cream and sugar to taste. The product turns out quite grainy, tender and useful. It can also be used when following a diet for weight loss.

To prepare cottage cheese without heat treatment, you can use the following recipe:

1. Add calcium chloride to the drink in the proportion of 20 g per 50 ml of sour milk. It can be purchased in pharmacy kiosks.
2. The resulting mass is also put on gauze and squeeze.
3. Leave the gauze in suspension for a few hours until all the whey has drained.

Homemade cottage cheese is used not only in its fresh form. In already cooked dish add jam or fresh berries, fruits to taste. From the whey, which flaked after spinning cottage cheese, you can make masks for hair and face, use it to make pancakes, cheesecakes, pancakes.

Cottage cheese cooked without heat treatment contains a lot of calcium. Experts recommend its use by children and women during pregnancy.

Cheese

Milk fungus can also be used in the preparation of cheese. To do this, you will need cottage cheese, made on the basis of the mushroom, in an amount of two kilograms and two liters of milk. All is placed in a saucepan and heated over low heat, but not bringing it to a boil. As the temperature increases, the mass curdles, after which it is thrown on a colander.

Melt 200 grams of butter, add soda and salt - 10 grams each. Mix the cottage cheese and butter, put on a fire and bring to a boil. Boil the mass for 10 minutes. After this, add two yolks, stir and leave to cool. To make cheese, the resulting mass is shifted into a mold and put in the refrigerator. Cheese is considered ready when it hardens completely.

Physician reviews

Folk and traditional medicine speak positively of the Tibetan mushroom. This is due to the fact that the product helps in the fight against pathologically altered cells. Thus, it is used not only for the prevention of cancer, but also as an addition to the basic therapy.

According to the results of many years of research, experts have found:

1. The bacteria in the product allow you to increase immunity and activate defenses that will allow the body to fight cancer cells on its own.
2. The product regulates the amount of micronutrients and vitamins in the body.
3. The mushroom has cleansing properties due to its high polysaccharide content. Experts recommend including it in your diet for people who smoke, are overweight or want to lose weight.
4. The substances in the milk mushroom neutralize the enzymes produced in the intestine and mammary gland.
5. The product helps to neutralize acidity and gets rid of discomfort.

This is why the Tibetan mushroom has won the trust not only of patients and folk healers, but also of doctors. It is recommended to use it both as a prophylactic and for the treatment of certain diseases.

Interesting facts

Not many people know what the milk fungus is. This product is quite popular in folk medicine. Here are a few interesting facts:

1. Mold can appear on the surface if the air temperature is more than 17 degrees.
2. The mushroom should not be covered with a lid, as the bacteria need oxygen.
3. It does not tolerate bright light, including ultraviolet rays. Under their influence, sourdough loses its useful properties.
4. The product should be stored only in glass containers.
5. It should be washed daily. Only in this way it will constantly grow and retain its healing properties. If this is not done, the mushroom will turn brown, lose its useful properties, and the bacteria will die. To prepare a new portion will have to buy the mushroom again.

When it is necessary to go on vacation, to preserve the mushroom, it is enough to pour it with water and milk in proportions of 1:1. Leave the container in a warm place. After that, rinse it and make a new drink. The remaining solution can be used for the preparation of cosmetics.

Milk fungus has gained popularity not only among folk healers, but also a large number of people. It is also recommended by doctors when diagnosing certain diseases in order to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, alleviate the condition and accelerate the treatment process. But it is important to prepare, store and use it correctly. Only in this way it will bring invaluable benefits to the body.

Photo of the milk fungus