Is it possible to heat kefir in the microwave, is it harmful?

I would like to immediately clarify a key point: you can heat kefir and other dairy products in the microwave. This will not seriously affect their beneficial properties and will not make them harmful. At most, it will reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in its composition due to the heating process itself. The only exception is breast milk, but, mainly, due to the fact that it should not be subjected to any heat treatment at all.

The truth and myth about kefir in the microwave

So, kefir. It is believed that heating this fermented milk product in the microwave will kill all the beneficial bacteria, and even cause harmful compounds to appear. Experts from the magazine purity-en.htgetrid.com and most of the scientific community confidently declare that this is a myth and speculation of people ignorant of the principles of operation of the stove.

Confirmation of this can be found in authoritative scientific publications, which, among other things, are available on the Internet. None of the studies found any harmful effects on the products. And quite a lot of them are still being carried out.

However, there is a “but” here too. Any heating of kefir will lead to a reduction in the number of beneficial microorganisms. This has nothing to do with microwaves, but is a consequence of heating the liquid.

How to heat kefir correctly

The most reliable way to “warm up” it is to let it stand for a while at room temperature. Yes, it will take a long time, but this way it will be of most benefit.With all other options, including a water bath, bacteria will die in larger quantities. Even a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius is critical for them.

If kefir still needs to be heated in the microwave, then you need to remember important rules:

First of all, you should look at the instructions for the microwave: there may be important recommendations on how best to heat fermented milk products in a particular model.
The impact should be short-term and of medium intensity - rapid and sharp heating will cause the kefir to curdle.
10-15 seconds will be enough, and if possible, then less. Liquids heat up much faster in the microwave than other foods, so they require extra care and attention.
It is worth remembering that liquids in the microwave are heated unevenly, and you need to stir the kefir, and then only check whether it has warmed up enough. If not, set it for another 5-10 seconds.
You should always use utensils that are labeled as microwave safe. It is not recommended to heat fermented milk products in plastic containers, even if there is a corresponding symbol on it. Glass or ceramics are best.
Heating is allowed only in open containers without a lid.
Kefir and other fermented milk products can only be heated once.

There is nothing wrong with heating up sour milk in the microwave. This is completely acceptable and does not cause any harm. And by following the rules described above, you can do this with the least harm to the bacteria for which kefir is so valuable.