Ayran: benefits and harms, composition and recommendations for use

It is not for nothing that Ayran is called the "elixir of longevity" - the vitamin and mineral composition of this natural product is so rich and diverse. For a long time, the secret of its preparation was known only to eastern peoples. Today, everyone can personally prepare this drink of health, clear mind and beauty.

The history of ayran, a Turkic drink, dates back fifteen millennia. Initially, it was used by Caucasian nomads and was intended to quench thirst and give strength. The homeland of ayran is called the territory of Circassia, Kabardino-Balkaria. The drink was widely used among the Turkic peoples and the inhabitants of the Caucasus. In Turkey, it is still a national treat and is served with almost all dishes.

The origin of the drink is due to two factors - it was necessary to somehow process the milk received in abundance, and also to come up with a drink based on it that would not deteriorate over many days of transitions.

After discovering that adding sourdough milk turns into a new product that has a long shelf life, they also appreciated its taste. Slightly sour ayran saves you from thirst, and if you add spices or herbs, you can discover new facets of the taste of the drink every time.

In terms of value, ayran and the recipe for its preparation were compared with gold, passing the secret of preparing the product from generation to generation. There is even a legend that ayran came to the Slavs thanks to the marriage of a Caucasian prince with a Russian girl. The latter agreed to marriage only in exchange for a skin of sourdough or a recipe for ayran. Prior to this, the secret of obtaining a drink was diligently guarded by the aksakals.

Ayran has several cooking methods and a degree of density. So, for sedentary peoples, it acts as a drink, therefore it has a more liquid consistency. For obvious reasons, ayran was both food and drink for nomadic tribes, therefore it was more viscous and thicker. By consistency, it can be compared with thick sour cream, so before use it was diluted with milk, koumiss or water.

In Armenia, a similar drink is called "tan", although if you look, it is a product obtained as a result of souring milk. Ayran is obtained in the process of fermentation. The consistency of traditional tan is more liquid. Today, exact adherence to cooking technologies is becoming less and less common, and these two names are becoming interchangeable, especially when it comes to store products.

Turkish ayran is usually saltier and more airy, and is usually carbonated. It is also based on milk, but it is whipped longer and more thoroughly, which is why the result is a lighter, as if filled with bubbles, mass. Ayran is based on cow, goat or sheep milk (that is, the product that a particular nomadic people had), as well as a special sourdough.

Airan is based on suzma, the fundamental principle of which is katyk. Katyk is curdled milk obtained from boiled milk. Then whey is separated from yogurt, and the remaining thick mass is called suzma. In addition, spring water, salt or sugar are used to prepare ayran.

Uninformed people may confuse ayran with kefir, and, indeed, the tastes of the products are similar. True, ayran has a more pronounced sourness, a characteristic smell and a salty taste. The taste of ayran is quite specific, but you quickly get used to it.

Kefir is usually thicker and whiter, "milkier". Ayran - more transparent, may contain chopped greens, cucumbers. According to its technology, ayran differs from kefir. The latter is the result of fermentation, while ayran appears during the fermentation of already fermented or boiled milk. Often the latter in a simplified version is prepared on kefir.

The shelf life of homemade kefir and ayran is approximately the same and short - about three days. Factory-made drinks can be stored for up to a week or two, but this fact is clear evidence of their high content of preservatives and a small amount of lactic acid bacteria, vitamins and minerals.

The chemical composition of ayran includes ascorbic acid, vitamins D, E, PP, A, a large amount of B vitamins, as well as provitamin beta-carotene.

Micro and macro elements are represented by calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, iodine, phosphorus.Organic acids, essential and nonessential amino acids are present here, fats are represented by saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, the protein has an easily digestible form. The beneficial effect of ayran on the intestines is due to the large number of lactic acid bacteria in the composition. During fermentation, substances are also formed that are similar in properties to antibiotics, but are of natural origin.

Airan refers to low-calorie foods. Its energy value is 27 kcal per 100 g of product. These indicators are valid for diluted ayran with water in proportions of 2: 3. If koumiss (horse milk) or milk is used instead of water, then the calorie content will be higher. 100 g of undiluted ayran contains about 65 kcal. The balance of BJU (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) looks like 1.7: 1: 2.8. The drink is nutritious, but it does not contribute to weight gain. Not surprisingly, there are many diets based on it.

Ayran contains a large number of bifidobacteria, which have a positive effect on the condition of the stomach and intestines. They contribute to the inhibition of pathogenic and restoration of beneficial microflora. That is why the indications for the use of a fermented milk drink are diseases of the digestive tract, poisoning (including heavy metals) or antibiotic treatment.

The ability to remove toxins allows the use of ayran as an anti-hangover remedy. By ridding the body of decay products and alcohol residues, the drink helps to improve the condition - nausea and headache are eliminated, and the heartbeat normalizes.

Airan has a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial effect, so its regular consumption can reduce the risk of intestinal infections. In itself, this helps to strengthen the immune system (most of the immune cells are in the intestines). The high content of ascorbic acid only enhances the immune-stimulating effect of the drink.

High-protein, but at the same time low-calorie drink should be included in your diet when losing weight or gaining muscle mass. As you know, the main building material for muscles is proteins. In addition, the composition of the product contains fatty acids and amino acids necessary for the body, especially the athlete. The use of ayran is indicated for significant cardio loads.

Airan has an amazing ability - with different methods of use, it equally effectively solves the problem of excess weight, and also helps with anorexia. In the first case, the drink is consumed as an independent dish (usually within fasting days). They should replace milk and sugary, high-calorie drinks. When gaining weight, ayran is drunk on an empty stomach 15-20 minutes before a meal. It stimulates the appetite, prepares the digestive organs for food processing.

The protein content in it, combined with B vitamins and zinc, makes the drink useful for men. It not only gives strength and energy, but also promotes the production of testosterone, the main male hormone. The latter is necessary for the functioning of the reproductive system, is involved in the process of building muscle mass.

Ayran helps to quickly restore strength during increased physical, sports loads, increases working capacity. It is one of the prophylactic agents in the fight against diseases of the prostate gland, increases erection and libido, improves the quality of intimate life.

It should be noted that the proteins in the composition are simple and contain amino acids, so the product is completely absorbed without overloading the stomach and excretory organs. By promoting the smooth functioning of the intestines, ayran also activates a more active production of gastric juice and bile. This, in turn, helps the body process food faster and better, its residues and decay products do not linger in the intestines. The product is especially useful for people with a low level of fermentation, as well as those prone to indigestion.

The drink is also useful for diseases of the respiratory organs. It increases blood flow to the lungs, promotes the removal of sputum. The drink has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle (the merit of potassium and magnesium), showing a strengthening effect. It helps to reduce "bad" cholesterol, and also saturates the blood with oxygen (due to the presence of iron in the composition), ensuring the maintenance of the desired hemoglobin levels.

Natural antioxidants (tocopherol and ascorbic acid) and nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) improve the condition of blood vessels, increasing their elasticity, and also increase capillary permeability. It is not surprising that the Caucasian aksakals, for whom ayran is a daily drink, rarely complain of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The high content of B vitamins allows us to talk about the benefits of ayran for the nervous system. The central nervous system is strengthened, the transmission of impulses between nerve cells improves.Regular consumption of the drink helps to relieve anxiety, get rid of stress and symptoms of chronic fatigue. A drink is also shown with intellectual overloads. It will also help to solve problems with sleep, relieve insomnia, while not reducing the ability to concentrate during wakefulness.

Separately, it is worth highlighting vitamin B9, also known as folic acid. It is a vital vitamin in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it is involved in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, the spinal cord and brain, and some other internal organs. In addition, magnesium in the composition has an anticonvulsant effect, prevents muscle hypertonicity, including the uterus. Finally, the sour taste of ayran helps to cope with early toxicosis.

Ayran, consumed during lactation, helps to fill the mother's calcium deficiency, and also accelerates the recovery of the woman's body due to the large amount of vitamins and minerals. The product improves the quality of milk and increases its volume.

Ayran contains a large amount of calcium. Moreover, unlike the same element from milk, calcium from fermented milk products is absorbed better. In many ways, the presence of ascorbic acid helps him in this.

Calcium is necessary for the formation of the skeletal system, strengthening teeth, which is why the drink is especially useful for children, pregnant women and the elderly. It is they who have an increased need for calcium as a result of active growth or leaching of calcium from the bones (in elderly people). This group of people can include those who have recently suffered fractures.

Ayran is one of the first natural helpers for women in maintaining beauty and youth. We have already talked about its wide application for weight loss. Usually the drink is used by arranging fasting days. Low calorie content and the ability to remove toxins provide weight loss, activation of metabolism, and a rich vitamin and mineral composition allows you to avoid a deficiency of vital elements in the body, which is often observed when following a strict diet.

In addition, potassium and sodium help maintain the water-salt and water-alkaline balance, which allows you to remove excess moisture from the body, provide sufficient skin hydration. A real “beauty vitamin” is vitamin E, which has an antioxidant effect and slows down the aging process of cells. First of all, this is manifested by the preservation of skin tone, which means a long-term absence of wrinkles and sagging.

Together with vitamin A, tocopherol takes part in the activity of the reproductive system. A deficiency of these vitamins provokes a violation of the cycle and amenorrhea, problems with conception and gestation. In the absence of contraindications, ayran is also useful for children. It provides the growing body with calcium, helps to strengthen the immune system, maintain good vision thanks to beta-carotene.

According to its property, ayran is equated to a saline solution, therefore it is useful for the liver and kidneys. It is recommended for diseases of the organs, as a means of reducing the load on them.

A contraindication to the use of the drink is its individual intolerance. The product should not be used in case of lactose deficiency - the inability to absorb lactose.

With increased acidity of the stomach, the consumption of ayran will only aggravate this condition, so it is better to refuse the drink.It should not be used for exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract - gastritis, ulcers.

These beneficial properties are more true for ayran prepared at home from natural products. There are several options for preparing ayran. Consider the most popular recipes.

Such a drink is made on natural sourdough. It is quite dense, so the drink is thick. It is better to drink it immediately after preparation, the classic ayran that has stood for some time will have to be mixed or whipped well before use.

Natural sourdough can be purchased at specialized stores, and diluted with water before use. Use 1 part water for 2 parts yeast. In addition, you need to add salt, you can also add a few cubes of people.

Initially, the product was prepared with milk. A wineskin was used for fermentation. The latter was a bag and was the washed and prepared stomach of a young lamb. In it, a natural fermentation process took place.

In addition, a skin filled with milk was tied to the saddle before the nomad set off for the steppe. Hours of driving made it possible to churn the milk, which achieved the characteristic consistency of the product. When it was ready, salt was added to it and diluted with water.

Of course, it is almost impossible to cook traditional ayran of nomads in modern conditions.However, this is not a reason to refuse a unique taste and healthy product. At home, you can prepare a drink that is as close as possible in taste and properties to the traditional one.

• 220 g of full-fat cow or goat milk;
• 40 g of sourdough (in its absence, you can use kefir).

Milk should be brought to a boil and boiled for 7-10 minutes. After cooling to a temperature of 40C. Add the starter, mix and distribute the drink into bottles, closing them with lids. Infuse for 6 hours, then salt and dilute with water.

The basis of ayran will be fatty natural yogurt without additives. Add salt to it, then beat it at high speed until foam appears. Instead of milk, you can use thick curdled milk. Thanks to whipping, the resulting drink is close to what the nomadic Mongols prepared by tying a wineskin to a horse saddle.

To obtain a drink, you can use ayran prepared by any of the methods described, or take a ready-made store product.

• 0.5 l of ayran;
• clove of garlic;
• 1 cucumber;
• greens to taste (mint, parsley, thyme);
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (can be replaced with vegetable or flaxseed).

Pour ayran into a saucepan and add crushed garlic to it (you can use half a clove to just give a light garlic note) and diced cucumber. Leave for 5-7 minutes, at this time finely chop the greens. Add the oil drop by drop while stirring the ayran.

Ayran, including with herbs, can be used not only as an independent product, but also to prepare cold soups based on it. They satisfy hunger and refresh in the summer heat. The easiest option is to chop boiled eggs, green onions and radishes into a drink with greens and cucumber.

You can also cook okroshka on ayran. In this case, you will also need ham, eggs, boiled potatoes, radishes, green onions, cucumbers and herbs, spices, sour cream.

As a cooling drink, ayran can be served with mint, mineral water or ice cubes (you can mix all of these ingredients at once). It perfectly emphasizes the taste of meat dishes, and also contributes to their better digestion. In this case, it can be seasoned with cilantro, parsley, basil.

Ayran goes well with green apples, which will soften the taste of the drink and give it a fruity aroma. When adding a chopped apple, the product should be left for several hours, you can infuse overnight.

It is useful to serve the product with fatty foods, such as meat, barbecue, pilaf. It eliminates excess fat and facilitates digestion. From a hangover, it is taken in small sips. In the first hour of the morning after a stormy party, you can drink up to 400 ml of ayran. Vomiting can become a natural reaction of the body.

You should not restrain it, because vomiting will be able to clean the stomach and blood, remove toxins. Moreover, due to the peculiarities of the composition, vomiting will not cause dehydration and a significant loss of useful elements. In the next 2-3 hours, it is recommended to drink 1/3-¼ of a glass every 30-40 minutes.

Reviews allow us to conclude that Ayran copes with a hangover much more effectively than the medications designed to do this.

During pregnancy and after consultation with a doctor, it is allowed to drink up to 300-400 ml of ayran per day in the first trimester. In the second, you should reduce the use of the drink to 3-4 times a week, 400 ml each. In the last period, you can also drink ayran, but already in the amount of 200 ml 1-2 times a week.

Since ancient times, ayran has been offered to children without any fear. If we are talking about a high-quality home product, then in a diluted form it can be included in the baby's diet from a year and a half. Like any new product, ayran should be introduced into the children's diet gradually, from small dosages. You need to introduce complementary foods in the morning, the first serving should not exceed 1 teaspoon. If there is no negative reaction (skin rash, redness, digestive problems), you can gradually increase the dose, each time giving a little more than the previous one. The optimal frequency is 2 times a week.

An adult, in the absence of contraindications, can drink 250-400 ml of ayran every 2-3 days. It is important to follow the rules for its preparation and storage. Homemade ayran can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store-bought - following the manufacturer's recommendations, an open product should also be consumed within three days. Children, pregnant and lactating women should drink a drink, from the date of production of which no more than a day has passed.

You will learn more about the Ayran drink from the following video.