Kefir
Updated Mar. 02nd, 2022
Long ago when refrigeration was not available and milk would spoil humans invented ways to preserve food via fermenting to lengthen its shelf life.
Kefir is one example of this.
What is Kefir?
Kefir is a yogurt-like fermented drink made from Kefir grains, a natural lactic-acid producing bacteria and yeast. When added to milk, Kefir grains create a wonderful tart and refreshing drink that’s good for you.
Kefir is an enzyme-rich food filled with friendly microorganisms which balance healthy organisms in your body.
Having more nutrients than yogurt, Kefir supplies complete vegetarian protein, essential minerals and valuable B vitamins.
Kefir can be made from any type of milk, cow, goat or sheep, coconut, rice or soy.
For the lactose intolerant, Kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose sugar left after the culturing process. This makes it easier to digest for those who are sensitive to lactose.
You can also make Kefir with water. This is called Tibicos and dried fruit like figs and dates plus lemon juice are traditionally added.
What is Kefir used for?
Kefir has been used for hundreds of years if not longer as a nutritional beverage and cure all for most illnesses. Traditionally it was used in northern Europe and Russia for stomach ailments, diarrhea, or colds and flues.
Today Kefir is used both nutritionally and for culinary purposes. It can be used to make sourdough bread, as a substitute for buttermilk in baking, in soups and in place of milk on cereal.
Today Kefir is used to heal issues like Leaky Gut, IBS, reflux and chronic indigestion. It can also be used for skin afflictions and bowel disturbances like constipation and diarrhea. It’s great for vegetarians and those with low bone density as in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis.
How does Kefir work?
Because Kefir is one of the most probiotic rich foods available it’s great for those with digestive conditions which originate from an imbalance of gut flora. Such is the case with antibiotic use. It’s also great for those who want to get probiotics from their food.
Kefir has all the essential amino acids you need to make any protein you need; as such it’s considered a complete protein. This makes it a staple for Ova-lacto vegetarians or for those wanting to reduce animal meat, which is important in cardiovascular disease.
Kefir offers other nutritional value too. As it ferments the bacteria and yeast produce essential vitamins and minerals like B Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin K2 and Biotin. This makes Kefir highly beneficial to your bone mineral density by supplying critical minerals and nutrients your bones need.
How do you use it?
Kefir can be drunk straight or added to health shakes, baking, and soups.
Kefir can be store bought or made at home by purchasing Kefir grains from your local health food store or online.
I have been making my own kefir for many years now and it is one thing that has helped with my digestive system. I bought live grains from someone selling them and they have given me more over and over, so much so I have also been able to give them out to others who need to make their own kefir. Mine are milk grains and are very easy to make kefir as long as you follow some basic guidelines to keep your grains live and healthy. Definitely something one should be doing.
Hello AL K
That's great to hear about kefir helping your digestive health. Glad our article has helped you learn all the benefits your homemade kefir has on you health and wellness. Here's another article on digestive health for you to learn more about the bodies largest system.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/digestive-health/
Have a healthy day!
Thank you for this article. :) I wasn't aware of the following in Kefir: "For the lactose intolerant, Kefir’s abundance of beneficial yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of the lactose sugar left after the culturing process. This makes it easier to digest for those who are sensitive to lactose" This helps me make a better choice to bring it back into my diet for the probiotics.
Hello Shawn,
We're glad you learned something new with our article and can better support your health. Probiotics are an essential part to gut health, which enhances overall well-being. If you'd like to learn more about probiotics, check out our other articles.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/probiotics/
Have a healthy day!
Kefir is such a good discovery that I have been drinking for a few years now. I make my own and it is very easy to do that. Plus when you make your own, you know what you are using! I have it every day as part of my daily diet and it helps with heartburn and digestion. I also use it in baking or marinating to give the food an extra zing of fermentation. Try making your own, it is very easy plus you don’t have to make it every day as it stays well in the fridge.
Hello Roger,
Thank you for sharing. Kefir has many great benefits and enzymes for gut health. Great you have found a recipe that you enjoy.
Have a healthy day!