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If you’re a health nut, then you likely already know all about kefir. It’s been labeled a “super-food” and this is well warranted. If you’ve heard about it, but not exactly sure what it is, then read on because I’m going to tell you why it’s a super-food that may make you feel super-fabulous.
Let’s get right to it. What is kefir?
It’s a fermented dairy product made by adding bacterial cultures to milk. This causes the transformation of the milk’s sugar into lactic acid (ferments). Kefir’s taste is unmistakable — some call it effervescent. And that’s because it has a champagne effect on your tongue – kinda tingles. It’s the “champagne” of yogurt! The texture is thinner than yogurt, which makes it great for smoothies or as a substitute for milk on your morning cereal.
What makes it a super-food?
It is bursting with good bacteria – more than any other yogurt. You’ve all seen the TV commercials with the dancing belly (implying that yogurt improves digestion), well times that by 20 (or more!) because kefir has much more good bacteria than any plain yogurt.
Good bacteria in your gut has many benefits including:
- May increase your immune system (less colds and flus)
- May reduce allergies/food intolerances
- Improve your digestion — you can use it for either diarrhea or constipation
- Aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals
I’ve written a whole blog about the POWER OF PROBIOTICS (the good bacteria in kefir). This article has a much more detailed description for all you inquiring minds out there.
And, here’s one of my favourite recipes for homemade muesli. This takes 10 minutes to make at night and you have your own homemade muesli for a few days that is loaded with vitamins, minerals and good bacteria.
Be well and joyous!
Joy McCarthy
Wonderful article! I’m very curious to learn more about kefir and I’m a huge fan of probiotics. The only thing, is that I’m trying to be careful with my intake of dairy products. I don’t eat yogurt anymore and I do my best to stay away from cow’s milk. Do you think it’s safe to have kefir even when trying to avoid dairy? I’m okay with goats cheese, and I do take probiotics too.
Thanks Joy!
Allison
Hi Allison! Thank you. Are you avoiding dairy for ethical reasons or just because it doesn’t agree with your digestion? While I don’t drink milk (other than once in a blue moon), I do eat organic yogurt sometimes and kefir more often. I feel there are more benefits to eating kefir than their are negative aspects of dairy products. Kefir has a ton good bacteria and it’s actually a food that has been around for a very long time. It is just becoming more trendy now that people are interested in their health, which is fantastic! I hope that answer helps you
However, if you are on a specific diet and dairy is a no-no then you probably want to avoid it.
hey, i just started drinking 1/2c plain lifeway kefir in the hopes to calm down my stomach. i was experiencing pain and felt full even when i wasn’t eating due to stress. my dr prescribed nexium (a PPI) but i could only stand it for 3 days before i discontinued it! made me feel much worse! do you think kefir would be contraindicated for a stomach ulcer or an irritated intestinal tract? i’m perfectly healthy apart from my current tummy woes and not on any meds. any info is appreciated! thanks
If you have food allergies then anything could cause a problem. Try eliminating problems foods for 2 weeks and slowly re-introduce them, see how your body reacts. My personal experience and what I’ve seen with clients is the kefir helps even those who cannot digest milk because it’s such a rich source of good bacteria.
Some ulcers can form due to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Hope that helps.
Hi Joy! Discovered your web site several days ago, and can’t stop reading, thank you for the information. I was in the Health Foods store in Kensington today and discovered a few new things that I would appreciate your opinion on: sheep milk yogurt, goat’s milk icecream (!), and organic chocolate Beans (how does one consume them?)
Thank you
Wonderful! thank you