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 :)
ReplyHi 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.
[...] You eat them, avoid processed foods and take a good quality supplement. As a nutritionist, this is the sort of thing I teach people everyday in my practice – what foods to eat to increase friendly bacteria and what supplements are best. Here’s a great article on my favourite bacteria rich food: http://joyoushealth.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/kefir-is-a-super-food/ [...]
Replyhey, 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
ReplyIf 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.
[...] foods like organic yogurt (PineRidge Farms or Organic Meadow – both great brands), kefir and homemade muesli. Not only does good bacteria reduce bloating, improve digestion, prevent food [...]
Reply[...] on some berries with some cinnamon and a wee bit of kefir for an afternoon snack (kills those sugar [...]
Reply[...] foods like organic yogurt (PineRidge Farms or Organic Meadow – both great brands), kefir and homemade muesli. Not only does good bacteria reduce bloating, improve digestion, prevent food [...]
Reply[...] blackstrap molasses, avocados, garlic, green leafy vegetables, raw nuts, organic yogurt or kefir, fish (especially salmon, sardines, cod), whole grains including oats, brown rice, quinoa, millet [...]
Reply[...] Good bacteria is essential to a healthy strong immune system. Here’s more on kefir: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2010/01/04/kefir-is-a-super-food/ and a delicious muesli recipe with [...]
Reply[...] pneumonia. Good bacteria is essential to a healthy strong immune system. Here’s more on kefir: http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2010/01/04/kefir-is-a-super-food/ and a delicious muesli recipe with [...]
ReplyI am trying to find a list of the superfoods. Could you help me? I know sour kraut is but what are the rest?
ReplyThis is hillarious. I'm from Poland where kefir is and has always beennonnevery dairy shelf in every shop. And everyone drinks it. Especially recommended for hangovers, though I don't expect fitties who read this site to ever use it this way. The funny thiny about kefir is that, at least here, if you are lucky to know a farker who rears cows (or go to the countryside for a weekend) you can make your own. Just buy fresh milk, keep it in a glass jar in a warmish place. Wait 3 days and tadaaam. You've got kefir. The bacteria is already there. No need to plant it (obviously it's hardest to have access to fresh milk that hasn't been cooked yet). Just take off the layer of delicious sweet cream from the top and put the kefir into a fridge for a few hours. When it cools: yum!! Fun fact: if there is a thunderstorm whike your milk is 'maturing' kefir is ready after 24 hours!
ReplyIs kefir safe for three year olds to drink?
ReplyHey Maria, It should be okay providing your child doesn't have any food allergies or sensitivities to dairy but when introducing anything new, including fermented foods which can produce an array of bacterial strains, it's best to check in with your natural health care practitioner first :) Rachel - Joyous Health Team