Monday, November 28, 2016
Kefir comes from the Turkish word ‘keyif,’ which means “good feeling.”
While it has been around for thousands of years, kefir has recently gained attention from the health food scene for its health benefits. But what the heck is kefir?
What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk product that looks like drinkable yogurt. It’s made by pouring milk over kefir grains, which are a cluster of bacteria and yeast. After about 24 hours, the microorganisms inside the kefir grains multiply and ferment the sugars in the milk (which prevents the milk from spoiling.) This process turns the milk into kefir, which is then strained to separate it from the kefir grains and ready to drink.
What are the health benefits of kefir?
Like yogurt, kefir is a probiotic powerhouse, which means it has plenty of good bacteria that can aid digestion, and help keep your immune system strong. Kefir is also a great source of calcium and vitamin K2, which help keep your bones healthy.
What does kefir taste like?
Kefir has a slightly tangy and fizzy taste with a thinner consistency than yogurt. It is sold both as a plain and flavored drink, and can also be mixed with fruit to make smoothies. You can also make your own kefir by buying kefir grains at your local health food store.
While kefir is normally made from cow's milk, there are also types of kefir made from coconut milk and coconut water for those who cannot tolerate dairy. No matter the type of kefir you choose, if you buy it in store, make sure to choose the kefir that is low in sugar and added flavors.