Kefir, a Natural Probiotic

Well, I just watched my first Kefir demonstration, drank my first glass of lemon flavored Kefir, and tomorrow will pour the liquid from the water Kefir grains to make my own first batch of Kefir.  Did I mention this was fascinating?  

I have wanted to learn this process as I am aware that fermented foods or drinks have many health benefits.  

So, what is Kefir?  I'm glad you asked!  Kefir, according to Wikipedia, "is a fermented milk drink made with kefir grains and has its origins in the north Caucasus Mountains around 3,000 BC.  It is prepared by inoculating cow, goat, or sheep milk with kefir grains." Kefir grains are not really a grain, like wheat, rice or barley, but Kefir grains are a "combination of bacteria and yeasts in a matrix of proteins, lipids, and sugars, and this symbiotic matrix forms "grains" that resemble cauliflower."

Kefir is rich in helpful bacteria and live microflora that are beneficial to the intestines and digestion.  Milk kefir is like thin yogurt and is rich in probiotics.  Many with a lactose intolerance find they can tolerate Kefir.

Kefir can also be made by using unchlorinated water, sugar and kefir grains. Water Kefir can be flavored with fresh fruit, such as lemons, oranges, berries or fruit juice concentrate, and fermented for an extra day.  It then becomes almost a natural "soda" with the flavor of the fruit.  

Fermented foods, such as Kefir, Kombucha, Sauerkraut and others, are especially helpful for colon health and can improve the terrain of the body, boosting immunity, as the body is able to better absorb nutrients and rid the body of toxins more effectively.  

You can learn more about Kefir on Dr. Mercola's website or by watching this YouTube video. 

Instructions for making Kefir can be found online, and Kefir grains can be purchased at www.culturesforhealth.com. 

Have you ever tried making fermented foods?  What tips can you share?