Kefir: A Secret Healing Drink

I just recently tried kefir for the first time in hopes of strengthening my immune system during this cold and flu season.

I had heard so much about the benefits of this drinkable, fermented milk product, so I hesitantly gave it a try.

What's In A Bottle

• Most kefir nowadays is made from cow's milk, but in the past it could have been a combination of cow's milk, goat's milk, and kefir grains from previous cultures.
• One cup of kefir is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D.
• Lactose free
• Contains antioxidants
• Contains many probiotics that stay in the intestines, and even produce more healthy bacteria
• Contains healthy yeasts which can help to kill off the unhealthy yeasts in the body
• Contains a significant amount of sugar, but this is mostly from the milk itself.

Better Than Yogurt?

The ingredients show that kefir contains the same ingredients as yogurt. The only difference is that kefir has different probiotics, aka beneficial bacteria, than yogurt as well as yeast cultures.

This makes the consistency thinner, and more "drinkable". In addition, the probiotics in yogurt do not colonize in the intestine, so we do not retain the benefits after the initial effect.

It Tastes like Yogurt

Don't be afraid to try kefir if you like yogurt. It tastes exactly like yogurt, but is drinkable. It still had a thick consistency, but not thick enough to spoon-eat.

Drinking Kefir May Help:

• Prevent yeast infections
• Prevent arthritis
• Reduce or prevent GERD (Reflux Disease) from H. pylori
• Boost immune system
• Reduce allergies
• Increase HDL cholesterol, and reduce LDL cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce risk for certain cancers like colorectal and breast
• Improve digestion
• Promote fat loss
• Strengthen bones
• Improve dental health

Concluding Thoughts

I have decided to drink more kefir, and less yogurt. So far, it has helped me shorten the duration of a cold, and it tastes great! I will still be eating Greek yogurt on occasion, but this is my new dairy product of choice.

How about you, have you tried kefir?