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What is Milk Kefir?
For anyone who loves yogurt, milk kefir is an easy sell. Milk kefir is a thick, tangy, creamy drink full of probiotics. Milk kefir is similar to a thin, pourable yogurt and is easy to make at home with your own kefir starter kit. Kefir originated from Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The word “kefir” is a Turkish word meaning feeling good after eating.
The taste of milk kefir can vary greatly depending on the type of milk used and the length of time it is allowed to ferment. Milk kefir is made using kefir grains along with either dairy milk or dairy-free milk.
Although kefir is traditionally made with cow’s milk, many dairy-free milks can be used such as coconut milk and soy milk. Kefir is a tasty fermented drink that is rich in probiotics which is very simple to make at home using kefir grains.
What are Kefir Grains?
Kefir grains are a specific culture called SCOBY which stands for ‘symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeasts’. Kefir grains are white and gelatinous in appearance similar to cottage cheese or cauliflower, containing mainly lactic acid-producing bacteria along with some yeast species. The specific types and amount of strains will differ between kefir grains.
Kefir is a Powerful Probiotic Food
Certain microorganisms have beneficial effects when consumed, known as probiotics. Probiotics have numerous positive effects on health such as supporting healthy digestion, aiding mental health and managing weight.
Yogurt is one of the most well-known probiotic foods in the Western diet, however kefir may be a much more potent source of healthy bacteria. Kefir can contain up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeasts which makes it a more diverse and potent source of probiotics compared to other fermented dairy products.
What are the Benefits of Kefir?
Kefir may have significant antibacterial properties. One strain contained in kefir, Lactobacillus kefiri (unique to kefir), has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria including: Helicobacter pylori, E. coli and Salmonella
Kefir may also have many benefits for the digestive system. Kefir is an excellent source of probiotics which can help to restore and balance the gut bacteria. A healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut can reduce the symptoms of many digestive disorders such as diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers caused by H. pylori infections.
There may be other health benefits of kefir. Kefir is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin K (when made with full-fat milk), which both have protective effects against developing osteoporosis. Besides kefir Raw food diet is much beneficial for health.
How do you Make Milk Kefir?
Although milk kefir is a fermented dairy product similar to yogurt, kefir is cultured is quite unique. When making yogurt the milk is heated, the culture is added and kept warm while it ferments. However, kefir only requires kefir grains to be added to milk and then left to ferment at room temperature. The process is very simple requiring only two ingredients and a glass jar. Kefir kits are a great way to get started with everything you need.
Milk kefir is a potent source of healthy bacteria and can provide many health benefits. Making kefir at home is a very simple process which requires few ingredients and equipment. Kefir kits are a great way to get started. Kefir starter kits can be found here
