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What are the health benefits to kefir? Make a healthy choice for yourself today!

written by

Daniel King

posted on

March 21, 2023

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What is kefir?
Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains, a specific type of bacteria and yeast culture which grows in room temperature (mesophilic symbiotic culture). 
The starter is a combination of milk proteins, yeasts, and bacteria that allows the drink to ferment while enhancing its flavors and probiotic value. 
The milk is then fermented by adding kefir grains and fermenting it for about 24 hours. The fermented milk is then filtered and the kefir grains are recovered for use in future kefir production. Variation of the fermentation conditions and the grain-to-milk ratio can greatly affect the final properties of kefir fermentation.
What does it taste like?
Similar to yogurt, kefir is slightly clumpy. However, it is a bit more runny than yogurt and therefore could be referred to as drinkable yogurt.
Kefir also has a bit of a fermented, or fizzy taste to it which is due to the fermentation process. I personally like the vanilla flavored better because it seems the fizz is not quite as strong. The plain is however, also very good and almost tastes like a thinner version of plain greek yogurt.
What are the health benefits?
Kefir is known to have lots of health benefits and is a great source of many nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin D, and more. 
It is also known to have a more powerful probiotic benefit than yogurt. The biggest nutritional difference between the two is that kefir contains more probiotics than yogurt. While yogurt also contains some probiotics, kefir is way more powerful. If you are looking to improve digestion or gut health, kefir is the better choice.
It is also low in lactose and packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for your body. A variety of possible health benefits to kefir have been found, including improved cholesterol, blood sugar control, and gut health which can all come from the probiotics and yeast that naturally occurs in the kefir.
It has been said that kefir can cause side effects like bloating, nausea, intestinal cramping, and constipation especially if too much is consumed at one time and your body is not used to it. This may however, improve as you continue to use kefir in your diet.
Kefir contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that scientists believe has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, which helps the body with the processes that move food through the digestive tract. Scientists have also found that the good bacteria in fermented foods like kefir may support cardiovascular health.
For the best health results with kefir, choose grass-fed & A2/A2!
Click here to read more about A2/A2 health benefits.
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