Kefir is a fermented milk drink that consists of either cow, goat or sheep milk mixed with kefir granules. These granules contain good bacteria and yeasts, along with proteins, lipids and sugars. The resulting product is a tart drink similar to yogurt, yet provides a whole host of extra benefits that yogurt doesn't have.
Puts your body in balance
Kefir is a complete food that balances the body. Like yoghurt, it contains benficial bacteria that cleanses the intestinal tract. However, it contains even more of the probiotic bacteria than yoghurt.
It also helps to colonize the intestinal bacteria and contains good yeasts that help to penetrate the intestinal wall. This penetration not only eliminates any so-called "bad yeasts" present, but also guards against parasites and helps to promote good digestion.
Kefir has been shown to reduce flatulence and reduces the symptoms of many digestive disorders. It helps to promote the immune systems of individuals,and contains a whole host of other proteins and essential amino acids for health. One of these is Tryptophan, which is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. Calcium and magnesium are abundant in kefir, as well, and these are well known nervous system boosters.
Engery, immunity and longevity
Other nutritional benefits include phosphorus, a well known mineral that helps break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as promoting cellular growth, health and energy and also is rich in vitamins B1, B12, K and biotin. All these vitamins are implicated with promoting liver, kidney and nervous system health. They are also connected to relieving many skin disorders, providing energy and promoting longevity. This could be important to those who suffer immunodeficient diseases and the elderly. Kefir has been shown to guard against illnesses such as cancer, chronic fatigue and herpes and due to its nutritious nature, has been shown to decrease food cravings in many individuals, by balancing blood sugar.
Kefir can be made or bought. It is a tasty product that can be used by itself as a drink or in salad dressings. It's easily tolerated by lactose-intolerant individuals, because the plethora of good bacteria and yeast helps to form lactase, which in its very nature consumes and eliminates lactose. Also the curd size of kefir is smaller, allowing for easier digestion. Incorporation of kefir in our diets, may truly be one of those elusive elixirs for longevity that we all have been so desperately seeking.
