Kefir is a fermented milk product. It originated centuries ago in the Caucasus Mountain region. It contains a huge quantity of beneficial microbes which make this food one of the best probiotics available. I had a hard time finding kefir at the grocery store but have discovered it in the "exotic/imported" section of the grocer's cooler - near the goat milk etc.
Kefir comes in two different types of containers where I shop: the one picture at top and the one pictured just above. It comes in plain and flavoured. I prefer the type that is flavoured. When you buy it in this second type of container you need to be aware of something:
The container has an interior foil seal which will be swollen outward. This is a natural result of the fermentation process. It is nothing to worry about. When you get it home peel the foil off, stir with a spoon and enjoy.
Probiotics aid in digestion, which suggests that you might be able to absorb a greater amount of nutrients from other foods you are eating. Kefir is also a good source of protein and vitamins and minerals.
You can drink kefir like a beverage. It tastes like...beer flavoured yogurt. It is not like anything else. It tastes tangy and refreshing. It would be more economical to drink it an ounce at a time. You will derive all the probiotic benefits from even a small quantity. Some people put it on breakfast cereal. It no good in coffee (trust me).
Your body craves a wide variety of different foods. Try kefir - you might like it.
Tom
Hate Me Now - Thank Me Later
www.facebook.com/FEATTraining
Kefir?
I first heard of kefir in a nutrition class promoted by the military. Neither the instructor nor any of the students had ever even seen kefir. All that was known about it was it a dairy product with vaguely middle eastern origins. Living in the remote prairies at the time, kefir was scarce. I finally found kefir in New Brunswick. It was in the "exotic/foreign" food section of the grocery store, near the goats milk and yak butter. The first product I found came in a container that was sealed with a foil lid (like the one pictured below). The foil lid was bulged out under pressure. I thought that it had gone bad but all of them were like that. Closer inspection of the label revealed that this phenomenon is called "Champansky Effect" and is normal. It is caused by fermentation gases.
The Taste
Kefir has a very unique taste. I describe it as "yogurt-flavoured beer". The plain version tastes the strongest but you can get raspberry and other flavoured kefir also.
Value
Its sold in smaller containers than cow's milk and is more expensive. Its no good for adding to coffee or tea or cereal. I use it as a beverage. Some of my kids like it and some don't. It seems to last in the fridge for a long time.
Nutrition
Kefir is high in protein and calcium. Its loaded with healthy probiotic bacteria which is good for your gastrointestinal tract.
Use
I keep kefir in the fridge and drink a small glass of it once or twice a day. Its good mixed into a smoothy or protein shake. Even a tablespoon of kefir taken occassionally can give you much of the probiotic benefits. I've never tried taking kefir in my lunch and I doubt that it would be very portable. Cooking with it will kill the healthy bacteria.
Recommendation
Get some kefir. Start with nice flavoured stuff. Try it. You'll either like it or hate it. At least when someone mentions kefir; you'll know what they're talking about.
Tom
Hate Me Now - Thank Me Later
