Kefir is my all time favorite health food. Kefir is amazing because it is incredibly easy to make, it has so many health benefits (many listed below), and it takes only a couple minutes a day to maintain.

Kefir is simply cultured milk. You place kefir “grains” (pictured above, you can purchase online or in health food stores) in some whole milk in a covered jar, let it sit 24-48 hours on your counter and you’ll end up with kefir. You then strain out the grains, pour the cultured milk in a container to store in the fridge, and place the grains in a clean jar with fresh milk to start the cycle over again.

If you want to dive into a real, whole, traditional foods lifestyle, making your own kefir is a wonderful first step. I’m a big proponent for adding the good foods into your diet, rather than feeling deprived and taking everything away! Junk food will naturally drop out of your diet as you add more and more good foods.

Now I will be the first to say I am not a doctor, I have not done my own personal research this information was compiled from a number of books I have read on the subject of fermented foods.

What would you like to know about kefir?  Would you like to make your own at home so you can enjoy it fresh, daily?  Would you like to know HOW to use it on a daily basis?  You can learn even more about kefir and how to make it step by step in my new Fermented Foods Made Simple Course!

Enjoy!

50 Reasons To Begin Drinking Kefir Today

1. Supports a healthy immune system
2. Natural energy boost
3. Increases healthy micro flora in the gut
4. It literally means “feel good” in Turkish
5. Helps to curb cravings for junk food
6. Supports healthy digestive system
7. Supports regular bowel movements
8. Contains high amounts of minerals
9. Kefir is a complete protein
10. It’s abundant in tryptophan, which is relaxing to the nervous system
11. Contains an abundance of calcium and magnesium which are supportive to a healthy nervous system
12. Rich in enzymes that help us digest our food
13. Contains high amounts of protein
14. It’s very filling and great for weight loss
15. If you have taken antibiotics kefir will help repopulate your digestive tract with healthy bacteria
16. Kefir contributes to, enhances, and stabilizes the microorganisms of the intestines.
17. Kefir can actually colonize the digestive tract with additional beneficial bacteria; yogurt just feeds the good bacteria you already have in your digestive tract
18. Kefir has been consumed by people with AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer and herpes.
19. Kefir has been known to help those with sleep disorders, ADHD and depression.
20. It helps to reduce flatulence
21. Nursing mothers who drink kefir help support the immune system of their nursing babies
22. Kefir is also rich in vitamin B-12, vitamin K and biotin.
23.  Especially safe and nutritious for children
24. Drinking kefir helps you digest other foods. Have trouble digesting that t-bone steak? Drink some kefir before and after. (I have personal experience with this!)
25. There are over 400 species of bacteria living in our digestive tract, it’s important to keep the good bacteria healthy to crowd out the bad bacteria, drinking kefir will help immensely with this
26. Kefir contains lactic acid, which is good for healthy skin
27. Kefir has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties
28. It may help you loose weight, as it is a great source of protein and keeps you full longer without empty calories.
29. One serving (1 cup/ 135 calories) of kefir provides you will 30% of your daily value of calcium and protein
30. Kefir helps to prevent infections such as yeast overgrowth
31. Kefir is helpful with urinary tract infections
32. For what little time you spend “making” kefir you reap huge benefits
33. There are 8-11 grams of protein per cup of kefir
34. 1 c. provides 25% of the daily amount of Vitamin D you need
35. Although kefir is made from milk the process of turning it into kefir almost completely eliminates the lactose. Often those who have trouble with lactose can handle kefir
36. Homemade kefir can have up to 50 strains of beneficial bacteria in it as opposed to just 3 strains, or less, of bacteria in yogurt
37. Kefir acts as a natural antibiotic due to the fact that it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
38. Drinking kefir helps to balance your blood sugar and may be helpful for those with blood sugar imbalances.
39. It has been known to help those with diarrhea and leaky gut syndrome
40. Kefir contains lots of phosphorus, which is the second most abundant mineral in our body
41. Kefir gives you energy!
42. It helps detoxify the body
43. Drinking kefir can help your body combat allergies
44. It helps rid the body of candida
45. Supports healthy blood pressure
46. Supports a healthy brain
47. Supports healthy joints
48. Kefir eats up extra sugar in your body
49. Kefir is full of amino acids
50. It’s delicious and versatile.

You can make an easy kefir smoothie with 1 c. kefir 1 banana and ½-1 c. frozen fruit of your choice.

What is your favorite way to consume kefir?  Have you tried it yet?  You can buy cultures to make your own at home at Cultures For Health.

If you’d like to save money and make your own kefir then you can learn how with my Fermented Foods Made Simple Course! Click on the link below to find out more:)

Fermented Foods Made Simple

Have a wonderful, healthy day,

~Hannah

*This information was compiled from a number of books I have read on the subject of fermented foods. A few that I recommend are listed below.

Cultured Food For Life

The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Fermenting Foods

The Art Of Fermentation