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This is something that I discovered just a couple of years ago, but it's been

 

 

around for a very long time.  And it has become my new best friend.  Kefir

 

 

(kuh-feer) is a fermented drink that is usually made from milk, but it can also be

 

 

made with water.  It is full of good bacteria that are healthy for our digestive and

 

 

immune systems.  You can buy it ready-made at specialty markets or health food

 

 

stores, but I like mine better, mostly because it's less expensive but also I know

 

 

what's in it.  

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There are several great articles out there on the benefits of Kefir, one of which is

 

 

from Medical News Today.  You will need the starter and milk, juice, or coconut

 

 

water.  The starter culture (grains) can be used multiple times, by using the same

 

 

kind of liquid that was used before.  Kefir is an anti-inflammatory and probiotic-

 

 

rich drink and it's fast becoming a superfood. 

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The starter grains of Kefir are a very complex group of milk proteins, yeast,

 

 

bacteria, and complex sugars.  They are necessary to ferment the milk and

 

 

have no gluten in them.  They are removed at the end of the fermenting

 

 

process by straining and can be used again.  Milk Kefir is a little stronger

 

 

than yogurt, more tart and tangy to me.   If you like yogurt, then you will

 

 

definitely like the milk kefir.  It makes a great smoothie when mixed with

 

 

fresh fruit and a little bit of honey.  

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The Water Kefir is great for those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan. 

 

 

Even though it has fewer strains of yeasts and bacteria than the milk kefir, it

 

 

still has enough for a healthy gut.  I like to make mine with Coconut Water  

 

 

or Coconut Milk.  

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