Yogurt is great, but Kefir is even better! I want as much immune boosting probiotics in my diet as I can get, and drinking Kefir is a tasty way to get those good little bugs in my gut! I make a kefir smoothie daily, and serve with breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It’s one of the easiest and nutritious things I make at home, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to have a kefir smoothie every day, oh and my kids love them! Let me add, that to get the most potent yogurt or kefir, it is best to make it at home as the beneficial bacteria can be lost through packaging and shelf age. If you are purchasing your cultured dairy, you want to check the package and make sure it contains “live active bacteria” if not, more than likely you are consuming dead bacteria, and what’s the point in that? Here’s a quick overview of some of the benefits of kefir, and one of our regular kefir smoothies we do at home.
Facts About Kefir:
- It’s a perfect balance of yeast and beneficial bacteria
- Has been shown to Inhibit growth of tumors in lab rats
- Boosts the immune system
- Antimicrobial – Kills pathogens such as E. Coli & Salmonella
- Reduces allergy, asthma & eczema symptoms
- Aides in digestion
- Fermentation process breaks down lactose and casein-depending on how long you let the kefir ferment it potentially could be lactose free
- Contains 30-50 strains of good bacteria – yogurt only has 7-9
- Builds strong bones-contains Vitamin K2 important nutrient lacking in our diets that aids in placing calcium in the appropriate places in our bodies
Making Kefir:
1-2 T. live kefir grains
4 cups whole milk (do not use UHT pasteurized milk)
Place kefir grains and whole milk in 1 quart Mason jar, cover loosely with lid, clean cloth or coffee filter and rubber band or mason ring. Leave at room temperature for approximately 24 hours, strain to use the grains again and refrigerate the kefir or use immediately. You may ferment longer depending on how sour you want the taste. If you see it starting to separate like curds and whey, it’s okay, just stir and strain, nothing is wrong with it.
Kefir Smoothie
4 cups kefir
2 frozen bananas
10 oz. frozen berries
2 raw organic farm fresh eggs (optional)
¼ cup raw honey, sucanat or 5-10 drops Stevia
2 T. chia seeds
Place all ingredients in blender and blend till smooth. Make popsicles with any leftovers and the kids really think it’s a treat!
If you need any kefir grains they can be purchased through Cultures for Health, there’s a link below, or try to find some from someone in your community. Sometimes, people post on Craigslist that they’re giving them away or selling them pretty cheap. It’s easier but not necessary if you start out with active grains.
For more information:
http://www.kefir.org/kefir_manual.htm
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/milk-kefir-grains-composition-bacteria-yeast
u have everything you need to chop right in front of you. Have a strainer that fits over your sink on at all times, or at least keep it close by. This will allow you to wash and rinse things with out any hassle. Keep a towel tucked in your pants or close at hand. I know it sounds crazy, but this eliminates washing your hands every two seconds and searching for the paper towels over and over. I like aprons, but a towel tucked in a pocket, or the side of my pants makes my cooking go much faster.
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