Kefir is becoming popular, well.. at least more popular than it used to be!

Modern drinkers know Kefir as a healthy, nourishing, drink.. almost as a ‘yogurt shake’. The drink is actually a fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus region of Europe over 2000 years ago; prepared by inoculating milk (cow, goat, sheep or even soy) with ‘kefir grains’ (a combination of bacteria and yeasts in a matrix of proteins, lipids, and sugars).

Sound complicated? Yeah, I thought so too.. Much more important than the chemistry lesson it would take to understand the nuts and bolts of Kefir, is the nutritional value

This drink, a staple in much of Europe, has recently received a great deal of praise in the U.S. for its nutritional benefits. The cultures in Kefir alleviate the unpleasant side effects that can be associated with normal dairy consumption, even in people who are lactose intolerant! Kefir also provides “good” bacteria in the form of 10 live probiotic cultures (all the rage nowadays with ever increasing lines of ‘regularity’ daily yogurts). Studies show that these bacteria can enhance the immune system, promote better gastrointestinal health, aid in the body’s vitamin and mineral absorption, cancer prevention, and may even help lower blood cholesterol!

But can you dunk your Oreos in it? While some will drink Kefir straight, many people find the beverage too sour on its own. Common additions to it include sweeteners like fruits, honey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. You can even add an extra healthy kick to your next smoothie. Kefir mixes incredibly well with bananas, strawberries, blueberries and many other fruits from your supermarket.

Different varieties of Kefir with fruit and flavors already added in are now available in the United States on a much more widespread basis. Lifeway Kefir products can now be found in Target, Whole Foods and many other leading grocery stores. Premixed varieties include strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry, peach, banana, blueberry, cherry, vanilla and even cappuccino!!

Lifeway’s line of offerings has something for everyone: original, low fat, non fat, greek style, organic, whole milk.. This is certainly one of the best places to start your introduction to this age old ‘tonic’.

-bryan