Both products also make a great smoothie base, and they go perfectly with some muesli or granola and fresh fruit.
Also, they both contain types of good bacteria, namely lactobacillus kefiri in kefir and lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus in yogurt.
People often make comparisons between kefir and yogurt, and in fact there are similarities between the products. Firstly, they are both slightly sour and are produced by fermentation.
However, research shows that kefir made with raw milk has several health benefits that are not present in kefir made with pasteurized milk.
That said, the consistency of kefir is thinner than yogurt, and in general it has fewer calories and sugar. In both cases, it's best to stick to plain rather than flavored.
There are two different types of kefir grain: milk grains (which are mixed with milk), and water grains (which, surprise, surprise, are mixed with water).
The kefir grains themselves are little formations of yeast and bacteria that look a bit like small pieces of cauliflower. They contain probiotic microorganisms, which break down the lactose in milk and cause it to ferment.
There are also dairy-free versions of kefir on the market, but these don’t have the same nutritional benefits as the standard product.
Finally, we have raw kefir, which is made from raw (or unpasteurized) milk. It is worth noting that raw milk is illegal to buy in several US states.
Then there is kefir water, which is also a fermented drink, but which is made by adding the kefir grains to sugar water instead of milk. It is entirely dairy free.
Kefir can come in several different forms, although the most common is milk. As mentioned, kefir milk is made by adding grains to the milk and letting it ferment.
Kefir is believed to have several health benefits. In particular, it contains many unique species of probiotics, the ‘good bacteria’ that promote gut health.
Moreover, kefir is naturally low in lactose (the sugar in milk), which means that it is usually suitable for people to drink even if they are lactose intolerant.
Despite its recent popularity gains, scientists believe kefir has been around for thousands of year. It probably originated in eastern Europe, near present-day Turkey.
Kefir is a drink made from fermented cow, goat, or sheep milk. It is made by adding kefir grains to the milk and letting it ferment.
If you have been to the supermarket in recent months, you may have noticed a new product on the shelves. Kefir (pronounced kee-feer) is all the rage at the moment, and with good reason, too. Containing several probiotics, this yogurt-like drink is great for digestive health, and the benefits don't just stop there.
Curious about kefir? Check out this gallery to learn more.
The probiotics and nutrients in kefir mean that it has several health benefits. Firstly, studies have shown that it helps support digestion.
Kefir contains up to 61 strains of different bacteria, and research shows these microorganisms may help treat and prevent diseases such as IBS.
On the other hand, kefir can help lower your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol levels, and improve your triglycerides.
Studies have also shown that kefir is good for bone health and can reduce your risk of osteoporosis. This is because kefir is a great source of calcium.
In one study of people with osteoporosis, researchers found that the participants who drank kefir milk every day showed an improvement in their bone mineral density.
Kefir may also work as an antibiotic, since some of the probiotics it contains are effective at fighting certain harmful bacteria. In fact, the probiotic Lactobacillus kefiri, which is only found in kefir, may even help prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.
Finally, drinking kefir may be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. Indeed, research shows that drinking kefir can help lower the body’s fasting blood sugar levels.
Drinking kefir may also help diabetics control things like insulin resistance and blood pressure, but more research is needed to be sure.
Secondly, kefir contains a very small amount of alcohol. This does not cause any issue for most people, but it’s something to bear in mind if you cannot have any alcohol at all.
If you have a weakened immune system, perhaps as the result of an underlying health condition, make sure you talk to your doctor before adding kefir to your diet.
Equally, if you are taking immunosuppressants, you could get sick from kefir. Remember to speak to your doctor first before starting with kefir.
Sources: (WebMD) (Allrecipes)
See also: These foods contain more calcium than a glass of milk
What is kefir, and is it good for you?
The yogurt-like drink that's all the rage!
FOOD Health
If you have been to the supermarket in recent months, you may have noticed a new product on the shelves. Kefir (pronounced kee-feer) is all the rage at the moment, and with good reason, too. Containing several probiotics, this yogurt-like drink is great for digestive health, and the benefits don't just stop there.
Curious about kefir? Check out this gallery to learn more.