Kefir. Everything you need to know Ke what? KÉFIR!

Everything you should know about Kefir, Ke what? KÉFIR!

It invades the fridges of our supermarkets, mixes among our usual dairy products, we see it advertised everywhere, it succeeds at Instagram breakfasts, but what is kefir? Why is it so healthy? it’s good? Do you have lactose?

In today’s post I will solve all your doubts so that you can try and enjoy this new product.

What is it?

Although in Spain we have known it for a short time, Kefir is a fairly old drink from Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia.

Its meaning speaks for itself, since the word kefir is a Turkish word that means “feel good” and makes mention of the feeling of feeling good right after eating.

Its texture and appearance is very similar to that of yogurt but a little more liquid. Some of the reasons why it is on everyone’s lips at the moment are its multiple benefits for our health , since kefir helps to solve various digestive problems, bacterial infections and contributes to the strengthening of our bones.

Kefir refers both to the microorganisms that are used to create this drink and to the result itself. Kefir grains are white in color similar to those of cauliflower and are made up of yeast cultures and lactic bacteria.

Goat or cow’s milk is added to these kefir grains so that their microorganisms ferment thanks to the sugars in the milk, giving rise to the drink itself. Fermentation usually lasts 24 hours.

When the process ends, the kefir grains can be reused again.

It’s good?

For tastes the flavors, but the truth is that its flavor will not be so different since, as I said, its texture is very similar to that of yogurt.

Is it beneficial for health?

You should know that kefir is considered a probiotic food, since it contains live microorganisms that live in the intestine and helps us maintain digestive balance.

The best known source of probiotics is yogurt . However,  kefir contains even more probiotics than yogurt – about 30 different microorganisms . If you want to prepare yogurt at home , you already know that on the blog you have how to do it easily and without complications.

In addition to being good for fighting digestive problems, diarrhea, and other bacterial infections, Kefir made with high-fat milk is a perfect source of calcium and vitamin K2, which helps and prevents bone problems such as osteoporosis.

And to your surprise, kefir can help us fight allergy or asthma problems since it has anti-inflammatory properties.

But does it contain lactose?

Lactose intolerant people are unable to break down and digest the lactose found in common dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), and while kefir is also made from goat’s or cow’s milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria that convert lactose in lactic acid . Which means that its enzymes contribute to the breakdown of lactose in the intestine itself.

Ultimately, if you are lactose intolerant , don’t worry because you probably won’t have any trouble tolerating kefir .

Anyway, it is possible to make kefir with other liquids than milk (fruit juice, tea, coconut water …), so  there is also the possibility of drinking 100% lactose-free kefir .

Where to buy Kefir grains?

It can be difficult to find the kefir grains to make at home. Although the Kefir already prepared is already present in all supermarkets due to its interest.

The Kefir granules or grains, as well as the pack to make the cultivation at home is easy to find in the herbalists, and for convenience (in my case it was like that) you can buy it online, you have a lot of offer. I bought it from Amazon.

The Kefir already prepared I do not consider natural, its flavor is very different, although I have tried several brands, the Pastoret is the one that I like the most.

My advice is to buy online, since the internet is becoming a much easier way to find this type of food.

Kefir recipe. Do you dare to try it?

You will need the following ingredients

• 1 or 2 tablespoons of kefir grains
• A container with a lid
• 2 cups of juice or coconut drink, oatmeal, tea … whatever you want.

Elaboration process

• Put the kefir grains in the bowl and add the chosen drink. Try not to fill the container to the top; leave 2-3 cm free.
• Cover it and let it sit for 12 to 36 hours at room temperature.
• When it begins to have a lumpy consistency, strain the liquid to separate the kefir grains from the drink.

I hope I have cleared your doubts, that you prepare it by yourself or by yourself and that you tell me if you switch to homemade kefir or stick with Greek yogurt .