(NaturalNews) Foods that have an incredible array of health benefits that go well beyond just their nutrient value are considered 'super-foods.' Kefir is a fermented drink made from a kefir grain of symbiotic microorganisms wrapped up in a matrix of proteins, lipids and sugars. Kefir grains are white clumps that contain a wide variety of bacteria and yeast. Kefir is one of the best drinks for improving digestion and natural immunity.
Kefir is believed to have been first developed in the Caucasus Mountains of western Russia. The shepherds there used to carry milk in leather pouches. Sometimes the milk would sit for several days and ferment. The fermentation gave it an effervescent taste that was cool and refreshing. These cultures later found that kefir made a great natural medicine that was used to help digestive disorders, low energy, and compromised immune function.
Kefir grains contain a polysaccharide known as kefiran. Kefiran is water soluble and appears in a white/yellow form that typically resembles rice. Kefir is fermented at room temperature for 12-48 hours.
Raw cow, sheep, or goat milk are great mediums for kefir fermentation. Ideally, these animals should have been grass-fed. Milk from grain-fed mammals is highly inflammatory due to abnormal essential fatty acid ratios. The milk should never be pasteurized or homogenized as these processes damage the integrity of the amino acids and critical enzymes in the milk.
Another popular and easy to use kefir option is coconut water. Coconut water is extremely rich in potassium and trace minerals. It also contains anti-oxidants and cytokinins. Cytokinins regulate cell division and influence the rate at which plants age. These compounds also have an anti-aging effect on human cells and tissues.
Coconut water kefir is a delicious way to enhance hydration and recolonize your gut and mucous membranes with healthy strains of microflora. Coconut milk can also be fermented although it needs a little bit of coconut water to provide natural sugars for the kefir microorganisms to feed off of.
There are a lot of comparisons between yogurt and kefir. Kefir, however, is considered the probiotic powerhouse for several reasons. Yogurt provides several strains of beneficial bacteria that benefit the gut. Kefir has a much wider variety of beneficial bacteria that have a more potent effect on the GI system and mucous membranes of the body.
Kefir contains several important strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt. These bacteria include Lactobacillus Caucasus, Leuconostoc, Acetobacter species, and Streptococcus species.
Kefir also contains beneficial yeasts, such as Saccharomyces kefir and Torula kefir. These yeasts are known to hunt out and destroy pathogenic yeasts in the body. These beneficial yeasts are considered the best defense against dangerous yeast organisms like Candida Albicans. They form a virtual SWAT team that cleans, purifies, and strengthens the intestinal walls. These microorganisms help the body become more efficient in resisting dangerous pathogens such as E Coli, Salmonella, Staph Aureus, and intestinal parasites.
Poor bacterial balance can cause blood sugar imbalances, sugar cravings, weight gain, poor immunity, low energy and digestive disturbances among other things. Kefir addresses all of these problems by restoring balance to the micro flora of the body. Kefir`s active yeast and bacteria help assimilate nutrients in the gut & enhance the usage of certain trace minerals & B vitamins.
Its excellent nutritional content offers healing and health-maintenance benefits to people in every type of condition. The regular use of kefir can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system. Kefir cleanses the body and balances the inner ecosystem for maximal health and longevity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefirhttp://www.nuvia3.com/images/uploadedimages/coconut.pdfhttp://www.kefir.net/kefiryogurt.htmhttp://www.naturalnews.com/029318_kale_superfood.htmlAbout the author
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to
www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to
www.maximizedliving.com
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