0511-0810-1517-1943This post continues the previous which told you about our favorite products that can provoke allergies. Substitute one of them, strawberry yogurt (it has artificial color), with kefir, an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich beverage filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your “inner ecosystem” to maintain optimal health and joyful living.

Are you familiar with this amazing, fermented milk drink that originated in the Caucasus region? If you did not try it yet, you should. This must-have food is usually prepared by combining cow, goat, or sheep’s milk with kefir grains. The word ‘kefir’ comes from Persian words kef (foam) and shir(milk), but in Turkish the same word means “feel good.”

Centuries ago kefir became an every day breakfast, lunch and dinner drink in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Hingary, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. You can drink it plain, as many Europeans do, but if you find this taste too sour, add organic blueberries, bananas, strawberry, honey, agave nectar or maple syrup. Mix organic fruits in a blender and make a delicious, homemade smoothie.

I never eat any yogurt because of all food additives harmful to the body. I love kefir, a creamy, cultured, nutritious product with amazing health properties. It is similar to a drinking-style, cultured buttermilk and yogurt, but much better with its tart and refreshing flavor. Kefir contains beneficial yeast and friendly ‘probiotic’ bacteria that yogurt has, too. “When used regularly, says Dr. Mercola, founder of Natural Health Center in Illinois, “the naturally occuring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine symbiotically to help balance your intestinal flora and boost your immunity.”

Kefir is loaded with valuable vitamins and minerals, and easily digestable complete proteins in addition to other many beneficial properties. In summary kefir,

* supports your normal intestinal tract function;
* promotes bowel movements and your healthy digestive system;
* restores balance in the digestive tract after the use of antibiotics;
* makes easier to digest food;
* boosts your immune system;
* supplies with supplemental nourishment pregnant and nursing women;
* stops unhealthy food cravings by giving your body more nourishment and balance;
* increases your daily energy;
* suitable for people who are tolerant to lactose.

Here is a great recipe for you to make a healthy, natural, homemade plain kefi, if you don’t want to buy this product in a store. Add organic strawberries or honey and bananas, and you have another delicious drink that will nourish your body with invaluable nutrients. It will help to boost your immunity and increase your daily energy. Luci Lock of Mercola.com shows you how to make this simple and delicious drink in your home kitchen.

If you would like to find more about kefir, you can read the book Kefir Rediscovered: The Nutritional Benefits of an Ancient Healing Food by Klaus Kaufmann ( Kaufmann Food Series), Alive Books, August 1998