Subject: Kefir

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

For a more healthy kefir it is best to use milk derived from a

hormone, pesticide-free source (i.e.Organic Milk). I believe this

article provides an excellent description of Kefir and its many

health benefits.

JoAnn

 

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

Sun Oct 26, 2003 1:58 pm

Kefir

 

Kefir is a cultured, creamy product with amazing health

attributes. Its tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-

style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as

friendly 'probiotic' bacteria found in yogurt.

 

The naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine

symbiotically to give

superior health benefits when consumed regularly. It is loaded with

valuable vitamins and minerals, it contains easily digestible

complete proteins, and it boasts natural antibiotic properties - a

natural antibiotic made with milk!

 

For the lactose intolerant, kefir's abundance of beneficial

yeast and bacteria provide lactase, an enzyme which consumes most of

the lactose left after the culturing process.

 

Kefir can be made from any type of organic milk, cow, goat or sheep,

coconut, rice or non-gmo soy. Although it is slightly mucous

forming, the

mucous has a " clean " quality to it that creates ideal conditions in

the digestive tract for the colonization of friendly bacteria.

 

Kefir is made from gelatinous white or yellow particles

called " grains. " This makes kefir unique, as no other milk culture

forms grains. These grains contain the bacteria/yeast mixture

clumped together with casein (milk proteins) and complex sugars.

 

They look like pieces of coral or small clumps of cauliflower and

range from the size of a grain of wheat to that of a hazelnut. Some

of the grains have been known to grow in large flat sheets that can

be big enough to cover your hand!.

The grains ferment the milk,

incorporating their friendly organisms to create the cultured

product. The grains are then removed with a strainer before

consumption of the kefir and added to a new batch of milk.

 

A kefir starter culture is available by calling Body Ecology

at: 800-511-2660, or going to our on-line store.

 

http://www.kefir.net/kefir2.htm