Kefir - Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts

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What is a kefir drink?

Kefir is a type of cultured dairy drink made by fermenting milk with kefir grains. Although records of this drink date back thousands of years, kefir has experienced a recent renaissance in the Western world. With people viewing it as a healthy source of beneficial probiotics, kefir has quickly become a commercial success.

Where does kefir come from?

Kefir originated from parts of Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia. Its name comes from the Turkish word “keyif,” which refers to feeling good after eating ( 1 ). This is a fermented drink, traditionally made with cow’s milk or goat’s milk. It is made by adding kefir grains to the milk.

What is commercial kefir?

Commercial kefir is often sold plain or in a variety of fruit flavours to offset the tang. Central to the production of kefir and other cultured milks is the initial fermentation process, which involves the partial conversion of lactose (milk sugar) to lactic acid.

What is raw kefir?

Raw kefir is kefir made from raw milk (unpasteurized). It’s illegal to buy raw milk in many states because it can have harmful bacteria. However, studies show raw milk kefir has specific beneficial bacteria and yeast that aren't in pasteurized milk kefir.

What Is Kefir

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318353
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits-of-kefir
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/kefir-benefits-6892426
5. https://www.webmd.com/diet/kefir-good-for-you
6. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-kefir
7. https://www.britannica.com/topic/kefir
8. https://www.nutritionadvance.com/kefir-nutrition-benefits-and-drawbacks/
9. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/kefir-types-nutrition-facts-health-benefits-recipe/

Kefir Information

1. https://www.verywellfit.com/kefir-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits-5083963
2. https://therealfooddietitians.com/what-is-kefir/