Kefir - What is It, Where Did it Come From and Why is it Good for Me?

Do you like yogurt? If you're a person who enjoys yogurt, you'll love kefir. Kefir is a cousin to yogurt, and is gaining popularity around the world. It has been around a long time, and is popular now because of its smoothie-like consistency and probiotic health benefits. It is a close-to-nature, cultured product that can do much for digestive health. I picked up a bottle of Lifeway's Kefir to give it a try.

Kefir has been consumed for more than 2000 years. It originated in Europe, supposedly in the Caucasus Mountains. People there drank it for health and longevity, and many lived past 100 years. The name is pro ported to have come from the Turkish word "Keif", which means "good feeling". Many people have experienced better health from drinking the beverage.

Lifeway's Kefir is made from low-fat milk, delicately infused with 10 different strains of healthful cultures. Traditional yogurt can have anywhere from 2 to 10, though most commercial blends have less than kefir. These active cultures promote digestive health and stimulate the immune system, as well as add the benefit of calcium. Lifeway adds inulin, a natural dietary fiber,to their kefir to aid in calcium absorption and add more digestive help.

The beverage comes in many different flavor, and is not overly expensive. A 32 - ounce container, about 4 servings, runs around $4.00 to $5.00. It comes in Original (Plain), Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Strawberry-Banana, Vanilla, Cappuccino, and their newest flavor, Pomegranate. I sampled Pomegranate and found the flavor delicious.

Pomegranate Kefir is slightly sweet, with the yogurt-y tang that yogurt lovers delight in. The texture is like a thick smoothie, and my tummy felt great after drinking it. The Pomegranate was not too pronounced, and I noticed the drink has a great deal of protein. Traditionally, the beverage was served over muesli or some other hearty cereal, and I found it amazing poured over granola with fresh fruit. Also, whip it up in a blender with fruit, ice, and a scoop of protein powder, and you've got a powerful breakfast drink. There are no refined sweeteners in the beverage, and no artificial flavors or colors.

I think I will buy Lifeway's Lowfat Kefir more often, and would recommend it to my friends. They are many products out there on the market for digestive health, but this product has the benefit of being time-tested. It's all natural, and not a health fad. Give it a try, and enjoy better health today.