Why do we like Kefir ? What does it do for us ? I told someone I was drinking Kefir each day (as one of my limited carbs) and they asked why and I didn't know !! Why ??

SF

Well, I think everyone has their own reasons. For me, there are several.

1. I really LIKE it, especially when I brew it up to get really tart & fizzy.

2. It has good buggies in it. There is a huge assortment of colon friendly microflora in kefir. This is good under any circumstances, but especially helpful when anti-biotics are prescribed - puts the good bugs back where they belong after the anti-biotics (which are broad spectrum) have killed the good with the bad. Since I have to take anti-biotics every so often for dental procedures, I avoid all the usual problems of anti-biotic therapy.

3. I used to like yogurt, back in the olden days, but yogurt raises my blood sugar about the same way that milk does. Not acceptable for me. Kefir seems to convert more lactose to lactic acid than yogurt does, so my blood sugar response is modest - as long as I don't overdo.

4. I like the idea of ingesting primitive microbes. It makes me feel as one with my ancestors who slithered out of the primordial ooze.

5. It makes out of this world cheese, which is another of my favorite foods.

6. Another source of calcium for my aging bones can't be bad.

7. Did I mention that I REALLY like it?


If you go to Dom's kefir site and browse around, you'll find a lot of information on the alleged benefits of kefir. I imagine some of them are true. Some seem a bit far fetched to this old skeptic, but that doesn't mean they aren't true.

http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

I'm sure you'll get more answers from others.

Maggie
5'1"
Atkins since '98 (160)
Maintaining nicely (110)

Redhead until further notice!

Well, Maggie about covered all the bases, but I thought I'd chime in anyway

I should start with:

1. "oh, and by the way, did I mention that I really like it?"
2. It only has 4 ECC -- possibly less. I seem to do ok with yogurt, but I really lose well when I drink straight kefir. I'm ok when I add things to it, like for a smoothy, but it seems to kick my loss into high gear when I have it plain.
3. More on the "beasties" -- It specifically treats candida infection. I have struggled with candida in the past. I occassionally have flare ups, but only when I don't take my kefir.
4. It is great for the hair and skin, both topically and internally. (I believe the "whey to go" thread got transferred over...?)
5. It helps with allergy symptoms.
6. Folks who are lactose intolerant can have it.
7. It pre-digests all the vitamins and minerals, not to mention the proteins and fats, so it goes in ready to assimilate!
8. It is reported to help migraine sufferers.
9. Because of #7, it is a healthier alternative to store bought milk (makes it healthier to drink...)
10. See #1

Blessings!
Sharron
Author of "Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place," and "Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine" to be released in December

www.thelowcarbcook.com

'Cause its yummy AND lowcarb AND healthy!!!

Connie

"I've had a perfectly wonderful evening. But, this wasn't it." - Groucho
Marx

AND it's fun to make - especially to vary what you make it WITH - i.e., half cream half water, or half & half, or whole milk etc. - and then see what you get when it's done percolating!

Char

Don't squat with yer spurs on!

All of the above plus...

It's a healthy probiotic for my two doggies, they love it.

Susan


LCE Member since 01/02
341/283.5/185

In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Kefir also contains Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids, which is a precursor to the much needed neurotransmitter, serotonin.

Because of these particular vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it has a calming effect on the nervous system


BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

So how do you eat/consume it? Is it like milk, only thicker? Do you eat it plain, or with berries? How does it make cheese? Obviously I've never tried it so any advice/suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Crystal
202/178/140
I can feel it melting away!

Yes, to all of the above. It's about the consistency of buttermilk (or a bit thicker)with a taste maybe between buttermilk and yogurt, depending on the batch, weather, and sign of the zodiac

You can drink it "straight up," make it into a smoothie with fruit or berries, make kefir cream cheese, use in cooking. If you are interesting in the taste, try a bottle out from the health food store, or even some of the larger supermarkets carry it. Get a the plain variety, though, or you'll be getting a lot of extra carbs. Lifeway and Helios are two brands that are fairly common.

Then if you like it, and are interested in making it yourself, someone here can probably provide you with kefir baby "grains."


BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

BC - I think you're right about the stars alignment affecting the batch! Only reason I can figure out some days.

Crystal - cheese is easy to do with the kefir. Like making yogurt cheese, you line a strainer with coffee filters or I use a piece of white linen and pour the kefir in. Let it drain until the consistency you want. You can season it for a spread or use it in cooking.

Connie