If you are serious about boosting your immunity and increasing your daily energy, then adding traditionally fermented foods to your diet is a must.  Dr. Joseph Mercola

How healthy is your digestive tract?  Remember, the road to health really is paved with good intestines!

He asked for water, and she gave him milk; in a bowl fit for nobles she brought him curdled milk.  (Judges 5:25; NIV)

Although the word “kefir” might sound like a new “blog”, it’s actually a beverage loaded with good “stuff” that supports healthy digestion.  Kefir is a fermented beverage that supplies beneficial probiotics, enzymes, and minerals to the digestive system.   It’s a cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your “inner ecosystem.”  In the days before refrigeration, virtually every society practiced “traditional” methods of fermenting dairy products and other foods as a way to preserve them for consumption over time. 

If you’ve never tasted kefir, it’s thinner than yogurt with a similar taste, although more on the tart side.  It is more nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, as it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins.  Although yogurt and kefir both contain healthy bacteria, kefir contains several major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt.

Some other benefits of kefir include promoting a relaxing effect on the nervous system thus providing benefit for those seeking a restful night’s sleep.  By providing healthy bacteria for your intestinal tract, kefir helps to curb unhealthy food cravings making your body more nourished.  And probably the main benefit is how kefir supports the normal intestinal tract function, promoting healthy digestion and elimination.  As I’ve quipped before, “The road to health is paved with good intestines.”

Kefir can be made at home using organic cow or goat’s milk and a “kefir starter.”  I used to make ours until it became more readily available in grocery stores.  It’s available in the dairy section of grocery and health food stores.  If you don’t see it, ask for it.  If a store doesn’t carry it, chat with a manager about adding it to the store.  I’ve found most managers are very happy to add new products when they know people are interested in buying it.

You’ll find various flavors with numerous fruits and sweeteners added.  I don’t recommend those as the sweeteners often offset the benefits of promoting a healthy digestive system.  Today’s smoothie recipe uses organic, plain, whole milk kefir.  If you can only find plain, low-fat varieties, then that’s acceptable over ones with fruit and sweeteners.  Using kefir in a smoothie is a good way to begin introducing it into your diet.  I enjoy drinking it plain as well, but many don’t care for the tart taste.

Prayer Power
Lord, thank You for time-honored traditions that have offered benefit to mankind throughout the ages.  May we seek You for those we need to hold onto and embrace and for those we need to release.

Blueberry Kefir Smoothie

Blessings on you as you enjoy your first taste of kefir!