KEFIR, A Wonderful 'Super' Whole Food

Super foods are a source of nourishment that function on many levels of our well being; from a cellular physical, to a mental and emotional level they offer us a key to optimal health and well being. "Kefir" is a recommended super food to included in your diet on a regular basis for many reasons: As a whole food, fermented milk kefir (which can be made with many milk products- almond, coconut, goat, cow or soy) nourishes our bones, our brains and nervous system functioning- particularly though our digestive processes.

It contains abundant naturally occurring yeast and friendly pro-biotic bacteria loaded with many valuable vitamins and minerals and easily digested proteins. Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Vitamin B are plentiful in kefir and have been noted to support those with a number of common debilitating ailments such as IBS, chronic fatigue, herpes, sleep disorders and depression.

Kefir is excellent nourishment for pregnant & nursing women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Kefir contains 7 major strains of friendly bacteria not found in yogurt, and contains additional beneficial yeasts, which dominate, control, and eliminate destructive pathogenic yeasts in the body.

It does this by penetrating the mucosal lining

where unhealthy yeast and bacteria reside- like forming a SWAT team, kefir strengthens and cleans the intestines of harmful bacteria and parasites. In addition for those "lactose intolerant folks"- kefirs' abundance of beneficial yeast and "good bacteria" create "lactase" an enzyme, which consumes most of the lactose left after the cultivating process. Yogurt contains the beneficial bacteria to keep the digestive system clean and food for the friendly bacteria,- Kefir also does this as well as colonizing the intestinal tract with additional important nutrients for the digestive process where as yogurt will not. Other whole foods which can be classified under the same "Super Food" heading are bee pollen, brimming with digestive enzymes, micro-algaes, Seaweeds, Alfalfa, Oatstraw & Nettles are all nutrient-rich and contain highly absorbable minerals and proteins, and can be easily included in your daily diet, or mixed with kefir for additional nutritional benefits. And one of the best things is that Kefir can be made in the comfort of your own home.

Kefir Ingredients:

Milk
Kefir grains (which can be purchased online, or locally)

Directions:

Put the grains in an airtight container, a clean glass jar/quart sized mason works well
Cover with about one quart of milk
Place in a cupboard out of direct sunlight & cover jar with a clean dish towel
Let sit for 24 hours or until it reaches desired taste
Strain grains from the milk and Drink!
Reuse grains and go back to step One

Note: (Grains will keep about one year)

WHOLE FOOD SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

One banana or avocado
A cupful of your favorite antioxidant berries or seasonal fruits.
A 1/2 cup. of kefir or whole food organic yogurt
A cup of milk- almond, rice, or even coconut
A 1/4 cup of favorite ground seeds- pumpkin, flax or sesame (high in Omega 3 EFA's and protein).
A tbsp. of lecithin flakes to promote good brain function and process fat
A tbsp.of whole food whey protein - Goats whey is best
A tbsp. of wheat germ abundant in Vitamin E
Bee pollen, Spirulina...

Any other whole food to nourish you. Be creative.

Put all ingredients into your blender, and blend until smooth. Drink up and enjoy.