Kefir

"Kefir" is derived from the Turkish word for "good feeling" and scientists are just now confirming the scientific mechanisms that give this age-old fermented dairy beverage its health properties.  Kefir has been long enjoyed for its taste and contribution to good health. 

The key ingredient to kefir is the quality and authenticity of the kefir "grains" used in the starter cultures.  Kefir "grains" are not real grains; this term is used to describe the cauliflower-like appearance of the natural clusters.  This cluster consists of more than 30 different strains of beneficial microorganisms that have come together in nature to form a protective colony against outside pathogens. They have been so successful that a kefir colony can live forever, according to an article in Scientific American entitled "Sex, death, and kefir".

Like other fermented products, such as fine wines or cheese, there is an art to making Kefir.  Kefir grain starter cultures are region dependent.  Subtle nuances arise in the cultures based on the particular combinations cultivated and how their environment affects them.

FOS, short for fructooligosaccharides (or insulin) is a wonderful, natural dietary fiber derived from chicory roots.  Consumed since the time of Hippocrates, FOS feeds and increases the level of "good guy" bifid bacteria by up to five times in the gastrointestinal tract.  Clinical studies at the prestigious Dunn Nutrition Centre in Cambridge, England and leading academic institutions in Europe and Japan have confirmed these powerful effects. 

Minimum amounts of 1 g/day are recommended.  Helios Nutrition's kefir contains 2g/serving.  Additionally, FOS provides an excellent source of dietary fiber.  It has been shown to increase the absorption of calcium and other minerals by up to 40%.  From a taste point of view, it has a thick, full milkshake-like texture yet it adds only 2 calories per gram.  Kefir is a probiotic: it contains live bacteria that are beneficial to your health. 

Organic kefir with FOS is:

High in calcium (30% of RDI)

High in protein

Made with organic milk

Made with authentic kefir cultures

Contains billions of live bacteria per serving, or more than 1,000 times the level found in many yogurts.  Made by a wonderful company and tastes GREAT!!

For more Kefir information go to www.heliosnutrition.com.