Discover Pearls of Health with DIY Kefir

The world is your oyster when your day begins with a wholesome, probiotic-dense breakfast to super power your routine. If your journey to discover protein-rich whole foods has led you to the mysteries of effervescent kefir, then consider these pearls of wisdom.

Making your own kefir is a great way to jump start a healthful routine. Kefir is a delicious probiotic drink that comes in two main varieties: yogurt and water-based for those who prefer a dairy-free or vegan lifestyle. Kefir pearls, also called "grains," are tiny beads of powerful good bacteria that promote healthy gut flora and overall wellness. 

Learn more about the benefits of fermented foods and why DIY kefir is the perfect recipe for great health and fabulous nutrition.

Fermented and Cultured Super Foods: Eat Them, Drink Them, Love Them

The art of fermentation has been around for centuries. Wine and beer were among the most popular discoveries in early craft brews. However, it wasn't long before healthier options made their way onto the scene. Many ancient civilizations found that harnessing the power of good bacteria, specifically lactobacilli, led to longer preservation of foods such as dairy, cheese, and cabbage. 

Today, fermentation is still a key part of the health food pioneer's journey. Food dense in probiotics produced through the fermentation process are easily digestible and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This leads to numerous benefits including weight loss support and a holistic remedy for bloating and gastrointestinal issues. Fermented foods are also vitamin-rich and deliver readily available nutrients through the help of enzymes designed to assist in rapid assimilation of essential components. 

Most of us don't get enough probiotics in our diet. Even foods that claim to include live and active cultures typically only contain a few common strains of helpful bacteria. A diverse microbiome promotes a strong immune system as well as a healthy digestive tract full of thousands of happy gut flora to support your fitness goals or simply get you through the week.

Creating the Perfect Kefir

Delicious, creamy yogurt is the first thing that comes to mind when considering adding more probiotics to one's diet. Unfortunately, store bought, processed yogurt and kefirs only provide prebiotics or fuel for the good bacteria living in our intestinal tract. In fact, laboratory-grown yogurt typically contains 1 to 5 strains of beneficial bacteria, with processed kefir reaching only 10 strains.

With so many misleading labels, how can health-conscious consumers guarantee they're really treating their stomachs to the best bacteria available? This is where making your own kefir comes in to save the day (and your tummy)!

Homemade kefir contains a whopping 35 different strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts, all thanks to the complex pearls that make up every glass. Unlike processed yogurts and kefir drinks, each strain contains unique bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactococcus lactis, and Leuconostoc. Every probiotic has a special function. Some work best for reducing inflammation, while others function in boosting the immune system and controlling blood pressure. With a list like that, you know you're getting a diverse vitamin and enzyme range in every gulp!

Making your own kefir is fun and simple. Once you've chosen your probiotic pearls, add the grains to milk or water, set at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours, strain out the remaining pearls, and enjoy! Store your tasty new breakfast in the fridge and reuse the pearls for your next batch.

DIY kefir is the perfect weekend activity for healthy families and mindful foodies. Your friends at QualityFood have your next recipe covered with contactless delivery and easy online ordering options to make clean, simple eating a little simpler.