Have you heard of kefir? Many people do not know what kefir is and may be missing out on its nutritional benefits. Keep reading to learn more!

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage, similar to a “thin” yogurt. It comes in a variety of flavors such as strawberry, peach, vanilla, and chocolate. You can pour kefir into a glass and drink it by itself, or if you find it too tart, you can blend it with fruits and vegetables to make a smoothie. Kefir can even be used as an ingredient while cooking and baking.

Kefir has several nutritional benefits to offer:

• Probiotics: These “good” bacteria can promote a healthy immune system and digestion.
• Protein: Kefir is a good source of protein which is important for maintaining muscle strength, keeping skin healthy, and promoting more stable blood sugars.
• Calcium and Vitamin D: These nutrients play a key role in maintaining bone health.
• Low Lactose: Unlike many other dairy products, kefir is low in lactose due to the fermentation process. Because it is low in lactose, kefir may be better tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.

Kefir can be found in grocery stores such as Hy-Vee and Aldi. In some stores, it may be stocked in the “health foods” section. Lifeway is a well-known brand that makes kefir in a variety of flavors. Check out lifewaykefir.com to learn more and find recipes using kefir.