An Extra Dimension

     Although kefir is less well known than its cousin yogurt, its rejuvenating immune-enhancing properties are making it increasingly popular, according to the author of the book 100 Foods to Stay Young.  Adding kefir to your diet provides an extra dimension to the immune-supporting actions of fermented foods like yogurt, miso and sauerkraut.  Studies have shown that it provides extremely positive effects in the digestive tract, where the balance of good and bad bacteria is the foundation of our ability to fight infection, viruses and fungal growths, all those things that compromise our ability to maintain our youthful vitality.

     Kefir has also been shown to actively destroy harmful invading bacteria, and is believed to slow the growth of certain tumors.  The probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei, is strong enough to fight off pneumonia.  Kefir's smaller curds make it easier to digest than yogurt, helping it to remove aging toxins by way of the digestive system.  It has all the protein and calcium benefits of milk but is easier to tolerate for people with mild lactose intolerance.

     You can find kefir in health food stores and even some well stocked super markets.  Use kefir as you would yogurt.  It makes a great base for smoothies as the sour taste offsets the sweetness of fruit extremely well.