Breakfast News! is where I post interesting things about breakfast, including what I eat and what I want to eat!

Kefir Yogurt is something you can grab off of the shelf of your grocery store but it is nearly timeless in its dietary existence, meaning that it dates so far back we don’t even have an origin. It is very similar to yogurt, and even better for you because very little lactose remains in kefir. It contains a lot of the same dietary minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids as in milk, plus a ton of probiotics which is a major benefit.

I really enjoy drinking 3/4 to 1 cup of plain kefir in the morning with a Little Fruit like dried apricots, blueberries, or banana slices! You might even see some pictures of my Kefir breakfasts on my Instagram feed 😉 #breakfastnews

Getting a bit more specific, here is some questions that the BBC Worldwide answered about Kefir:

Does kefir improve digestion?

Yes!

Some people find that kefir improves their digestion due to its probiotic content. Probiotics can help restore balance in the gut, thereby improving digestion. As kefir is rich in probiotic bacteria, it can be beneficial to include it in the diet for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disturbances.

Does kefir help you to lose weight?

Yes!

Obesity has been linked to an imbalance in gut bacteria. However, which strain of bacteria has an effect is less clear. Some evidence suggests that the lactobacillus species, or LAB group, like those found in kefir are associated with changes in weight.

Does kefir promote better bone health?

Yes!

Traditional kefir made from cow’s milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin K, which are both important for bone health. As we get older, our bones become weaker, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in post-menopausal women. Kefir, along with other dairy products, is a useful source of dietary calcium.

Does kefir reduce inflammation?

Possibly!

Inflammation is involved in a number of diseases such as inflammatory bowel or rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory effects of probiotics have been reported in some studies, although this is an emerging area of research. It does appear that the LAB bacteria are anti-inflammatory but whether that translates directly to kefir is still unknown.

Are there any side effects?

Possibly!

As the process used to make kefir can vary between brands, it is hard to monitor its strength, so some products may be stronger sources of probiotic bacteria than others. For those who are not used to probiotics or fermented foods it is sensible to start with a small amount and increase slowly. Some report digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation or diarrhoea when introducing probiotics to the diet. Anyone with a compromised immune system should speak to a health professional before taking probiotics.

I sourced the above questions and answers from the BBC GoodFood by BBC Worldwide; link – https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-kefir.