Natural Yogurt and Kefir

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Also See: Milk  All the negatives and benefits of Milk will also be in Yogurt and Kefir.

Yogurt and Kefir are probiotic, friendly bacteria cultured, fermented milk. Both balance the digestive system. Because the milk protein is pre-digested, it is easier to digest. Both supply B and K vitamins. Both will fight against "bad bacteria" in the gut. Both can be reused indefinately to culture more milk. But they are not exactly, the same. The types of probiotics can vary from brand to brand. Read the labels. Yogurt is made by adding in active yogurt (starter) to milk. Kefir is made from kefir grains added to milk, which are strained out, and can be reused to start a new batch. Some commercial kefirs use a powder form of the grains so this may not have the ability to form new grains or culture a new batch. (http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/kefir.html)

Commercial yogurts and kefits are not created equal. Read the labels. Watch out for thickening junk such a gelatin, tapioca, starches, etc. These aren't what this site considers yogurt but rather yogurt flavored. The same applies to the yogurt coated junk foods. In this article, we are only talking about the old fashion tradionally fermented milk with "live and active cultures." Commercial yogurts should have a label stating "live and active cultures." Without the live cultures, it is in our opinion just yogurt flavored milk. The same applied to ice creams called frozen yogurts. Heat will destroy the beneficial bacteria but freezing just makes them dormant (like being asleep). If the product is fermented but then heat treated, the beneficial bateria is killed off. Watch out for this misleading label: "Made from active cultures." The label must say say "live and active cultures."

Greek yogurt is strained. That is what makes it so thick. This is a great substitute for sour cream.

Some people are surprised when yogurt is called soured or acidified milk, but that is what it is. Probiotics/prebiotics are beneficial bacterias (added to the milk) preserve the milk and cause the milk to thicken. Yogurt consistency ranges from drinkable to sliceable cheese.

The bacteria predigests the protein which appears to make it easier for frail people to increase their protein intake.

For those who wish to make their own yogurt at home. The following website has everything you need to know including where to buy cultures. Enjoy. http://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/yogurt.html

For those who wish to make their own kefir at home. The following website has everything you need to know including where to buy cultures. Enjoy. http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/Makekefir.html

Common Remedies
bolster the immune system

candida yeast infections

cancer (slowing or halting cancerous grouths documented by Baylor College study)

high blood pressure

intestinal gas

irritable bowel syndrome

lactose intolerance (lessen and perhaps end) ( http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20030530/kefir-helps-lactose-intolerance)

microbial infections

natural barrier to infection (emphasis on prevention)

sour stomach

ulcers

vaginal infections

weight loss aid (http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/health-benefits-of-yogurt/)

intestinal gas

sour stomach

ulcers

External Websites
http://www.helladelicious.com/our-food/2011/01/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-kefir/

http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html

http://www.yourkefirsource.com/kefir-benefits/kefir-health-benefits

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=124

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/yogurt/10-reasons-yogurt-top-health-food

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=79753

http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/best-probiotics-use

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