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What is Nourish Kefir?
Nourish Kefir is a fermented milk drink - made from fresh, whole cows milk, following a centuries old traditional recipe that transforms milk into a yoghurt style super milk or ‘miracle' milk, as we call it! We believe Nourish Kefir is the only traditional - artisan kefir drink made from the living kefir grains, available in the UK. You can buy Nourish Kefir from independent health and whole food shops listed on our stockist page.
Nourish Kefir can be enjoyed by the young and old and everyone in-between!
Nourish Kefir is a unique, living food, containing live enzymes, yeasts and bacteria that are beneficial. Kefir is a natural probiotic, it is rich in antioxidants, antibodies and metabolites and essential vitamins and minerals; it is a superfood. The transformation of milk into kefir makes it superior to regular whole milk, because it is much easier to digest and absorb the nutrients into the body. Regularly drinking Nourish Kefir will convince you of its positive effects.
What does kefir taste like?
Nourish kefir has a distinctive and unusual taste, it is slightly sour, but with a creamy texture that's delicious and refreshing. It tastes similar to natural yoghurt - or creme fraiche. The taste of kefir quickly grows on you and becomes rather moreish!
Nourish Kefir is not sweet. However, if you have a sweet tooth you can use kefir as the base ingredient in a fruit smoothie, with banana and strawberry - it's not only delicious, but good for you too! Go to our recipe page for some ideas.
Our experiences of kefir are magical. It nourishes and re-energises the body
Unique benefits from drinking kefir...
The information provided here is updated regularly as we continue to research the benefits of kefir. This information is gathered from scientific research papers, talking to experts in probiotics, fermented dairy products and of course in kefir. One of the earliest scientists to merit the kefir drink was Elie Metchnikoff, a professor at the Pasteur Institute and Nobel Prize winner for medicine. Metchnikoff praised kefir 100 years ago, in his book "The Prolongation of LIfe" published in 1908!
Increased vitamin and mineral intake
Fermentation of milk with the living kefir grains enhances its nutritional value increasing amounts of B vitamins, and important fat soluable vitamins A, D, E and K and folic acid. Nourish Kefir is a good source of the valuable minerals calcium, phosphorus and magnesium - which are easily absorbed into the body. Noticeable results from drinking kefir can include an increase in energy, stronger nails, good skin and shiny, stronger hair.
A 100% natural probiotic
Probiotics are becoming more widely used in our diets as we become more aware of their health promoting benefits. Nourish Kefir is a 100% natural probiotic, and every time you drink a glass of kefir, you are encouraging ‘good’ bacteria to flourish in your intestines. The kefir drink also has a low pH value which helps to eliminate 'bad' (pathogenic) bacteria that don't like it. The probiotics in kefir are special because they appear naturally during the fermentation process and some are unique to tradtionally produced kefir. Noticeable results include a normal bowel function - especially helpful to stop diarrhoea, reduction in wind and pain (often caused by excess bad bacteria in the gut).
Taking antibiotics is known to deplete the body's natural flora - these need to be replensihed and drinking kefir can help do this. Kefir also boots the immune system which can benefit recovery after illness or surgery or a during a stay in hospital.
Read more about probiotics here.
Improved digestion
kefir is very easily digestable because the proteins, fats and lactose in milk is transformed into smaller molecules that the body can easily absorb and utilise. Milk proteins in kefir are broken down into a more basic structure of amino acids. Kefir also aids digestion of other foods when taken at the same time encouring efficient metabolism. Acidic milk speeds up the secretion of digestive juices and encourages metabolisms to work more efficiently, reducing the effects of indigestion and cholesterol. Fermentation gives a release of CO2 into the milk, which is also good for digestion. Noticeable effects to absorb more nutrients and give our bodies more fuel for energy, body repair and normal function.
Digestibility of lactose in kefir
Lactose in kefir milk is broken down during fermentation to smaller molecules of glucose and galactose (leaving just a very small amount of lactose). This means that a people with lactose intolerance who usually avoid fresh milk, should be able to drink kefir without any unpleasant after effects.
Gastro intestinal conditions and kefir...
In Russia, traditional kefir is used to treat hospital patients with gastro intestinal health problems. The beneficial bacteria and yeasts in kefir help restore the natural flora of the gastro intestinal tract, by providing good bacteria that adhere to the intestinal wall. Here they flourish and because kefir has a low pH, it helps to eliminate ‘bad’ bacteria - (bad bacteria can cause symptoms such as bloating, pain, wind, leaky gut and diarrhoea). It is our personal experience and testimony that regularly drinking kefir helps to relieve these symptoms when consumed regularly, as part of a healthy lifestyle that also aims to reduce stress, which can negatively affect the body. see our testimonials page to find out more.
Cancer prevention, tumour reduction and kefir
Scientific research on mice has shown that traditional kefir helps prevent cancer of the colon, and where cancer is present - it helps to reduce tumour growth. It is also demonstrated in similar tests for tumour reduction in breast cancer and liver cancer as well as prevention of prostate cancer. This is important and potentially life saving information. However, there have not been any clinical trials on people, so the evidence from lab tests is not widely applied. We feel, that in addition to modern theraputic treatments for cancer, people with this disease could also benefit from drinking traditional kefir. An extract of some of the scientific research on kefir is given here
Antioxidant and Immune System benefits
Kefir contains antioxidants that protect cells from illness and ageing affects. Scientists believe that these antioxidants are the link to the longevity of the Caucasus people who first drank kefir.
Cholesterol reduction
The cholesterol in milk fats is relatively low. Kefir contains 12mg of cholesterol per 100 grams (in a drink of 3.5% fat content). The microorganisms in kefir break down the fats in milk – making them easier to digest. Recent research suggests that certain lacto bacteria’s present in kefir may actually help lower cholesterol, by attaching themselves to cholesterol and eliminating it from the body. (see the link at the end of this page)
Suitable for diabetics
Kefir helps to balance blood sugar levels naturally – and its lack of digestible sugar makes it suitable for diabetics.
Fat content of Kefir
The original Nourish Kefir is made from whole (full fat) milk. It contains 3.5g fat per 100ml - that's just 62 kcal per 100ml. We realise that most people consciously reduce their fat intake and we know this is important as part of a healthy diets, however we prefer using whole milk because we feel the nutritional benefits outweigh the slightly reduced fat content.
Whole milk is vital to provide essential fat soluable vitamins - A, D, E and K. These are required by the body for absorption of minerals including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which amongst other things benefit the nervous system and promote healthy bones.
Nourish Kefir is 100% natural - that's one of our main reasons for bringing it to you!
Nourish Kefir is made with milk from pasture fed cows, and fermented with the living kefir grains. It is free from additives, preservatives, sugar, flavourings or enhancers. Our kefir drink requires minimal processing and offers maximum nutrition. Nourish Kefir is fresh and is stored in the refrigerator at 4-8°C (it is not suitable for freezing). Drink it cold and shake the bottle well before opening. Once opened it is best to drink within 2-3 days. A 500ml bottle provides 2 to 3 servings - enjoy at any time of the day, on its own, with a meal or combined with other ingredients. Here are some recipes you might like to try.
Nourish Kefir is suitable for vegetarians, diabetics and is gluten free and nut free
Kefir is a hangover cure
Kefir can help cure for a hangover... or at least help the body recover faster after a big night out! Drinking a glass of kefir before going to bed, and then another the morning after a big night out can help get the body back to normal, along with lots of water to rehydrate.
Order Fresh Kefir...
Nourish Kefir is available from over 60 stockists. You can also order it online - simply place your order for next day delivery. Alternatively,call us to order over the phone on 020 8763 1922.
What are Kefir grains?
 The kefir grains are complex microorganisms, they are a symbiosis (or harmonious balance) of bacteria, yeasts and enzymes. The complexity and composition of these living organisms varies from one type of kefir grain to another, however, it is the symbiosis of these microorganisms that gives kefir its unique status and probiotic qualities.
The picture on the right shows kefir grains - they look like little pieces of cauliflower
Where do Kefir grains come from?
It’s a bit of a mystery...
Kefir grains occur in nature. They are living organisms (not man-made). No one knows exactly where or when the kefir grain first appeared. What has been established however, is that kefir grains originated from the Northern Caucasus Mountain region of the former USSR.
A 'Gift from the Gods’?
The local people of the Caucasus Mountains are said to have discovered kefir several thousand years ago, believing it was a ‘miraculous’ gift from Mohomad – exclusively for them. The grains were treated like precious jewels in each family, because of their ability to preserve and enhance milk.
As part of its mystery, kefir is closely linked to the longevity of the Caucasian people, who were known to live long and healthy lives, with many centenarians among them. The word ‘kefir’ comes from the turkish language and means 'long life' or 'good life'.
Spreading the word...
According to legend, the Caucasian people were very possessive about their precious kefir, and wanted to keep their ‘miracle drink’ secret from the rest of the world. Luckily for us they didn’t succeed… and at the turn of the twentieth century, stories about kefir leaked out to Russian officials who wanted to make the kefir drink available for all Russian citizens… After some persuasion, the kefir grains were shared with the Russians. Kefir is considered a staple food in Russia.
Kefir is consumed throughout Eastern and Central Europe, where the kefir drink is associated with general well being. It is given to children in primary schools to help them concentrate, and it is given to the elderly in nursing homes.
Why it is important how kefir is made
Original Kefir vs. Instant Kefir
Fermentation of foods has been a natural method of preservation for centuries, it is thought that kefir may have been produced for more than 2000 years. However, not all kefir drinks are produced by the traditional fermentation method… Some add dehydrated kefir grains into milk to produce an ‘instant’ kefir drink. The difference between the two, as well as taste, is that the nutritional value of the traditional kefir drink is superior to that of ‘instant’ kefir. We believe that kefir produced in the traditional method offers the greatest nutritional benefit to you, and that’s what you get in Nourish Kefir.
Production of Nourish Kefir takes approximately 3 days in the dairy. Fermentation begins by adding the living kefir grains into pasteurised, homogenised milk. After fermentation the kefir grains are strained from the kefir drink - which is then bottled and refrigerated.
FACT: Traditional kefir continues its fermentation while it is cooled and in the packaging. It releases CO2 gas, which slightly expands the packaging. Natural CO2 is good for digestion, so before opening shake the bottle well to mix the CO2 into the drink.
FACT: Nourish Kefir is not produced by high technology methods, nor is it dehydrated, instant or reconstituted. It does not contain perservatives to extend its shelf life. It is not mass-produced for the highest profit yield.
FACT: The complex structure of kefir grains show its age – proving that it has ancient origins.
Nourish Kefir comes from Slovenia
This natural drink comes to you from the beautiful countryside in Slovenia – known as the sunny side of the Alps.
Nourish Kefir is special; it is made with love by a family owned dairy, in Slovenia.  They closely follow the traditional method of the Caucasus Mountain people, and are proud to be one of the few remaining dairies producing authentic, traditional kefir, which they have been doing since 1995.
The ‘Krepko’ logo on our bottles is your guarantee of traditional, original kefir.
Milk Quality
Nourish Kefir is made with high quality fresh milk. It comes from dairy farms that follow organic farming practices, but do not have certified status. The milk we use is always free from hormones or antibiotics. It comes from a country that is 70% forest, with alpine mountains and beautiful green pastures. A country that is passionate about food and demands the best quality. The dairies that supply our milk are beginning to show compliance to organic regulations and to apply for certified status - this can take up to two years.
Scientific facts about Kefir
Scientific research on traditional kefir has been continuing for many years all over the world. This evidence qualifies the term 'miracle' milk drink. The traditionally produced kefir is reputed by scientific research (as well as personal testimony), to offer many health benefits.
You can read about the scientific research on kefir here. It provides a summary from a recent paper, hopefully it is enough to get you excited about this wonderful health giving drink.
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