I’m a huge fan of the many benefits of using kefir that you may or may not know about. Kefir is an excellent source of probiotics, which keep you healthy in numerous ways. Most people think all dairy is bad ,but that’s simply not true. As someone who’s passionate about animals rights, and where my animal sources of protein and nutrients come from, I can tell you that buying the highest quality yogurt and kefir is something I make a priority. Not only do you help the animals by doing this, which aren’t harmed or fed unnatural hormones, but you’re also giving your body better nutrients. If you’re going to eat food, make the most of it! There are so many benefits of using kefir in your smoothies by just adding just a couple tablespoons, which I'll show you below. Enjoy and consider buying a container of kefir this week!
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1. Digestion
One of the biggest benefits of using kefir in your smoothies is better digestion. My entire smoothie is digested so much easier than if I don’t use kefir. People really hate to say that dairy is healthy, and this is a stigma we need to get rid of. Kefir and yogurt are ancient cultured foods that are higher in enzymes than raw veggies are! Raw veggies are an important part of your diet, but they aren’t always the only way to get essential enzymes for digestion into your diet. You’ll notice better bowel movements, absorption of nutrients, and easier digestion with kefir, than without it. The only exception is if you have an allergy issue. Avoid dairy kefir and choose unsweetened coconut kefir instead, but be sure to choose only unsweetened coconut kefir, not flavored varieties with sugar.
2. More Satiety
Another benefit of using kefir in your smoothies is you’re more satisfied. This comes from the slow digesting carbs in kefir, along with the protein, which is very high in kefir as well. It also provides you with so many nutrients that your body automatically senses you’re full and satisfied. Remember, a little goes a long way!
Frequently asked questions
3. Cheaper than Yogurt
If you like the taste of yogurts in your smoothies, try using kefir instead. It tastes the same, but you’ll get more probiotics than yogurt, and you can use less. You only need around 2-3 tbsp. kefir per smoothie, so one container will usually last around 2 weeks, and keep fresh in the fridge this long as well.
4. Immune Health
Kefir is one of the best things you can consume for your immune system. In fact, it seems to knock out my colds in no time if I use it when I’m sick. I use it daily now in my smoothies since winter is here and I always feel better when I use it than when I don’t.
5. Higher Probiotic Counts
Kefir has around 10-100 billion probiotic cultures in just a one cup serving. This compares to a measly 1.5 billion in 5 ounces of yogurt, at the most. I love yogurt and use it daily, but when I want a more powerful dose of probiotics, I just add kefir to my diet. It also contains different strains than yogurt which help everything from depression, poor digestion, hormone health, and immunity.
6. Less Lactose
Most kefirs are actually lactose free, or 99% lactose free. Since they have higher probiotic counts, the healthy bacteria actually eat up all or nearly all of the lactose. Yogurt is lower in lactose than milk, but not nearly as low as kefir. I seem to tolerate kefir quite effortlessly, while I have a harder time with milk and don’t drink it anyway. If you’re not allergic to dairy, but just have lactose sensitivities, try kefir and see how it works for you.
7. Creamy Taste
Lastly, let’s talk about the taste kefir gives to your smoothies! Kefir adds a delicious creamy taste to your smoothies and also makes it incredibly silky smooth. I love the taste it adds and it’s one of my favorite ways to feel like I’m drinking a shake in the form of a health drink.
My favorite brands for good sources of kefir are Lifeway Organic, Wallaby Organic, or Green Valley Organic brands. Always choose low fat or fat free, organic plain kefir. It should have no more than 7 grams of sugar, 2.5 grams of fat, and no more than around 100 calories. This keeps your calories in check and also ensures you’re not adding too much sugar to your smoothies.All of these are excellent tasting, and high quality kefirs to check out. Do you use kefir?