Homemade kefir “good bugs” have always been good for me and my guts – long before I’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease. But what about water kefir? Is it beneficial like “regular” homemade kefir made with milk? My guts say yes!
Water kefir is a probiotic beverage made with water kefir grains that consist of bacteria and yeast existing in a symbiotic relationship and has traditionally been consumed for centuries and possibly longer. The most widely excepted origin story comes from Mexico where the water kefir grains “tibicos” were harvested from the prickly pear cactus and later used to create a pleasantly sweet and bubbly drink still popular today.
Some common names for water kefir used around the world include Japanese Water Crystals, Graines Vivantes (French), Aqua Gems, Kefir di Frutta (Italian), Ginger Beer Plant, and Bebees.
Packed with good bacteria
Unlike regular kefir, which is made from cow, sheep or goat milk, water kefir is made by combining sugar water with water kefir grains.
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your gut that play an integral role in almost every aspect of health, from cancer prevention to immune function and beyond. The bacteria and yeast in kefir can help improve digestive problems such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
More info about good bacteria see in my article.
Boost Immune Function
Thanks to its high concentration of beneficial bacteria, adding water kefir to your daily diet could give your immune system a hearty boost.
Water kefir may help reduce inflammation and alter levels of immune cells to enhance immune function. Due to its probiotic content it may aid in reducing your risk of certain infections as well.
Dairy-Free and Vegan
Traditionally, as mentioned earlier, kefir is made using cow’s or goat’s milk combined with kefir grains to produce a thick, probiotic-rich beverage.
However, since water kefir is made using sugar water, it’s a good option for those who choose to avoid dairy, either due to health concerns, dietary restrictions or personal reasons. Also, through the fermentation process kefir becomes an excellent source of vitamin B12, and is high in vitamins B1 and B6.
Detoxification and rejuvenation
Probiotics from Kefir water remove toxins from the body and blood, so you notice your skin becomes healthier and glowing after you drink water kefir for a few weeks.
Aging and age-related diseases are strongly linked to damage from oxidative stress that means they may help to prevent a range of age-related diseases such as cancer or dementia, and may also serve to extend lifespan.
Easy to make
Water kefir is made with water, sugar and kefir grains. I use Kefirko jars for kefir making – both, milk and water kefir.
Kefirko Kefir Maker is specifically designed glass jar for easier making kefir at home. Simply put the water kefir grains into the jar, add sweetened water and leave to ferment at room temperature. After 24 to 48 hours you will get a fresh batch of homemade water kefir full of probiotics.
You can add some new flavours to your water kefir – you can blend 2 tangerines and ginger and add them to your water kefir for a fuller taste or add blended lime, ginger and turmeric with a little honey.
Enjoy the flavours!
Sources:
What Is Water Kefir? Benefits, Uses and Recipe
What Is Kefir and It’s 16 Health Benefits? Better Than Yogurt!
