Ever hear of kefir? How about water kefir? Kefir itself is a fermented milk. Water kefir is a flavored and fermented water. The purpose of kefir is to receive the benefits of the probiotics once the fermenting occurs. In the case of water kefir it is void of difficult to digest proteins that regular milk dairy kefir contains such as casein and lactose. Water kefir can be flavored and nutritionally optimized in a variety of ways.
You can think of water kefir as a soda-like drink without all the sugar, artificial flavors, dyes and preservatives. It’s 100% pure and healthy. It actually uses what are known as kefir grains to ferment, to give it that fizzy taste, which in this case is full of probiotics.
Water kefir is made from what are known as kefir grains, other names for kefir grains are sugar grains, tibicos, tibi, or Japanese water crystals. The grains create cultures of various strains of healthy bacteria and yeast, held together in a polysaccharide (a sugar) matrix created by the bacteria. The grains produce microbes (bacteria) which then feed on sugar and produce a probiotic rich, fermented and carbonated beverage. There is a small percentage of alcohol in this process. Usually the content is at or below 1 %.
Coconut water kefir is a rich probiotic drink. It contains an array of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes thanks to the coconut water. It includes beta carotene, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Niacin, pantothenic acid, folates and vitamins A,B6, C, E and K.
According to Dr. Gabriel Cousens, a leading expert in the raw food community, writes in his book “Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine”:
“Kefir grains produce right-rotating L(+) lactic acid, which is an important constituent of the human body. It is particularly important in the prevention of cancer and has been used experimentally with success in the treatment of cancer. In addition, right-rotating lactic acid may help maintaining healthy functioning of the heart. According to some researchers, the cells of the heart muscle obtain their energy primarily from right-rotating lactic acid.”
As Dr. Cousens puts it, this may help prevent cancer and regulate proper heart function as well. Not only that but this specific recipe of water kefir because of it’s concentration of electrolytes from coconut water and it’s beneficial properties from cinnamon paired with the probiotics of water kefir it creates a drink full of healing value.
This Coconut Cinnamon Water Kefir:
- Strengthens Immunity
- Reduces Sugar Cravings (thanks to cinnamon)
- Improves Digestive Function
- Hydrates The Cells Effectively (boosting energy and nervous system strength)
- Optimizes Metabolism
- Detoxifies the gut and entire digestive system
- Great source of chloride & potassium among other micro-nutrients
- Reduces cramps and discomforts in the body
- Prevents Cancer (According to Dr. Cousens)
- Helps Healthy Heart Function
- Improves and strengthens immune function
As you can see this coconut cinnamon water kefir has plenty of health benefits that range throughout the entire body. Your brain, nervous system, skin, digestive system, metabolism, heart and immunity all benefit. Not only do all of these areas of the body benefit but you get a rich source of micro-nutrients that benefit your health in a variety of ways also, plus it tastes delicious and kid’s love it! It’s a great replacement for soda or any sugary drinks in your home.
How To Make Water Kefir Step-By-Step:
You’ll Need:
1. Water Kefir Grains (you can get those here)
2. A Glass Jar (a 1/2 gallon jar works best)
3. 1/4 cup organic sugar (this is needed when not using coconut water)
4. Purified Water (in this case (recipe) you’ll need 7 cups of coconut water)
5. Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks (you’ll need 1 stick for this recipe, get them here)
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the 7 cups of coconut water to your 1/2 gallon jar.
Step 2: Add the kefir grains along with the cinnamon stick to the water and let it sit with a mesh cover (like this one) on top of it for 48 hours. Letting this sit in a dark cupboard works best.
After this fermenting process is complete the coconut water kefir color will become somewhat cloudy. Pour the drink out into a separate glass jar to store in your fridge. Either start a new batch with the kefir grains or add them in water and store them in your refrigerator to use at a later date.
The drink is delicious and you can make a variety of water kefir combinations in the future with these grains. It’s a great sweet flavored drink to make to avoid sugary drinks for kid’s and adults alike!
Image: wikimedia.org
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