The secret to 100% healthy: Probiotics. Stronger Immunity Eating yogurt and kefir increases gut levels of the probiotics. Studies suggest that these friendly bacteria adhere to the intestinal wall and crowd out illness-causing pathogens, plus rev the production of the infection-fighting protein interferon-gamma by 400 percent.
Faster Metabolism:
Slipping 7 oz of a fermented drink like kefir every day helped women in a Japanese study lose nearly 5 percent of their abdominal fat in 12 weeks. Scientist credit the beverage’s lactobacillus, a strain of probiotics shown to improve the body’s ability to metabolize fatty acid and protein.
Better Digestion:
The probiotic strain B. lactis in yogurt produces butyrate, a fatty acid that maintains the mucosal lining in the gut for healthy digestion. In one study, IBS patients who ate 66 oz. of yogurt or kefir daily experienced less stomach pain and gas within two weeks and reduced bloating within weeks.
Kiwi-Mint Kick Shake:
In blender,puree 1 cup frozen diced honeydew, 3/4 cup plain kefir or yogurt, 1/2 cup diced kiwi fruit, 1/4 cup sliced bananas and 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh mint 30 sec., or until smooth. Sweeten with honey. Garnish with mint leaves. |
Banana-Berry Bliss Shake
In blender, puree 3/4 cup Greek nonfat plain yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup apricot nectar, 1/4 cup sliced bananas, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice and 1/4 tsp. lemon zest 30 sec., or until smooth. Garnish with fresh blueberries, if desired. |
Recommended Kefir Starter Kit:
Buy and Save |