The health benefits of water kefir are immeasurable. While no two cultures are the same, typical water kefir grains have a mixture of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus and Leuconostoc bacteria and Saccharomyces, Candida, and Kloeckera yeasts. Because of this mix, water kefir provides an excellent supply of probiotics to our digestive tract. These probiotics fend of the "bad" microbes in our digestive system that can contribute to many health issues. As it cleans the body of these "bad" microbes, it prevents intestinal putrefaction, which contributes to the body's depuration and can cause multiple disorders and ailments such as fungi, yeast infections, IBS, skin disorders, indigestion, weight gain, nervous disorders, internal ulcers, sclerosis, liver and gall bladder disorders, kidney problems, diarrhea or constipation, allergies, anemia and Crohn's Disease, among many others. It can also aid in regulating blood pressure and help to control weight gain. There are other probiotic supplements for these issues, however many do not provide the amount of surviving probiotics that water kefir provides.
Water Kefir works by slowly regulating the body and helping it to become healthier. It is also an excellent source of vitamin B12 and is high in vitamin B1 and B6. Many vegans or people who prefer not to consume dairy products choose water kefir over milk kefir to provide a natural source of probiotics. And because water kefir should be drunk daily, this provides a healthier option for sodas and sweet drinks.
What you'll need: Here is a list of tools you will need to start your own batch of water kefir.
- Water Kefir grains. These can be purchased from many reliable online suppliers.
- large glass container with a lid or cover. Needs to be able to hold at least 8 cup.
- Plastic strainer, nut milk bag or cheese cloth to strain grains.
- plastic measuring spoons
- plastic or wooden stirring spoon
- glass or plastic measuring cup
- 2-3 glass pitchers or jars
The basics for each recipe that I use is 4 cups of water for every 1/4 cup of kefir grains. Before adding the kefir grains, stir in 1/3 cup of organic cane sugar, 1 tbsp of organic turbinado sugar and then the flavoring fruits of choice. Molasses can also be used instead of sugar crystals. Once the rest of the individual recipe is added to the jar, the batch should be placed on a counter away from direct sunlight. The batch will be ready in 24-48 hours. For a mild and sweet taste, strain the batch after 24 hours and use the grains to make a new jar of kefir water. If you want a more acidic, zesty taste wait 48 hours. Warmer temperatures may speed up the fermentation process, so you may want to spoon taste the batch after 24 hours and then brew to taste.
Notes for growing the grains: It is important that any water used is not chlorinated. Mineral or spring water is preferred, but if you must use tap water, filter it and leave it out for 24 hours or boil it for 30 minutes to remove the chlorine. Also, NEVER use any metal utensils or tools when handling the kefir grains. Contact with metal may kill your grains or adversely effect them.
It is also important that you leave the lid to the jar loosened while the grains are brewing. Because of the fermentation process, pressure can build inside your jar if the lid is tightened and may cause your jar to explode. You may cover the jar with parchment paper or a cloth held by an elastic band instead of the jar lid to allow the grains to breathe without being contaminated.
It is also important that you leave the lid to the jar loosened while the grains are brewing. Because of the fermentation process, pressure can build inside your jar if the lid is tightened and may cause your jar to explode. You may cover the jar with parchment paper or a cloth held by an elastic band instead of the jar lid to allow the grains to breathe without being contaminated.
Disclaimer: This blog is merely informational and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis and/or treatment. Always consult with your physician before trying anything new to treat a medical condition. This is not intended to be a cure-all, but can aid in detoxifying and complementing medical treatment.
