Probiotic Kefir Healthier Alternative to Yogurt

Here's a follow up to my earlier posts Functional Nondairy Makes Europe Healthier and Even Healthier Yogurt.

The range of low-lactose probiotic beverages is large and growing. The Today Show food editor Phil Lempert lists several of them in an article on MSNBC.com. Especially interesting are the kefir drinks. Kefir is as old a low-lactose dairy creation as yogurt and also comes out of the Middle East, where half the population tends to be lactose intolerant. A number of cultured or fermented low-lactose dairy products were developed there.

Lifeway Foods Kefir is a creamy probiotic dairy beverage similar to but distinct from yogurt. Its effervescent quality stems from the kefir culture which contains 10 active "friendly" microorganisms, compared to two or three in yogurt. Kefir also has more beneficial cultures than other fermented milk products, such as yogurt or buttermilk and is an ideal milk substitute for infants, pregnant women, nursing mothers, convalescents and elderly. It is a good remedy for digestive problems, and is particularly good in reestablishing necessary intestinal microflora, which may have been destroyed by antibiotic or other medical treatment. (lifeway.net)

PROBUGS™ is a new line of Organic Whole Milk Kefir for kids with fun characters and flavors even the pickiest eaters will like. Not only is it high in protein and calcium, it has added inulin for optimum calcium absorption. Plus it has 10 live and active cultures (friendly bacteria) to help their little bellies and immune system stay healthy. Sublime Slime Lime, Orange Creamy Crawler. 4-pack (5 oz. each) sells for $4.65 (lifeway.net)

Add kefir to your lists alongside of yogurt for a new and different taste that should contain the same benefits without as much of the sugar that is added to commercial yogurts.