The word kefir means “feel good” in Turkish and is a beverage that is often referred to as “drinkable yogurt” that should make your gut feel good.

Kefir is made by fermenting milk with 10 to 20 different types of bacteria, which makes it an even better source of probiotics than yogurt. Kefir also offers 10.5 grams of protein and a significant amount of phosphorus.

This beverage can be used in a wide variety of ways. Most commonly it is used in smoothies in place of milk or yogurt.

Even people who are lactose intolerant can enjoy kefir because the enzyme lactase is present and digests the lactose for your body.  

It is not recommended to heat kefir as it would kill the good bacteria, but here are some other ways to get kefir into your daily diet:

• add it to a homemade salad dressing
• add to a potato salad for some tang
• add in a veggie dip
• frozen in popsicle molds
• made into probiotic ice cream
• drinkable parfait

Both Hy-vee stores in Ames carry many kefir varieties in their Health Market sections. We recommend Siggi’s brand because it comes unsweetened, so it’s healthier and more versatile. Lifeway brand’s flavors are delicious and very extensive.