5 Amazing Health Benefits of Kefir

Yogurt has long been a staple of the average American diet—but its fermented cousin, kefir, has only recently started gaining popularity on this side of the Atlantic.

Now that it’s popping up in mass grocery stores like Whole Foods, there’s no denying that the tart drink is starting to go mainstream. You can thank the buzz behind probiotics for that. Like many other fermented foods, including kimchi and kombucha, kefir is a powerhouse of “good” bacteria for your gut. Here’s a closer look at the major health benefits the creamy beverage has to offer.

What is kefir, exactly?

Traditionally, kefir was made from cow’s milk and kefir grain, which contains a combo of live bacteria and yeast to spur fermentation. The process has been around for centuries, according to a 2016 review published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology. The result? A rich, smooth consistency with a tangy taste (think of it as a drinkable yogurt).

Here are the top 5 health benefits of kefir.

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