What’s so Good about Kefir?

Monday 8th January 2024

We started making our Yeo Valley Organic Kefir yogurt range in 2018 and it’s been a customer favourite ever since!

 

Yeo Valley Organic Natural Kefir
Yeo Valley Organic Natural Kefir

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a fermented food like sauerkraut and kimchi. This ancient way of fermenting yogurt has been around for centuries, and our range contains 14 strains of live cultures. It’s high in protein, low in fat and with a natural and some fruity flavours to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find a pot you love.

 

What’s so good about Kefir?

We sat down with award winning nutritionist Lucy Williamson to find out a bit more about Kefir and what makes it so tip top!

  1. Kefir is full of beneficial microbes

Yeo Valley’s Kefir has 14 different live strains of live cultures which can add to the bacteria in our gut, increasing the variety of our gut microbes (our microbiome). This variety of microbes, or ‘biodiversity’ is just as beneficial for gut health as biodiversity is in nature.

  1. Get the most from your food
Nutritionist Lucy Williamson working with Yeo Valley Organic
Nutritionist Lucy Williamson

The bacteria present in fermented foods such as Kefir also help to ‘pre-digest’ food for us, making the many nutrients in dairy easier for us to absorb.  Even better, microbes in dairy Kefir have already fermented much of the lactose, so improving lactose digestion whilst still keeping the many nutrients in dairy such as Vitamin B12, Iodine for growth, Vitamin A for healthy vision and strong immunity and Riboflavin, which we need to help absorb iron from food.

  1. Source of calcium

Calcium is the main mineral in our bones. Dairy is a good source of calcium which is good for teeth and bones and can help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and lower older adults’ risk of fractures.

  1. Healthy Sugars

The natural sugars (lactose) present in dairy, trigger the fermentation process in making kefir; the longer it ferments, the less these natural sugars are present in the food. This reduction of sugar can reduce the stimulation for further sugar cravings.

 

You can find out more about fermented foods and the benefits of eating them by clicking here to head to our Gut Health page.

Delicious Kefir Overnight Oats
Delicious Kefir Overnight Oats

Top Tip to include Kefir in Your Diet

Team up your kefir with some fresh fruit to start your day! Studies have recently found that having whole food at the same time can help protect the live microbes from the acidic environment of our stomach. Delicious and good for your microbes!

Registered nutritionist, Dr Lucy Williamson is Ambassador for the Love British Food campaign, The Real Food campaign and a visiting University Lecturer in nutrition and dietetics as well as a former vet. Find out more at lwnutrition.co.uk

Comments on “What’s so Good about Kefir?”

  • Just discovered Kefir natural yogurt, the organic one, it is delicious I have a bowl with my breakfast each day, very worth giving a try

    Theresa Nikray on 5th August 2022 at 5:40 am

  • My wife bought me Kefir because Tesco didn’t have my favourite Greek Style with Honey. I am now going to have it on a regular basis because I found it so tasty 🙂

    Anonymous on 22nd March 2022 at 12:57 pm

  • Have not tried this yet but will certainly make sure I do

    Geraldine on 16th March 2022 at 12:46 pm

  • Yoghurt is not my favourite until I tried the Kefir natural. This is better than any cream I’ve tasted . It’s delicious. Yoghurt my new fave food. Thank you

    Andrea on 12th March 2022 at 4:29 pm

  • The Mango and Passion Fruit yoghurt is delicious and helps my gut too, what’s not to love!

    Emma Polson on 28th February 2022 at 3:59 pm

  • Really useful article. Love your Kefir and really helped my IBS

    Anonymous on 26th February 2022 at 8:10 pm

  • Hello Yeo
    Yes I will most certainly try your Yoghurt, Sounds so nutritious.

    Anonymous on 23rd February 2022 at 2:35 pm

  • Delicious and good for your microbes

    Ljiljana Kezunovic on 23rd February 2022 at 12:48 pm

  • Always good to know about what we are giving our bodies & that the animals & plants have been well cared for – keep scribbling !
    Thank you

    Fiona Watson on 23rd February 2022 at 12:13 pm

  • Must look for it next time I’m in a supermarket. Looks delicious

    Anonymous on 23rd February 2022 at 11:28 am

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