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Dairy kefir is a cultured, lacto-fermented beverage/food that is teeming with health benefits. Kefir is rich in beneficial bacteria and yeasts, phosphorus, vitamin K, biotin, folic acid, mineralsand enzymes. Plus kefir is low in lactose. Kefir is akin to plain yogurt as they share a somewhat sour taste but kefir contains both beneficial bacteria and yeasts whereas yogurt only contains beneficial bacteria. One of my research articles listed 56 different strains of beneficial organisms and microflora! Compare that to the yogurt you bought at the grocery store that may contain 3 different strains.
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However, if you want more bang for your kefir buck, I recommend making your own. It's remarkably simple. I've been making my own for a few years now and am drinking some as I speak! There are many different tutorials online for guidance or more indepth information.
Some of the sites I like are:
http://www.culturedfoodlife.com/www.kefirlady.com
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/
http://gnowfglins.com/
http://nourishedkitchen.com/
Because kefir is so easy to make, I recommend making your own as it confers more healthy organism than the store bought versions. Additionally the store bought versions are made differently than homemade versions. I normally have extra kefir grains available so if you need some, let me know.