‘Kefir Queen’ Julie Smolyansky shares superfood benefits

It feels like every day we’re introduced to the latest life-changing health food or drink and sometimes it’s hard to know which ones are really beneficial. Fermented food and drink products like miso, kimchi and kombucha are becoming increasingly popular with consumers because they contain live and active cultures that are ‘gut friendly’ and thought to provide numerous health benefits.

Kefir, a cultured dairy product is being described as ‘the edible pharmacy’ and is the latest protein-packed, gut health product to be readily available in supermarkets. Kefir has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to help with immune support, ensuring a healthy gut and balancing out your gut when you have to take antibiotics.

In addition to helping to support a healthy gut, kefir is high in protein and calcium and although made from cows’ milk, is widely tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant due to its unique fermentation process. Today the first cookbook dedicated to Kefir is being launched in the UK and its author US Entrepreneur Julie Smolyansky says with more people looking to be flexitarian she’s predicting Kefir will become mainstream. She’s sharing the numerous benefits of superfood kefir with UK consumers.

Aston spoke to Julie Smolyansky, CEO of lifeway foods (who conducted the research) and author to discuss the research, explained what kefir is and also spoke her new book that has been launched today.