You’re probably already drinking the ‘buch, and you might even be taking probiotics, or making your own kimchi. We’re all about keeping our “guts” in top condition for optimal health and fermented foods as a big part of that. Holistic blogger Ashley Neese has a new cultured treat to add to your gut-health arsenal – kefir made from coconut water. Recently, on The Body Book, she shared the benefits of coconut kefir, as well as a super easy recipe for making your own kefir at home! Here’s Ashley…
I’ve been on the fermented food train for a while. Taking care of my digestive health by eating traditionally prepared cultured foods has supported my lifestyle in so many ways. Fermented foods have helped strengthen my digestion, cleared my skin and have played a big role in reducing my PMS symptoms.
In high school I lived on sugar and took countless rounds of antibiotics. This left my digestive tract in need of some deep healing and love. When I learned a simple sauerkraut recipe several years ago I began eating it daily at the suggestion of a naturopathic doctor. To be honest, I didn’t love the taste of it that much in the beginning, but I read tons of research about the benefits and I couldn’t ignore them.
For years I’ve kept it simple with cultured veggies like cabbage and preserved lemons. When I figured out how to make my own coconut yogurt, that was a game changer! This felt like next-level fermented foods and I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Eventually, I decided it was time to start making my own coconut water kefir. Now we have this healing elixir in our fridge all of the time.
Coconut water kefir aids in the digestion of all foods, can help stop your sugar cravings, and has appeared to have a beneficial effect on the endocrine system (thyroid, ovaries, pituitary gland). Learn all of its benefits and how to make this at home with this two-ingredient recipe.
Benefits of Coconut water kefir
Liver support
It appears to cleanse the liver. In Chinese medicine the liver rules the skin, eyes, and joints. Coconut water kefir eases aches and joint pains. Many people report having a prettier complexion. They also see any brown liver spots on their skin fading away and skin tags, moles, or warts drying up and disappearing.
Curbs cravings
Stops your cravings for sugar.
Flatter belly
It has a tonifying effect on the intestines, even flattening the abdomen!
Stronger nails
It contains high levels of valuable minerals, including potassium, natural sodium, and chloride, which explains why the hair, skin and nails become stronger and have a prettier shine.
Aids Digestion
It aids in the digestion of all food.
endocrine support
It appears to have a beneficial, cleansing effect on the endocrine system (adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, ovaries). Women find that their periods are cleaner and healthier; some who had experienced early menopause have found this important monthly cleansing returning again.
more energy
It increases energy and gives you an overall feeling of good health.
Source: Body Ecology
Coconut Water Kefir
Ingredients
1 1/2 quart fresh coconut water (3-4 young coconuts)
1 packet kefir starter (I like the one from Body Ecology)
Directions
Pour coconut water into a sauce pan. Turn on very low heat and bring to 92 degrees. Check the temperature with a thermometer or dip a clean pinky finger into the water. It should feel not too hot or cold, but very neutral like your own body temperature.
Mix in the kefir starter with a wooden spoon and pour into a clean glass jar. Cover and let sit out at room temperature for 36 hours. Ideal temperature is 70-75 degrees. If your room is cold, place the kefir in an insulated storage container.
Once it’s fermented it will taste slightly tangy, have a little fizz and be cloudy in color. Store up to 3 weeks in the fridge. Drink 1/4 cup daily for maximum health benefits.
Add a squeeze of your favorite citrus fruit to switch up the flavor or a teaspoon of chia seeds for an energy and nutrient boost!
For more healthy recipes (like this one for kefir popsicles) visit The Body Book!
