Never heard of water kefir? Neither had I, until I ran into Caveman Foods at a food expo in Los Angeles. Caveman’s booth was a shining beacon of health cutting through the fog of cheese dips and pulled pork sandwiches. And after I sampled the water kefir, I was hooked.
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Caveman Foods Water Kefir Drinks Lined Up[/caption]
What Is Water Kefir?
Water kefir is a fermented drink – naturally fizzy – that is full of probiotics and beneficial enzymes. You might be saying to yourself, “I’ve heard of probiotics, but I don’t really know what they are.” Good question . . .
What are Probiotics And Why Are They Good For Me?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “living microorganisms that provide a health benefit to the host when ingested in adequate amounts.” More simply, probiotics are beneficial bacteria. In fact, they are an important part of a healthy digestive tract. Probiotics have a wide range of health benefits including: managing weight, lowering “bad” cholesterol, decreasing allergies, managing Type 2 diabetes, combating anxiety and depression, and more! To learn more about probiotics, check out the following links:
http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/what-are-probiotics
http://www.humanevents.com/2013/04/25/what-are-probiotics-bacteria-with-benefits/
Despite the comfort of statements like “probiotics are good for you,” many of us crave the data, details, and specifics. The following link presents a doctor’s article outlining how probiotics improved the health of individual patients:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-chen-md/probiotics-benefits_b_1934339.html
How Is Kefir Made?
Water kefir is made by placing kefir grains, also known as ticos, in sugar water. It turns out kefir grains stand apart from traditional grains (like wheat or barley), because kefir grains are gelatinous structures consisting of bacteria and yeast. In the fermentation world, this structure is referred to as a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts, or a SCOBY.
Once placed in sugar water, the bacteria present in the kefir grains metabolize the sugar and create enzymes, B vitamins, and additional beneficial bacteria and acids. It takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to complete the fermentation process.
http://nourishedkitchen.com/water-kefir/
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-frequently-asked-questions-faq
Alcohol Content
All fermented foods contain a small amount of naturally occurring alcohol. On average, the level of alcohol in water kefir ranges from 0.5% – 0.75%. To put this in context, overripe fruit has an alcohol percentage around 0.9% – 1.0%.
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/water-kefir-frequently-asked-questions-faq
Caveman Foods
Caveman believes that it is possible for people – like the cavemen before us – to “survive and thrive in the modern world” while consuming simple and unprocessed foods.
http://eatcavemanfood.com/?page_id=50
Caveman offers its probiotic water kefir in five flavors, each with only 40 calories and 5 grams of sugar in a 10-ounce bottle. No guilt! Especially when you compare it to a 12-ounce Coke – 140 calories brimming with 39 grams of sugar!
(1) Rose/Original Flavor
Caveman Foods original flavor is subtly flavored with wild harvested, organic rose buds. I love this flavor. It is has a nice naturally occurring fizz, without being overpowering, and has a hint of a floral aftertaste from the roses.
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Caveman Foods Original Flavor Water Kefir Drink[/caption]
(2) Vanilla
Caveman’s vanilla flavor is made with organic vanilla beans. The vanilla makes the water kefir a little smoother and sweeter. This is a great flavor for a kefir water newbie!
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Caveman Foods Vanilla Flavor Water Kefir Drink[/caption]
(3) Tarragon
The organic tarragon gives this water kefir a decidedly herbal taste with hints of licorice, pine, and pepper. This is the flavor to choose when you are hankering for a not-too-sweet thirst quencher.
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Caveman Foods Vanilla Flavor Water Kefir Drink[/caption]
(4) Saffron
Caveman uses organic saffron, a bright yellow spice, to give this drink its slightly earthy flavor. Saffron, like its Tarragon counterpart, is another option for the not-too-sweet category.
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Caveman Foods Saffron Flavor Water Kefir Drink[/caption]
(5) Black Pepper
Caveman’s Black Pepper flavor is made using organic black peppercorns. The drink has a distinct flavor of pepper without being spicy. In a beverage landscape filled with herbal and fruit flavors, Caveman’s Black Pepper flavor is a truly unique concept.
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Caveman Foods Side View of Water Kefir Drink[/caption]
No matter the flavor, Caveman delivers a tasty, organic, low sugar, low calorie, probiotic beverage. I hope you are able to enjoy one soon!
