With Flavoured, Fermented Water
“Kefir Water is rich is probiotics, which are a type of beneficial bacteria found in your gut that play an integral role in almost every aspect of health”
We’ve all heard of the amazing health benefits of Kombucha. But short of forking out £5 on a tiny bottle or brewing your own that walks a fine line before becoming a giant vat of vinegar, there’s not much alternative.
Until of course you discover Water Kefir. Water kefir is a fermented, carbonated beverage that is produced using water kefir grains. Plus, it’s so easy to make at home!
It is full of gut nourishing strains of bacteria and yeast that help support all aspects of our health, from hormonal to immune function.
You can buy organic grains off Amazon or elsewhere online which are dormant. Simply add the grains into a sugar water concetration and 48 hours later, you have tasty gut friendly drink! Water kefir is considered to be the holy grail of all pro-biotic beverages as it contains over 56 different strains of gut friendly bacteria and yeast.
Plus, unlike traditional kefir, water kefir is made using sugar water, making it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
It’s great for immune function too! Something very pertinant to us all right now.
Water kefir may help reduce inflammation and alter levels of immune cells to enhance immune function. Due to its probiotic content, it may aid in reducing your risk of certain infections as well.
And as many of our hormones are synthesised in the gut, a healthy gut means healthy, happy and balanced hormones too!
Super charge your water kefir
In the initial fermentation process, you need lots of sugar to feed the grains and support the fermentation process. But we can be savvy about which sugar we pick.
By adding a 1 : 4 ratio of Blackstrap Molasses with granulated sugar, we are actually increasing the nutrient density of the water even more. (recipe below)
Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar cane’s refining process. Sugar cane is mashed to create juice. It’s then boiled once to create cane syrup. A second boiling creates molasses. After this syrup has been boiled a third time, a dark viscous liquid emerges which is called Blackstrap Molasses.
This is syrup has the lowest sugar content of any cane sugar derivative and is incredibly nutrient dense. It contains vital vitamins and minerals, such as:
- iron
- calcium
- magnesium
- vitamin B6
- selenium
As such, blackstrap molasses is touted as a superfood. In the west, we know this blackstrap molasses is good for:
Nourishing blood for people with anemia as it’s a great source of iron. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 20 percent of the daily value for iron.
Great for bone health. Blackstrap molasses contains both calcium and magnesium, so it can help you guard against osteoporosis. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 8 percent of the daily value for calcium and 10 percent for magnesium.
Support heart health and reduce hypertension due to its potassium rich nature. One tablespoon of some blackstrap molasses brands can have as much potassium as half a banana, which is about 300 milligrams per tablespoon.
Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses in Chinese Medicine
In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) molasses is known for its ability to tonify Qi and Blood.
The flavour of molasses is sweet, and it is considered to be warm in temperature and therefore nourish the Spleen. One of the primary functions of the Spleen is to manufacture Blood, so by nourishing one we inherently nourish the other.
Recipe
As mentioned, you can purchase your grains online. I get mine from Kombucha Organic, on Amazon. Once you start fermenting your grains, they will grow QUICKLY and you will be able to pass them on to friends and family so they can start growing their own!
I use blackstrap molasses in combination with sugar for additional nutritional value. However, some people don’t like the flavour so feel free to use regular granulated sugar instead.
Try not to use tap water because it contains chemicans such a chlorine and fluoride. They will harm your grains over time. Also, do not let your grains come into contact with metal, eposure will harm them. Always use glass, plastic or wood when handling your grains to keep them safe.
Combine the water and sugar, stir until the suagrs are completely dissolved.
Pour the sugar solution into a mason jar or glass bottle, making sure that they’re very clean and sterilised.
Gently place the grains into the sugar solution and cover with a non-air tight lid (do avoid explosion as it becomes gassy in the fermentation process).
Allow to brew in room temperature for 24-72 hours. Don’t brew in direct sunlight.
Then strain the grains out and enjoy the beverage. To make the liquid carbonated, you will need to place it in an air tight jar / bottle for 2-5 days at room temperature. Just be careful if it’s glass!
750ml Water
4 Tablespoons white sugar
1 Teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
4 tablespoons organic water kefir grains
About Kimberley
Kimberley, Acupuncturist and Clinic Director at Life + Lemons, is a registered TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) Acupuncturist, passionate about helping women reclaim their feminine edge. After graduating with a First Class Honors in York, she has undertaken specialist training in the area of pain management, natural conception, IVF support, menopause + pelvic pain (endometriosis/dysmenorrhea).
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