KEFIR AND ANTI AGING

The Anti Aging Elixir 

By Dr. Perricone • December 11, 2008

With the first day of winter rapidly approaching as well as the onset of flu season, it is heartening to know that there are natural ways to boost our immune system, protect our health and increase the health and beauty of our skin.

One of my favorite ways to do all three is with a glass of unsweetened whole milk kefir and add to it two tablespoons of super berry powder with acai, POM Wonderful (pure pomegranate extract) and/or fresh fruit. I stir it up and it looks and tastes like a rich and beautiful berry smoothie. It is the perfect way to start the day–it tastes great and is loaded with vitamins like c ester!

Kefir (kee-fer) is a fermented, probiotic milk drink from the Caucasus Mountains in the former Soviet Union. The name kefir loosely translated means “pleasure” or “good feeling.” Due to its health-promoting properties, kefir was once considered a gift from the gods. Fortunately it is being rediscovered and recognized for its many health and beauty benefits.

Kefir can best be described as a sort of liquid, sparkling yogurt, with its own distinct and deliciously mild, naturally sweet, yet tangy flavor—with a refreshing hint of natural carbonation. Its unique taste and almost mystical reputation as a longevity elixir explains why people all over Europe are making kefir (along with similar fermented drinks) their beverage of choice.

Kefir is important for many reasons, including its content of active probiotics. Probiotics, which are also found in yogurt, are live, naturally-occurring microorganisms that function internally to promote healthy digestion, boost the immune system, and contribute to overall health and well being. 

Probiotics have many benefits, not the least of which is this: because they are a key part of the digestive tract, the healthy bacteria of probiotics aids in the digestions of food and absorption of nutrients and minerals—all of which benefit skin health and beauty.

Probiotics also provide protection from allergens, which can be a cause of skin problems such as eczema, while also protecting the body from negative forms of bacteria, environmental toxins such as pollutants, and inflammation-inducing free radicals.

Probiotics keeps down the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals by the intestinal cells. Since this is a huge surface area, inflammation produced in the gut would flood the body with pro-inflammatory chemicals; therefore a healthy gut will is anti-inflammatory and translate immediately into healthy and glowing skin, elimination of digestive problems and overall better health.

Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous holiday season.

Nicholas Perricone, MD          

http://www.dailyperricone.com

Kefir and Its Anti-Aging Magic

Written by ceenagiselle on Feb-9-11 7:00am

You may have heard of the health benefits of kefir that come quite handy for the winter and flu season. It provides a natural way of boosting our immune system, protecting our health and enhancing the health of our skin. A great way to start your day loaded with nutrients and vitamins is with a glass of unsweetened whole milk kefir with added fresh fruit or berries if you prefer.

Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk drink. Its name is usually translated to “pleasure” or “good feeling” which corresponds to its health-promoting properties. But it is not only recognized for its health benefits as it has beauty benefits as well.

Kefir is a sort of liquid sparkling yogurt with its own naturally sweet, mild and yet tangy flavor. Its distinct taste and magical reputation as an elixir to long life explains why people have made kefir and other fermented drinks as their choice of beverage. But the goodness of this dairy is now incorporated into beauty and skin care products.

Its active probiotic content is just one of the many reasons why kefir is in good rep. These probiotics which are also found in yogurt are live naturally-occurring microorganisms functioning internally in our body. It functions to promote healthy digestion, boost immunity, and contribute to our total health and wellbeing.

Probiotics in kefir are healthy bacteria. They play a key role in the digestive tract by aiding digestion of food and absorption of nutrients and minerals. Because of that, both health and beauty of our skin benefit from it.

Probiotics provide such protection from allergens which can cause skin problems. It wards off pollutants and inflammation-inducing free radicals. It keeps down the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals by the intestinal cells making our gut healthy.

So, this healthy anti-inflammatory gut is actually translated into a healthy glowing skin. Imagine putting kefir on your face. Imagine all the goodness of this dairy product being absorbed directly into your skin.

Kefir beauty products

Beauty products containing kefir have anti-inflammatory properties that delay premature aging caused by free radicals. It also promotes collagen synthesis, strengthens the skin’s defense and helps in skin repair. With antioxidants added to its composition, the better these beauty products are.

Kefir in beauty products is clear and calming. It protects the skin from environmental toxins that can lead to build up of dead skin cells and blemish-causing bacteria. The result is a healthier skin without irritations.

As soon as the first signs of wrinkles show up, we all turn to anti-aging beauty products and these ones with kefir are just as effective. With continued use, it will be as good as the health benefits you would be getting if you have it by drinking. The result is a healthy, properly hydrated, supple and young skin. ( yourkefirsource.com )