7 Top Health Benefits of Raw Milk Kefir: Why You Need This In Your Life

I don’t know about you, but I love the tangy taste of good kefir. I’m not talking about the tame store-bought stuff; I’m talking about the raw kefir you get from specialist suppliers—the proper stuff.

I’ll glug that stuff all day long, but are there any health benefits of raw milk kefir?

It turns out it’s not just a creamy delight but also packed full of goodness. Your body will thank you for sipping or eating it with your blueberries and raw honey—whatever you prefer.

I believe it can be included as part of what I call the ultimate human diet, otherwise known as the animal-based, nose-to-tail, or ancestral diet.

So, let’s dig into the world of raw kefir and its health perks.

TL;DR

• Raw milk kefir is a probiotic-rich, fermented drink that has better gut health benefits than pasteurized options due to its variety of beneficial bacteria.
• It has bone health benefits with calcium and vitamin K2 and is easier to digest for lactose-intolerant people.
• Drinking raw milk kefir regularly can boost immune function and reduce inflammation and overall heart health.

What is Raw Milk Kefir

Kefir, made from raw milk, is a fermented drink that combines the goodness of raw milk with the probiotic properties of kefir grains—a symbiotic blend of bacteria and yeast.

Unlike kefir made from pasteurized milk, unpasteurized milk retains all the naturally occurring nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and health-promoting bacteria.

What sets raw milk kefir apart is its fermentation process. As the kefir grains ferment the raw milk, they form a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), which gives it its tanginess and fizz and increases its probiotic content.

Drinking this fermented drink has better digestive benefits than products made from pasteurized milk, as it contains more beneficial bacteria.

What Makes Raw Milk Kefir Unique?

Made from raw milk, Kefir is creamy and lush. Its probiotic profile is better than that of pasteurized options.

The variety of yeasts and probiotic bacteria in raw milk kefir is greater than that in commercial kefir, which loses these beneficial bacteria during heat treatment and manufacturing processes.

This mix of microbes tastes better and improves gut health and overall energy.

The beneficial microbes and probiotics in raw milk kefir – not found in plain raw milk – promote gut health and immune function and may reduce inflammation in the body.

So adding raw milk kefir to your diet gives you benefits beyond regular milk or processed kefirs.

Nutritional Profile of Raw Milk Kefir

Raw milk kefir is a nutrient dense food for overall health.

Each serving has a balanced macronutrient mix: 8g of protein, of fat (5g of saturated fat), and 12g of carbohydrates (sugars).

Raw milk kefir is satisfying and good for your diet.

The vitamins and minerals in raw milk kefir specifically benefit bone health and overall energy.

It contains calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones, immune, and body function.

With 150 calories per serving, raw milk kefir is a nutrient-dense option for a balanced diet.

The Health Benefits of Raw Milk Kefir

Ok, enough chatter; what are the actual benefits of raw kefir? Other than a taste sensation, how will it improve your life? Well, let’s take a look.

1. Probiotic Powerhouse

Drinking kefir, especially when made from raw milk, is super beneficial because of its high probiotic content. Raw milk kefir has live bacterial cultures like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which are good for gut health.

These good bacteria help to balance the gut flora, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and boost immune function.

Compared to pasteurized kefir, raw milk kefir has even more live microorganisms – up to 61 strains and 13 billion per serving – way more than what’s found in commercial yogurt.

The variety and quantity of these good microbes make raw milk Keifer a great drink for your gut and overall health.

2. Enhancing Gut Health

Drinking raw milk kefir can have a big impact on gut health. Regular consumption can rebalance the good gut bacteria, which is important for overall health.

Raw milk kefir contains diverse probiotics that eliminate bad microbes from the gut environment, create a healthier microbiome, and improve digestion.

So, it’s a great addition to your diet if you experience gut discomfort, such as bloating, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Raw milk kefir also has prebiotics and indigestible fibers that help to feed and protect good gut bacteria.

Slowly introducing raw milk or fermented foods like Kefir into your diet can help fortify your gut without overwhelming your digestive system.

Introducing raw milk products like Kefir for the first time might cause some temporary digestive responses as your body adjusts to the changes in your gut health.

But over time, it will likely cultivate a more balanced and robust gut microbiome.

3. Boosting Immune System

Drinking raw milk kefir is good for gut health and boosts the immune response. The probiotics in kefir, especially Lactobacillus kefir, suppress the growth of bad bacteria in the intestines.

This helps to prevent infections and reduce inflammation caused by allergies and asthma.

Regularly drinking raw milk kefir can fortify your body against common diseases and infections. Kefir indirectly promotes gut health where many immune cells are located – thus overall immune function.

Since it’s good for your health, especially during cold and flu season, adding raw milk kefir to your diet is a good thing.

4. Anti-inflammatory

Kefir from raw milk reduces inflammation, so it’s a good reason to drink it regularly.

Good bacteria in kefir have anti-inflammatory properties, which is good for people with chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

These probiotics can reduce the inflammatory responses associated with allergies and asthma and may improve the immune system’s performance.

Because of its probiotic content, kefir contains bioactive compounds that can activate the immune system and may inhibit tumor growth.

Drinking kefir regularly can reduce overall inflammation and create balance in the body.

5. Supporting Bone Health

Bone strength is important for an active life, and raw milk kefir is a key to this aspect of health. As a fermented milk drink rich in calcium and vitamin K2, it’s important for bone density and preventing osteoporosis.

One cup of raw milk kefir gives you around 300 mg of calcium, about 30% of the daily requirement.

Vitamin K2 in raw milk kefir directs calcium to the bones, where it’s most beneficial, not to the arterial walls.

This combination of calcium and vitamin K2 makes raw milk kefir a good supplement for bone health and bone density as we age.

Drinking kefir regularly can strengthen and rebuild your bones over time.

6. Heart Health Benefits

Drinking raw milk and kefir is good for the cardiovascular system and has multiple benefits for heart health. Ingestion of this type of kefir has been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are important for overall heart health.

The probiotics in kefir regulate triglycerides and cholesterol, which are both markers for cardiovascular health.

In addition to these benefits, raw milk kefir’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce elements contributing to heart disease. Thus, raw milk kefir contributes to cardiac function by reducing inflammation and promoting gut health.

Drinking raw milk kefir is a fun and easy way to boost heart health and reduce cardiovascular risks.

7. Improved Skin Health

Raw milk kefir can do wonders for your skin. Its probiotics support gut health and profoundly affect skin clarity and radiance.

A healthy gut is often reflected in clear, glowing skin, as the balance of good bacteria helps reduce skin conditions like acne, eczema, and inflammation.

Kefir also contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are known for their skin-smoothing properties. While primarily an internal health booster, some people even use kefir topically as a natural face mask for softer, more hydrated skin.

Drinking raw milk kefir regularly can improve your skin from the inside out, giving you a natural, healthy glow.

A1 vs. A2 Milk: Why A2 Is Better for You

Milk contains beta-casein protein, which can be either A1 or A2. These types differ in how they’re digested and tolerated.

• A1 Milk contains a histidine amino acid, which produces BCM-7 during digestion. This peptide can cause bloating, inflammation, and discomfort.
• A2 Milk has proline instead of histidine, avoiding BCM-7 production and making it gentler on the stomach.

Benefits of A2 Milk

1. Easier Digestion: A2 milk is less likely to cause bloating or gut discomfort.
2. Lower Inflammation: Avoiding BCM-7 may reduce inflammatory responses.
3. Gut Health Support: A2 milk aligns with natural diets and supports better digestion.

Why A2 Milk in Kefir Matters

Kefir, made from A2 raw milk, combines these benefits with probiotics, enhancing digestion and reducing inflammation. It’s the optimal choice for gut health and overall wellness.

Always opt for 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised A2 milk for maximum nutrition.

Bonus Lactose Intolerant Individuals

Raw milk kefir can be a dairy option for lactose-intolerant people. The fermentation process significantly reduces lactose, making it easier to digest.

Because the kefir grains convert most of the lactose into lactic acid as they ferment.

Many who can’t digest lactose can consume small amounts of raw milk kefir without discomfort.

Raw milk kefir is a good alternative for those who react to processed dairy. Its high probiotic content and ease of digestion make it perfect for them.

Those with severe reactions to dairy should exercise caution when trying raw milk kefir. They should introduce it slowly into their diet and observe how their body reacts to it.

How to Make Raw Milk Kefir at Home

Making homemade milk kefir with raw milk is easy and fun. Start by getting whole or fresh, unprocessed raw milk and kefir grains – these are clusters of microorganisms that include bacteria and yeast needed for fermentation.

Put the raw milk in a glass jar and add the kefir grains to start fermentation. This will give you homemade milk kefir.

Let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours. During this time, the lactose in the mixture will turn into lactic acid bacteria, making the mixture slightly carbonated and tangy.

The taste gets stronger as it sours when fermented longer.

After fermentation, strain out the kefir grains from your batch to finish your probiotic drink. With practice, making kefir at home is easy – if you have access to the grains.

Where To Buy Raw Milk Kefir

If you’re looking to purchase pre-made raw kefir from 100% grass-fed cows, here are some options to consider:

Miller’s Bio Farm – Lancaster County, PA, USA

Provides Raw Cow Milk Kefir from pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed, A2/A2 cows. Non-homogenized and cultured below 110°F to maintain raw status. Available in various sizes; pricing varies. 

Frankie’s Free Range Meat – New York, USA

Sells A2/A2 Raw Cow Dairy Kefir from 100% grass-fed cows on local Amish farms. Non-homogenized and raw. Available in quart-sized bottles, priced at $5.00 per quart. 

Raw Farm – Fresno, CA, USA

RAW FARM Whole Raw Kefir is cultured for 36-48 hours, creating a smooth, drinkable, probiotic-rich drink. It’s packed with enzymes, prebiotics, Omega-3s, and essential nutrients to support gut health and overall well-being.

Please note that the availability of raw milk products varies by region due to local regulations. Ensure that purchasing and consuming raw dairy products is permitted in your area. Always check the latest information on the suppliers’ websites for current pricing and availability.

Conclusion

So, raw milk kefir is like a guilty pleasure without the guilt—it’s a creamy pleasure that provides many health benefits.

It’s just another thing that can be added to nose-to-tail and animal-based diets, and I’d include it in the ultimate human diet.

It’s funny how some cringe at the thought of live bacteria. We’ve been conditioned to believe that all bacteria are bad, yet we’re full of them. Much of the junk food we eat today destroys the good stuff.

This is one reason we’re so sick as a species. With its many good bacteria, Kefir can help with this, boosting health and the immune system.

If you want to improve your health, kefir is a great place to start. The proper stuff though-it should have a tang to it.

And, if you’re really serious about your health, have you considered incorporating organ meats? I’m talking liver, kidney, heart, maybe even brain-ok I probably took it too far.

But, if you really want to give your body what it craves, animals and their organs are the way to go.

And that’s it… have a nutritious day!

FAQs

What is raw milk kefir?

Raw milk kefir is a tasty fermented drink made from raw milk and kefir grains. It is packed with probiotics that can boost gut health, and it’s a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of fermentation!

How does raw milk kefir benefit gut health?

Raw milk kefir is great for your gut health because it helps restore beneficial bacteria, leading to better digestion. You’ll likely feel the positive effects on your overall gut well-being!

Can lactose-intolerant individuals consume raw milk kefir?

Absolutely. Lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy raw milk kefir because the fermentation process lowers the lactose content, making it easier to digest. It’s a tasty option for those who love dairy!

What nutrients are found in raw milk kefir?

Raw milk kefir is packed with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin B12, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are fantastic for bones and overall health. It’s a delicious way to boost your nutrition!

How do you make raw milk kefir at home?

Making raw milk kefir at home is super simple! Just mix fresh raw milk with kefir grains in a glass jar, let it ferment for 24-48 hours, strain the grains, and then enjoy your delicious kefir!