Can you use kefir for baking? Everything you need to know!

Can you use kefir for baking? Everything you need to know! | H is for HomeKefir is a tremendously versatile ingredient, which means it can be used for a wide variety of different foods. One interesting area of cooking that has seen plenty of kefir usage is baking. The opportunity to enjoy the health benefits of kefir while enjoying your favourite baked goods at the same time is an enticing possibility. If you’re interested in learning about combining this amazing ingredient with baking, here’s everything you need to know. The Live Kefir Company can also give you more details about Kefir.

Gut health    

Improve gastrointestinal health

Replacing milk and other diary components of your favourite baking recipe with kefir will improve your gastrointestinal health. Plenty of studies have shown that kefir can successfully replace dairy boosting the capacity and health of your digestive system. Many people with lactose intolerance have decided to make the switch to this special ingredient when it comes to baking and have noticed fabulous results. Everything from simple breads can now give you an important lift in your digestion thanks to kefir.

Bread basket

Boost nutrient content of bread

Compared to other ingredients used in baking, kefir is incredibly dense in nutrients. Capitalising on the immense number of nutrients found in kefir, you can significantly boost the nutrition of your baked foods. Everything from calcium and vitamins to minerals is found within the ingredient, meaning it can improve your body in a variety of different ways. When you think about how easy it is to replace some ingredients in your baking recipes with kefir, it’s well worth the effort.

Cholesterol

Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images

Lower your cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is something many people have difficulty controlling, which is worrying considering how detrimental high cholesterol may be for the body. Thankfully, when compared to most other dairy products, kefir has exceptionally low levels of cholesterol. When using kefir as a substitute for many other ingredients used in baking, the end result is bread and cakes that have a much lower level of cholesterol than usual. Making bread and cakes with kefir could have a lasting positive impact on your health.

Detox

Detoxifies vital processes

Key active components of kefir are shown to have a detoxifying effect on certain areas of the body. Detoxifying is incredibly important as unhealthy lifestyles and diets can quickly lead to buildup of unhealthy compounds all throughout the body. Adding kefir to your baking recipes can help you fight the buildup of detrimental chemicals, helping you improve your health. Many of the main components of kefir can go to areas such as the liver to improve the metabolism and removal of harmful particles. Simply eating bread made of this amazing compound is all that is required to start the detoxifying process.

Human skeleton

Improve bone density and strength

Osteoporosis and other bone issues may severely impede your ability to participate in certain activities. In order to prevent bone problems, eating a diet full of nutrients that specifically build bone density and strength is essential. Kefir is full of nutrients that help bolster bone health. Studies in recent years have compared the bone health of individuals that used kefir over other milk products, showing that those that used kefir had a much better outlook. Instead of drinking kefir for bone improvement, you can simply add it to your baking activities for the same results.

Yellow catkins

Combats asthma and allergies

An interesting effect of kefir is how it can ease bodily responses to allergies and asthma. Certain studies have showcased the possibility that kefir can reduce the severity of symptoms caused by allergic and asthmatic reactions. Some people with asthma have found that incorporating kefir into their diet has greatly reduced the rate at which they experience symptoms. If you suffer from issues such as seasonal allergies, you may find that the ingredient may work wonders for your issues. Once again, substituting kefir for the dairy ingredients used in your baking recipes may be the perfect way for you to supplement kefir into your diet.

No milk products sign

Reduces severity of lactose intolerance

Many people that are lactose intolerant have no issues consuming kefir. Lots of scientists and medical professionals theorise that the good gut bacteria found in kefir is the main reason why it doesn’t cause a bad reaction in the lactose intolerant. If you or somebody in your household suffers from a lactose intolerance, it might be a good idea to use kefir in your baking recipes from now on. Using kefir, anyone that may experience issues with lactose will have no problem enjoying all the baked foods you may produce.

Skin with heart in cream

Glowing and radiant skin

Reducing the severity of eczema and other skin issues is entirely possible through supplementing kefir. Many have found that the potent enzymes found within kefir help with how the body maintains and manages skin conditions. Some people that have started to drink kefir, or use it in their cooking, have noticed their skin issues such as eczema reduce in severity. If you’re currently suffering from skin conditions, it’s a good idea to start using kefir in all of your baking endeavours.

[disclosure*]

Is your home stressing you out?

Is your home stressing you out? | H is for Home

Your home should be a place that you love. After all, not only is it where you spend the vast majority of your time but it should also be your fortress from the stress of the outside world, as well as the place where you and your family spend time together and make memories. However, for many of us, our homes can end up causing a great deal of stress. Of course, in the modern era, the last thing many of us need is any more stress in our lives. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to make sure that your home isn’t stressing you out.

Hired house cleaner using a vacuum cleaner

Hire some help

Keeping your home cleaned is an essential part of many of our lives but it can often feel close to impossible to find the time to actually get any of the cleaning done. After all, between work and family commitments, as well as the need to rest and relax from time to time, things like cleaning can often fall by the wayside. If that’s something that’s happening to you, consider hiring a cleaner so that your home is still a pleasant place to spend your time without you having to exhaust yourself keeping it clean on top of everything else that you have to do.

Pure white, minimal interior

Go minimal

If you feel stressed out every single time you enter your home then there’s a good chance that it’s because the place is far too cluttered. Being willing to get rid of the junk in your home and embrace a minimalist style is one of the best ways to make it a more relaxed and pleasant environment. If you’re constantly being bombarded with stimulus all through your home it can often create this kind of underlying level of stress that leaves a lot of people feeling tense and frustrated at home without even really knowing why.

Plumber fixing the tap on a hand basin

Keep it maintained

There are few things in life more stressful than something going wrong. From a burst pipe to an issue with your heating, household disasters can throw your entire life into chaos. Because of that, you want to be sure that you’re keeping your home well maintained. Having the number of a plumber or heating engineer on hand for emergencies is great. However, you also want to be sure that you’re getting your appliances checked over semi-frequently, even if they seem to be working just fine. That way you’re going to be able to avoid any problems before they ever materialise in the first place.

Of course, there are always going to be things in life that cause you stress, both at home and away. That’s something with which most of us just have to come to terms. However, by minimising the amount of stress that your home causes you, you’re in a position where you have somewhere to go and escape from all of the frustrations that so often come with trying to get by in the modern world.

[disclosure*]

Price Points: Anti-viral protection

Anti-viral protection | H is for Home

Coronavirus is on most people’s minds at the moment; it’s a dangerous and scary thing for many, so what can we do to reduce our risk of catching and spreading it? The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands thoroughly (for about 30 seconds) and often with plain old soap and water. It’s much more effective at disarming viruses than using hand sanitiser or wet wipes.

We’ve found a few other anti-viral protection products that can help you in your immunity battle – especially when you’re out & about and not somewhere where there’s no access to soap and running water.

  1. Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml: £5.19, Boots

    Kills 99.9% of viruses and harmful bacteria. It provides long lasting antimicrobial protection to the skin without the need for soap and water. It is also alcohol-free and gentle on the skin.

  2. Nasaleze cold & flu blocker: £8.95, Amazon

    Nasaleze Cold & Flu Blocker traps and deactivates airborne germs and viruses to help stop the symptoms of cold and flu taking hold. It starts to work in less than 2 minutes. It treats the cause of virus infections to prevent the symptoms. Use it daily to prevent a cold, or take at the first signs of a cold to stop it developing into a full infection. It is a powder nasal spray that turns to a gel in the nose, which creates a barrier to shield and protect from airborne germs and viruses. It has no known side effects and is suitable for adults, athletes, pregnant and breast-feeding women and children from 3 years.
    Ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, peppermint and garlic.

  3. Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets: £15.99, Holland & Barrett

    The active ingredient in Hubners ImmunPRO Infection Blocker has been shown to create a physical barrier in the mouth and throat against viruses. Cistus villosus is naturally rich in tannins (polyphenols), which, due to their large molecular structure, are not reabsorbed, but instead form a protective film that prevents viruses from penetrating the mucous membrane of the mouth preventing a virus docking with host cells.

shop anti-viral protection

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
£15.99
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
£8.95
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
£5.19
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
£15.99
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
£8.95
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
£5.19
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
£15.99
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
£8.95
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
£5.19
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
£15.99
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
£8.95
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
£5.19
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
Hubner ImmunPRO infection blocker tablets
£15.99
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
Nasaleze cold & flu blocker
£8.95
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
Boots anti viral hand foam, 200ml
£5.19

Maintaining healthy habits is crucial

Maintaining healthy habits is crucial | H is for Home

Healthy habits have a huge impact on our lives. We feel better both physically & mentally – and of course need less medical care. They contribute to a real sense of well being and stability. And even when we experience personal hardships or illness, healthy habits help us bounce right back and return to our usual selves much faster than someone who is less prepared. Here are some things to consider when assessing your day to day habits and how healthy they are.

Messy living room

Maintain your belongings

Keeping personal property in shape is one key to supporting healthy habits. It may sound a bit weird but when your furniture is attractive, your bed is comfy, and your electronics work well, you’ll feel much better about your home and surroundings. The home is a safe haven, a place to relax. We physically and mentally need it to be clean and comforting at the same time. Take a look at your surroundings and notice if something needs upkeep or replacing. Furniture lines like Bernhardt Furniture are a great resource for replacing old furniture and sprucing up your living spaces. If your kitchen is messy, it’s time to clean it and keep it neat – you’ll find it beneficial in terms of practicality, safety and hygiene. If you have a lot of clutter, or redundant broken electronics, it’s time to clear it all up and recycle it.

fork wrapped in a blue tape measure

Eat nourishing foods and maintain an ideal weight

You truly are what you eat and eating healthily is the top way to take care of yourself. Whether you just want to avoid illness or you’re working at losing weight, your food is a top priority to consider. Avoiding processed foods is a good starting point. That way you really know exactly what you’re consuming. Secondly, eat as cleanly and as organically as possible. Read the labels on foodstuffs in order to avoid unnecessary additives, excess salt and sugar. The amount of sugar and salt added to many common foodstuffs can be quite surprising. When you eat well, your body feels well, and you mentally feel well. Many people speak about making dietary changes and suddenly they are less tired, more energetic and way more productive than before. Your body is a temple, worship it!

weight training equipment

Exercise and enjoy it

Exercise is often overlooked because we tell ourselves we’re too busy. Really, we can fit in light exercise each day. Consider taking a short 10-15 minute walk in the morning, on your lunch break or after dinner. If you still struggle to find the time for a short walk, include them in your everyday errands. Perhaps park a little further away from your work entrance, supermarket or shopping centre than you could do – those extra steps will give you a bit of light exercise or head space to think. If walking isn’t exciting enough for you, find out what is. Try yoga, pilates, a running group or even a spin class. It doesn’t matter what it is so long as you’re taking time to work your body.

Friends spelt out in Scrabble letters

Don’t be the hermit

Everyone needs solitary time, we have to recharge from our work lives and home lives. Too much time alone isn’t taking care of our mental health though. We need social interaction to bring us a sense of peace, belonging and experience a bit of joy. Make sure that you’re not working too much or always at home. Once every couple of weeks, have friends over for a pot luck dinner. Go out to the cinema with a friend, meet someone for coffee or have a lunch date with someone with whom you don’t spend all day at work. If you’re struggling to make connections with people, check out a site like Meetup in order to find people who have similar interests as you.

Healthy bodies and minds can stave off so many of the illnesses that can plague us. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever get sick or feel down. However, with healthy habits and good friends you’ll find that you recover much quicker.

[disclosure*]