I love discovering new, exciting products and water kefir is exactly that.  I’m always on the look out for new health and wellness food and drink– I’m passionate about good wholesome food and healthy alternatives. SO when I find something that’s both healthy and tastes great, it’s a double win.

I have been turned on to Agua de Madre’s water kefir, which is a drink, slightly  similar to kombucha, but so much more enjoyable to drink. If like me you  find kombucha’s can be a fit feisty and not all of them are really that pleasant, this is definitely one to try, its much softer in flavour and a great alternative to a cold beer or glass of wine. If you are a fan of kombucha, you’re going to love this!

So what is it?

Water kefir is a live naturally sparkling drink, fermented with a water kefir mother culture, a naturally occurring SCOBY (‘Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast’). It’s very low in alcohol (like almost nothing) organic, vegan and obviously packed with live cultures, which ensures it has a multitude of health benefits.

The culture used in Agua de Madre is made from the elemental Tibicos Mother Culture discovered 2,000 years ago on the pads of the Mexican Opuntia cactus.

This live culture is added to organic fruit and ginger and left for just the right amount of time to create a naturally fizzy low-alcohol drink with 55 billion live cultures per 100ml!

 

What does fermentation have to do with it?

Through the process of fermentation, the sugar levels decrease and the gut-friendly flora increases, as the drink becomes lightly effervescent. 

Due to the multitude of bacteria (live cultures) found in water kefir, it contributes to maintaining good gut health, which has a positive impact on our physical and mental well-being, ensuring a balanced ecosystem for our bodies and minds.

The more diverse strains of bacteria found in your microbiome, the healthier you are. 

What’s the difference between kombucha and water kefir?

Water kefir is made with a different SCOBY to kombucha and has different bacteria and yeasts.   

As the bacteria is predominantly lactobacillus, which our guts naturally have, it’s therefore easier for the gut to absorb the goodness from water kefir. 

In an independent study conducted by Huddersfield University, it was found that there are three dominant live and active bacteria within Agua de Madre. The dominant three bacteria identified all fell under the genus Leuconostoc, and include:

• Lactobacillus Leuconostoc suionicum
• Leuconostoc mesenteroides 
• Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides.

These work to boost the survival of other beneficial bacteria inside your gut. The more diverse strains of bacteria in your microbiome, the healthier you are.

Kombucha is predominantly acetic acid whereas water kefir has a much gentler, softer mouth feel. Water kefir has three times the average amount of live cultures as kombucha. It has no caffeine unlike kombucha, which is fermented with tea. Agua de Madre is also vegan and organic, so it ticks all the goodness boxes.

My beauty insiders (Thats you!) can order this with 15% discount by using code ABIGAIL15 through Agua de Madre’s website here. 

 

 

This article contains an affiliate link which means I receive a small commission if you buy from them. You’ll still pay the same price. I only ever recommend products I truly love.