kefir grains

[llwr]

Can anyone explain to me how kefir grains work? What exactly are they?

When I make yogurt I usually put some store-bought kefir in as well for a starter. Sometimes I use only kefir as a starter, but still use the same process as yogurt-making. Now I know the method is different, but how is my finished product different than using the grains?

Is there a difference between store-bought brands? I love LifeWay, but haven't liked any other brands I've tried.

[WuWei]

Most commercial yogurt has about 7 different microbial strains "probiotics". (and a lot of sugar)
Most commercial kefir has about 10 different microbial strains. (and a lot of sugar)

Homemade yogurt has about 10+ different microbial strains.
Homemade water kefir has about 30 different microbial strains.
Homemade milk kefir has about 37+ different microbial strains.

Kombucha has about 7 very different microbial strains.
Fermented veggies have about 10 varying microbial strains. (each vegetable provides a different batch)


The gut has about 400-600 different microbial strains. We need variety.


HTH, Pat