If you've never heard of it, you're not alone. Along with quinoa, açai, and chia seeds, it's one of those weird words that health nuts can't stop throwing around. So why should you know it?

What it is.

It's a little bit like the love-child of yogurt and a smoothie, but with a Middle Eastern flair. Coming from the Turkish word "keir" which means "good feeling", it has already primed us for health. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine across Europe and Asia and is made from fermented milk.

What's in it.

We love those probiotics and enzymes. Delicious! These are the things that sort out all kinds of tummy troubles including leaky gut. It also contains a whole bunch of vitamins and minerals, including K2, folate, B12, calcium, magnesium. It also has additional health benefits based on the cow (or sheep or goat) from which it came.

What it does.

Kefir is really good for the digestive and immune systems. It's a super-detox-drink whose high amount of protein will keep you full for longer, so you'll spend less time munching on empty calories. The calcium also helps build bone density. There are even a bunch of medical studies that support kefir's role in fighting cancer and suppressing allergies, asthma, and lactose intolerance. (It's even more powerful than yogurt.)

And guess what?

You can even make kefir at home! All you have to do is pick up some kefir grains at a health food store, add milk or cream, and leave it at room temperature for 12-36 hours. Here's more on how to do it.

We've taken the 'fear' out of kefir. Toss your yogurt and make the switch to this amazing drink.