What is Water Kefir (Streptococci / lactococci)

Water Kefir or Sugar Kefir Grains (SKG's) appear as colorless translucent crystals encompassing a wide rage of different bacterium and yeasts.  Within these crystals a symbiotic relationship is formed between  Lactobabacilli, Streptococci / lactococci bacterium and yeasts.

The translucent crystals which are formed from Dextran (A complex branched glucan or polysaccharide formed from many glucose molecules), make up the bulk of what you see as grains.  These grains are created by the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus brevis.

Medicinally, Dextran is used as an antithrombotic (anti-platelet) in order to reduce blood viscosity and also as a volume expander for those with anemia.

As this complex system of organisms function together as Water Kefir however, there are multiple beneficial uses for them from creating probiotic drinks to improve ones digestion and absorption of specific vitamins and minerals to fermenting fruits and vegetables for consumption.

Here we shall look at the Streptococci / lactococci bacterium present in the majority of Water Kefir Grains.

Streptococci / lactococci
Streptococcus cremeris
Str. faecalis
Str. lactis
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
Pediococcus damnosus

Sources:
http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~dna/kefirpage.html#alternativekefir