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N my carefree late 20s, I took two years out and moved to Barcelona. The experience left me with an intimate knowledge of another culture, fluency in a new language, close friends and a mastered art of the siesta. But while these elements may have shaped me, there’s a more tangible remnant of my time in Spain that I would say has been just as transformative.

It all started when I moved into a flat with two roommates who introduced me to something they kept in a dark cupboard — a glass jar filled with a milky substance. “This is kefir,” they said. “He’s a big part of the flat and if you’re going to live here, you’ll have to learn to love him.”

Learn to love him I did, and seven years later I still use kefir grains every morning.

So what is kefir? This fast-rising star on the probiotic food scene is an ancient fermented milk beverage believed to have originated in the Caucasus Mountains.

You can buy kefir starter kits (dehydrated grains that last for a few uses) or the ready-prepared yoghurt-like drink at most health stores. However, having access to the fresh grains is best.

Creating kefir from fresh grains has become part of my morning routine. The process is simple. Place the grains in a hermetically sealed jar, cover them with milk and leave them in a dark space for 24 hours. The next morning, you sieve the kefir using a plastic colander and spoon (don’t touch it with metal or wood). The extracted, fermented liquid is the part you drink. Mix it up in a smoothie, or drink it plain. I find it sour, so I add cinnamon and vanilla extract.

Kefir is seen as something of a holy grail in the world of natural health, with its reputation as a superfood extending back hundreds of years. It was traditionally believed to improve digestion, boost wellbeing and enhance longevity. More recently, it’s been touted as an elixir for everything from allergies to osteoporosis and cancer, although evidence for these uses is largely anecdotal.

After including it in my daily diet, I can say that it is a complete body booster. I have noticed it in my digestion, energy levels and skin. Whether these effects are real or imagined, one thing is sure — having a morning routine that allows you to slow down and steal five minutes for yourself can’t be a bad thing. If you do manage to get hold of the real grains, you’ll be surprised at how transformative this ancient ritual can be.

Ready-made kefir can be bought at selected health stores and delicatessens.