If you’re new to homemade smoothies, we have four recipes to start you on your journey. Blending up a daily smoothie at home with Lifeway Kefir is an economical way to treat yourself to great gut health. Mix it up with greens, fruit, nut butters, and anything blend-able for a nutritious breakfast, post-workout recovery, or afternoon snack. Check out these four favorites that you’re going to love!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole-fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest probiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 10 mins Servings: 4-6Ingredients
- Green Smoothie:
- 2 Kiwi
- 1 celery, chopped
- 1 handful of kale or spinach
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1/2 cup pineapple or green apple
- 1 cup Plain Lowfat Kefir
- Beet Root Smoothie:
- 1 tbsp Beetroot
- 1 cup red grape
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red apple, diced
- 1 cup (Lifeway Kefir or Lifeway Oat) Mixed Berry Lowfat
- Apple Pear Smoothie:
- 1 red apple, diced
- 1 pear, diced
- 1 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup Raspberry Lowfat Kefir
- Orange Carrot Smoothie:
- 1 orange
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 passion fruit
- 1 cup Blood Orange Whole Milk Kefir
Directions
- For each smoothie, blend together all ingredients until desired texture. You can refrigerate up to two days!
