Son of a nutcracker! We rate this seasonal smoothie 10/10 with its festive combination of eggnog kefir, frozen bananas, and natural dates. This blend is a holiday favorite for a reason: each serving provides around 12 grams of protein with extra probiotics to help the gut happy during a busy season.
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 prebiotics, 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 system.
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 cups Holiday Cookies Lowfat Kefir
- 1/2 large banana, frozen and sliced
- 2-4 dates, pitted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Ice, as needed
Directions
- Add all ingredients into the pitcher of a high-powered blender. Blend, slowly increasing speed, until smooth, or until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve with an added pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, or your favorite crushed gluten-free cracker!
