Banana, Date, and Hemp Smoothie is an excerpt from Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky’s The Kefir Cookbook. This cookbook is a delicious collection of over 100 globally inspired sweet and savory recipes made with the probiotic-rich and nutrient-dense superfood kefir.
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Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You 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 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 (fiber) naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually doesn’t digest prebiotics. Instead, prebiotics are what probiotics feed off of to remain active in the digestive tract. Probiotics feed off prebiotic fibers for fuel, and the two work in your digestive system to keep your microbiome happy. 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 your immune system and digestive system.
Servings: 1Ingredients
- 1 cup Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 small frozen banana
- ½ cup hemp milk
- ½ cup chopped pitted Medjool dates
- 1 tablespoon hemp seed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
- Pinch of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter, for garnish
Directions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients except the peanut butter and blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish with cinnamon and peanut butter.
