Blueberry Macadamia Nut Muffins are prepared with love and Blueberry Lifeway Kefir. The rich flavor of the macadamia nuts and the natural sweetness from blueberries pair perfectly with the subtly sweet oat flour and Lifeway Kefir. Macadamia nuts are an excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats linked to better heart and metabolic health. Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse making this muffin a nutritious option for your morning meal!
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 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 Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant 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 systems.
Prep Time: 25 mins Servings: 4-6Ingredients
- 1 cup Blueberry Lowfat Kefir
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (the juice of one large lemon
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups oat flour ( to make: process rolled oats in a food processor)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. ground flax meal
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, defrosted for 5 minutes on the counter
- 1/2 cup unsalted raw macadamia nuts (unroasted)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees, Fahrenheit and line a 12-cup muffin pan with liners or spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Chop the macadamia nuts into smaller pieces, but not completely crumbled. Add to a large bowl and toss in the oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and flax meal. Toss everything together to coat well.
- In a separate bowl, add the lemon juice, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and Blueberry Lifeway Kefir. Mix everything together by hand carefully until incorporated, or blend on low in a blender until completely blended. Add to the mixture of oat flour and crumbled macadamia nuts in your other bowl, and mix everything together with a hand mixer. Carefully fold in the blueberries.
- Scoop the mixture with an ice cream scoop (or 1/4 cup measuring cup) into your prepared muffin cups, then bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and they come out clean.
- If you want a topping, serve with a fresh fruit compote, blueberry jam, or a touch of nut butter or plant-based butter. Enjoy!
- *Tip, let your muffins cool on a cooling rack right after coming out of the oven instead of letting them cool in the pan. This will keep them light and tender instead of tough and dry.
