What’s Poppin’? Today is National Popcorn Lovers Day so we’re snacking on no-churn Buttered Popcorn Frozen Kefir. We captured the flavor of the iconic movie snack by marinating buttered popcorn in vanilla kefir. The results are buttery, creamy, and very good for your gut. Vanilla kefir is a fermented superfood with protein, calcium, vitamin D, and 12 live and active probiotic cultures, the good-gut bacteria that may restore balance in the gut microbiome and support healthy immunity. Pair a few scoops with your favorite film because movies and popcorn are always butter together. But how did the movies and popcorn trend begin? The movie industry boomed during The Great Depression with the invention of films with sound. It brought in such a large audience that theater-owners saw a profitable opportunity to sell snacks in the lobby before patrons entered the theater. Popcorn kernels were a cheap investment that lasted a long time. By World War II, over half of the popcorn consumed in America was eaten at the movies.
Your Gut Matters
Eating habits also play a role in mental health. Research has shown that probiotic-rich foods decrease anxiety and boost the mood. That makes kefir a great wellbeing tool because it contains 12 live and probiotic cultures. Psychiatrist James Greenblatt explained that “‘the gut is really your second brain. There are more neurons in the GI tract than anywhere else except the brain.’” As research continues to develop, it’s becoming more and more apparent that there is a link between the gut and the brain. What was once suspected as one-way communication (brain to gut) is now understood to be more of a two-way system. Thus, the health of our gut may directly impact the health of our minds.
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.
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.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of microwaveable buttered popcorn
- 2 1/2 cups Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 can of condensed milk
Directions
- Prepare the microwave popcorn as per the packet instructions. Meanwhile, place the cream in a large mixing bowl. Add 3/4 of the popcorn to the kefir (save leftover popcorn to top the frozen kefir) then scrape all the remaining butter from the popcorn bag and add that to the bowl.
- Set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Prepare to extract the popcorn from the kefir by placing a strainer over a bowl. Pour the kefir and popcorn into a strainer and allow the kefir mixture to drip into a bowl below. Use a spoon to press into the popcorn to extract all the kefir out you can.
- Whip the kefir until firm peaks form, then stir in 3 tbsp of condensed milk and stir till combined. Add the remaining condensed milk and fold into the mixture till just combined.
- Pour into a container and freeze until the frozen kefir has set (4 hours). Enjoy!
