Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

Start your Smoothie Saturday by blending our Carrot Ginger Turmeric Smoothie. These anti-inflammatory superfoods, along with the immune-supporting nutrients found in our kefir, may help reduce inflammation and support the microbiome. Give your gut the strength it needs for the upcoming holiday season and make this golden creation!

A Rainbow of Nutrition and Taste

With colorful flesh and versatile use, a variety of carrots have been around the world for thousands of years. Food historians estimate that orange carrots gained popularity in the 1500s. While orange carrots have long been the favorite at most American tables, you will find colorful varieties in different regions around the globe. All varieties of carrots are extremely nutrient dense and a great addition to a healthy diet – they’re high in fiber and rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. However, each individual color contains a specific set of phytonutrients (antioxidants) which offer slightly different nutritional benefits.

Orange carrots contain the highest concentrations of alpha- and beta-carotene. Alpha- and beta-carotene promote and support your body’s production of vitamin A, which is a necessary vitamin for healthy eyes.

Red carrots are rich in lycopene (as are tomatoes – it’s the phytonutrient that gives red fruits and veggies color) and beta-carotene. Lycopene has been shown in some studies to reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer, including prostate and cervical cancer.

Yellow carrots contain the phytonutrient lutein, which is linked to the reduced risk of certain age-related eye diseases, including macular degeneration and cataracts.

Purple carrots are high in anthocyanins, as well as alpha- and beta-carotene. Anthocyanins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, help protect against heart-related diseases, and support a healthy immune system.

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.