Today’s good mood is sponsored by coffee! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your Saturday morning with every sip of our coconut cashew latte smoothie. Rich in protein and probiotics, this aromatic blend of cold brew, Coconut Honey Whole Milk Kefir, cashews, and toasted coconuts will enhance your weekend routine.
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.
Servings: 1 - 2Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup Coconut Honey Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup soaked cashews
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
- handful of ice cubes
Directions
- Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth, or until desired consistency is reached.