We’re not clowning around with our Cotton Candy Smoothie! This yummy and fun treat may bring back memories of circuses and boardwalks, but this isn’t your typical carnival snack. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients because it is made with fresh bananas, raspberries, blueberries, and Lifeway Kefir. The fruit we use loads each glass with fiber, potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin C while Lifeway Kefir adds probiotics, protein, calcium, and vitamin D. This is a candy you can feel good about.
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 fat 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. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
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: 2-5 minutes Servings: 1-2Ingredients
- White Layer:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Plain Lowfat Kefir
- Pink Layer:
- 1/2 a frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 3/4 cup Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- Blue Layer:
- 1/2 a frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 3/4 cup Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
Directions
- Blend the white layer on medium speed for a second or two, then turn to high until thick and creamy. Put 1/2 of this mixture in the bottom of the parfait glass. Save the other half in a separate cup; you'll use it in a second.
- Next, blend the pink layer and add it on top of the first white layer
- Add the rest of the prepared white layer on top.
- Next blend the blue layer ingredients. Add on top of the rest of the smoothie in the glass as the final layer.
- Add any garnishes you wish. Edible flowers, confetti or stars, sprinkles, more fruit, whatever you like! Serve while cold and creamy.
