A truly ghoulish delight, our family-friendly Frankenstein Matcha Smoothie is the perfect way to power up for a night of festive Halloween celebrations. We used our Organic Whole Milk Lifeway Vanilla Kefir for this as a delightful way to accent the matcha green tea powder we used for natural coloring. This greenishly good recipe is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face that you serve it to. They’ll never guess they’re eating something good for their gut!
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 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 systems.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 medium banana, sliced and frozen
- 1 generous handful of baby spinach
- 1 tsp organic matcha powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh banana slices, to garnish
- Mini chocolate chips, to garnish
- Crushed chocolate cookies, to garnish
Directions
- Add the kefir, frozen banana, spinach, matcha powder, and vanilla extract into the pitcher of a high-powered blend. Blend on high until smooth, then set aside.
- Carefully place one chocolate chip in the middle of one slice of banana to create the smoothie's eye. Repeat for the second eye. Stick the "eyes" to the inside of a glass.
- Pour smoothie into glass and top crushed cookie crumbs. Slurp and enjoy!
- Keep this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free chocolate chips and cookies!
- Don't have matcha on hand? Don't worry! The taste will be similar, but the color will be lighter.
- Substitute spirulina powder for the matcha powder if you prefer.
