Our festive new smoothie recipe is smooth, sweet, and full of holiday flavor that secretly hides a mountain of fruits, veggies, and greens! The Grinch’s Fruit and Veggie-Loaded Green Smoothie is a fun way to stay healthy during the season and packs a real punch when it comes to goodness. This vegan recipe has vitamin C, potassium, fiber, protein, magnesium, and more. It’s also made with Lifeway Oat for a probiotic punch to give your gut health some extra care. See below for the full recipe!
Not Just Oat Milk: Cultured Oat Milk Benefits 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 also 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, a combination of fiber and probiotics is even more beneficial for the gut, immune system, and for brain health due to the way this combination strengthens the microbiome, the powerhouse system of your entire health. This is where Lifeway Oat is so beneficial since it is an organic, cultured oat milk beyond just another standard oat milk. Lifeway Oat contains both fiber and probiotics to help support a healthier body and brain, which means an overall healthier you.
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.
Ingredients
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 large navel or Cara Cara orange, peeled and seeds removed
- 2 cups loose-leaf spinach or 50/50 blend of greens
- 1 fresh zucchini, chopped and stem removed
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 2 cup
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
- Optional: 1 sprig of fresh mint leaves
- Toppings: fresh cranberries, almond slices, a mint leaf, and/or shredded coconut
Directions
- 1. Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on low for a few seconds, then progress to high speed.
- 2. Pour into a glass, add the toppings, and serve.