Our Maca Cold Brew Smoothie is here to put a little pep in your step with probiotics and protein along for the ride. While coffee is well known for its caffeine kick and commonly used for energy, it’s the probiotics and protein found in Lifeway Kefir that provide your body with ultimate support. By improving nutrient absorption, reducing inflammation, and regulating mood, beneficial bacteria (probiotics) can help optimize energy production through your gut microbiome. Maca further supports healthy energy levels since it’s an adaptogenic root that supports hormone levels in both men and women. Cacao powder is also high in nutrients that boost healthy levels of neurotransmitters and is rich in flavonoids for healthy blood flow, skin health, and heart health. What a perfect way to wake up!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You 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. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prep Time: 1-2 minutes Servings: 1-2Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold brew coffee (or leftover chilled coffee)
- 1 cup Whole Milk Coconut Honey Kefir
- 3 pitted Medjool dates
- 2 tsp. raw maca powder
- 2 heaping tsp. of raw cacao nibs
- 2 tsp. raw cacao powder
- 1 scoop collagen powder (optional)
- Generous dash of cinnamon
- 1 tsp. raw honey
- 1 frozen banana
- Toppings: raw coconut shreds, raw cacao nibs
- Chocolate Sauce: 1 tsp. raw coconut oil + 1 tsp. raw cacao powder
Directions
- Add all ingredients except for the toppings and the chocolate sauce to a blender and blend until thick and creamy. Pour into your favorite glass.
- To. make the chocolate sauce, melt the coconut oil until just liquid in the microwave for 30 seconds or so, then stir in the 1 tsp. cacao powder and stir until you get a thick chocolate sauce.
- Add the chocolate sauce on top of the smoothie in your glass, then add the toppings, and enjoy!
