This Mango Oat Banana Smoothie is made with wholesome ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and probiotics. Lifeway Kefir is the star of this recipe and is a delicious base with live probiotics for your gut. Mango is high in both vitamins A and C, is a natural source of potassium, and contains 4 grams of fiber per cup. Bananas give the smoothie an ultra-creamy texture and are a source of potassium, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium. Thanks to the whole grain oats we used, this smoothie contains plant-based iron, B vitamins, protein, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and zinc.
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. Our 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: 2-4Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla Lowfat Kefir
- 1/2 cup whole grain rolled (old-fashioned) oats
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract or vanilla flavoring
- 2 cups of frozen mango cubes
- 2 frozen ripe bananas (freeze ahead of time)
- Optional Garnishes: a sprinkle of additional oats, cinnamon, coconut flakes/shreds, or diced nuts or hemp seeds (or whatever you want!)
Directions
- 1. Add all the ingredients in the order listed (except the garnishes) to a blender. Blend on low for 5 seconds, then progress to high until thick and creamy.
- 2. Pour into 2 glasses and add any optional garnishes you wish. Serve and enjoy!