Is it cold brew season yet? We’ve got an energizing and inventive recipe to help get you started this week! Fill your morning mug with our Cold Brew Pistachio Smoothie. This bold blend of black coffee, nutty pistachios, and Lifeway Kefir is better than what you’ll find at your corner coffeehouse because, beyond the fantastic flavor, it loads your body with probiotics, protein, calcium, and vitamin D. We can’t think of a better way to enjoy a cup of coffee!
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 that are a source of fiber that are naturally found in a variety of plant foods[b]. 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. Lifeway Oat contains both prebiotics and probiotics for optimal gut and brain health.
Prep Time: 5 mins Servings: 2Ingredients
- 6 ounces of black cold-brew coffee (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- 1/2 tsp. alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1/8 cup (2 tbsp.) unsalted pistachios
- 1 frozen banana
- Pinch of your favorite sweetener (stevia, maple syrup, honey, etc.)
- Garnish: crushed pistachios
Directions
- Add the cold-brew coffee, kefir, vanilla, 1/8 cup pistachios, frozen banana, and a pinch of your favorite sweetener to a blender, and blend until thick and creamy and all the pistachios and banana are completely pulverized.
- Pour into a glass and top with crushed pistachios. Enjoy!