Strawberries and Cream Smoothie

It’s strawberry season! This is our favorite time of the year to visit our local farmers market and come home with a handful of fresh, succulent strawberries. We’re taking these juicy berries and blending them into a delicious Strawberries and Cream Smoothie. This recipe takes a traditional treat and gives it a probiotic spin with our Lifeway Strawberry Kefir. We mix our protein-packed Lifeway Kefir with the strawberries and then add chia seeds, rolled oats, and a touch of vanilla for a luscious, mouthwatering smoothie with a classic, nostalgic taste.

Looking for a dairy-free alternative that’s just as delicious? Simply substitute our dairy-based strawberry kefir for our Strawberry Vanilla Lifeway Oat. Lifeway Oat is our cultured organic oat milk beverage that comes with the benefits of being certified organic, gluten-free, and made with the benefits of probiotics just like our regular kefir. Strawberries are also an incredible source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and are a good source of fiber. We also used chia seeds in this recipe for additional fiber, omega-3’s, and to help thicken the smoothie. You can also use flax seeds for the same benefits as chia seeds, if you choose. Finally, we used collagen peptides for more protein, but feel free to eliminate the collagen if you’re vegan, and use a plant-based vanilla protein powder instead.

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.

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.