You’ll go absolutely nuts for this smoothie! Your taste buds will appreciate this yummy combination of sweet strawberries, tropical pineapple and mango, the natural buttery flavor of pecans, and tart, probiotic Lifeway Kefir. Furthermore, your gut will love how these ingredients work in tandem to support the microbiome. It’s a gut-happy union because the pineapple and pecan both contain prebiotic fiber to fuel the probiotics in the Strawberry Lifeway Kefir. Pineapple also contains a natural digestive enzyme, known as bromelain, that’s anti-inflammatory and helps digest protein in the body. Absolute perfection! Dairy-free? No problem! Lifeway Oat can also be used here and allows you to still take in billions of live probiotics with no dairy whatsoever. Try the strawberry flavor—it’s delicious!
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 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, 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.
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: 2-5 mins Servings: 2Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 cups frozen pineapple
- 1 cup frozen mango
- 2 cups Strawberry Lowfat Kefir
- Or, to make vegan/dairy-free, sub 2 cups
- 1 cup organic, no-sugar-added OJ
- optional: 1 scoop vanilla plant-based organic protein powder/meal replacement powder
- 1/4 cup pecan chips or halves
- Toppings: Fresh strawberry slices, pineapple pieces, and pecan bits
Directions
- Add all the ingredients except the toppings to a large blender (not personal size). Mix until thoroughly combined; if you have a tamper, use it as this mixture is very thick. If you need to add a bit of water to get it to blend, feel free to do so. It should be the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
- Add the mixture, divided into 2 glasses, and then add toppings to each glass as desired. Serve with a fun colorful straw and enjoy!
