It’s peak rhubarb season, and we’re ready to get down with our Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie! We love this pink vegetable and think it’s highly underrated. Tart and tangy with a bit of a citrus bite, rhubarb is loaded with vitamin K which studies have tied to bone metabolism and regulation of blood calcium levels. It’s also a good source of prebiotic fiber to fuel a healthy gut. Our Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie is also versatile and can be made with any flavor of Lifeway kefir you enjoy but we think Low-Fat Strawberry Lifeway Kefir works pretty marvelously in this recipe ourselves! All Lifeway kefir is packed with probiotics, protein, and is gluten-free made with only real ingredients.
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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 large orange, peeled and seeded
- 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 cup Strawberry Lowfat Kefir
- 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup (or 2 pitted dates)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on low to incorporate, then blend on high until the desired thickness is reached and the bits of rhubarb, orange, and strawberries are broken down. Pour into glasses, serve, and enjoy!
- Garnish Ideas: Mint, chia seeds, flax seeds/meal, shredded coconut, sliced kiwi or sliced strawberry, or any of your favorites!
