Watermelon Slushy

It may still be hot outside, but our glass is freezing cold with this Watermelon Slushy. The recipe calls for a combination of naturally refreshing ingredients, including our brand-new kefir flavor, coconut honey. You can grab a bottle (or two) at your local Whole Foods. Don’t worry if you spill when prepping. Sip happens. Recipe Video.

What Can Watermelon Do For You?

This summer fruit is a powerful source of:

• Amino acids, like l-citrulline, and l-arginine: these are great for muscle recovery and reducing soreness after exercise.
• Antioxidants and carotenoids: these include lycopene, a phytochemical that promotes heart and bone health. The rind is especially rich with lycopene, so don’t neglect it!
• Vitamin A: watermelon contains B-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A, which supports your immune system and keeps your eyes healthy.
• Vitamin C: we all know this vitamin boosts the immune system, but it also keeps you looking young. It’s an antioxidant that fights off free radicals, those baddies that accelerate aging, and can help build collagen, which gives skin that youthful bounce.
• Potassium: this essential mineral relieves muscle cramps and keeps your body hydrated.
• Water: all that H2O not only hydrates you, but it also keeps the calorie count low. One cup of watermelon only has about 40 calories!

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.

Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You

Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of 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 your immune system and digestive system.