Gut Healing, Immunity Boosting Smoothie
Gut healing smoothie
When it comes to boosting our immunity, it is important to understand the importance of the gut microbiota-immune system interactions. A healthy gut is crucial for a strong and healthy immune system as it helps limit chronic inflammation in the body. While inflammation is a natural response to colds and flus, chronic inflammation in the body can lead to a compromised immune system.
Our gut is incredibly complex with our gut microbiome made up of anywhere between 300 to 500 different, complex and rich species of bacteria. Maintaining a healthy balance of these bacteria can become complex when lifestyle choices come into play. A diet rich in trans fats, highly processed foods, alcohol and certain types of medications can throw off the balance of our gut-flora leading to a compromised immune system.
So in short, a healthy gut means a healthy immunity. So why not change up your morning winter smoothie with a Happy Way recipe designed to help boost your gut health with some key ingredients.
Yoghurt
This Happy Way gut healing smoothie offers the perfect start to your morning with ingredients designed to introduce healthy bacteria into your gut. As a fermented food, yoghurt contains probiotic cultures, which help strengthen the digestive tract. Greek yoghurt in particular contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei which helps increase good bacteria in your gut. You may choose to opt for this option over the coconut yoghurt for an added boost of healthy gut bacteria.Bananas
While bananas form the base of many of our favourite smoothie recipes due to their creamy consistency and energy boosting properties, they also happen to be super gut-friendly. With a medium sized banana containing around 3 grams of fibre and resistant starch, bananas are found to feed healthy gut bacteria, in turn promoting gut health. Consider it the perfect food for healthy bacteria living in your tummies.Flaxseed meal
We know that foods such as kombucha and kimchi have earned their stripes as gut-friendly superfoods, however a slightly less glamorous staple sitting in your kitchen pantry is said to deliver equal benefits. That staple is flaxseed and we are about to make a case for adding it to your morning smoothies. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology –Endocrinology and Metabolism has indicated that flaxseed can be equally beneficial in helping promote the maintenance of healthy gut flora.
So it’s time to start blending and drinking your way to a stronger gut and immune system this winter.
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp Tahnini
- 1 tbsp Flaxseed Meal
- 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein
- ice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp coconut yoghurt
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
