Raspberry Kefir Smoothie

Kefir is a fermented milk product very rich in probiotics. It is similar in texture to regular yogurt, thick and creamy but not as thick as Greek yogurt and it has a slightly tart taste. If we have yogurt why bother with kefir? Well it is an even better option because it tends to have more strains of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in higher quantities. It is to yogurt what kale is to iceberg lettuce- not substitutable in every circumstance but a more nutrient dense option. The best ones are made with organic whole milk and the finished product shouldn’t have too much sugar. Kefir is made by leaving kefir “grains” in milk and letting them work their magic. Sugar in the form of lactose is always present in milk but as the milk ferments and becomes kefir the good bacteria eats away at the sugars to obtain the fuel to proliferate. Many who are lactose intolerant (their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose) are able to consume kefir with no problems because the original lactose levels are very decreased and the probiotics and other nutrients help with digestion. Commercially there are different types available. Some come in bottles that have not been fermented as long, are more liquid and may be flavoured and sweetened. The ones I go for come in yogurt containers, these ones have been fermented longer and are thicker. Some homemade versions that ferment for extra time become effervescent with some tiny bubbles.

Raspberries are not the strongest flavoured or the sweetest of the berries so cherries or blueberries would be better to mask the kefir but for those who don’t care for too much sweetness, raspberries are a light, refreshing and beautifully coloured option. They are high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants- important nutrients to keep us energetic and moving efficiently during busy summer days.What I like best about smoothies is that they are a vehicle to make really healthy ingredients delicious, low-maintenance and easy to digest. Besides the kefir this smoothie also features flax oil- a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat is essential for brain function and keeping the nervous system working at its most optimal level. It is a staple ingredient that I always have in the fridge, it needs to be consumed raw and it doesn’t have the best flavour on its own but I regularly add it to smoothies for some richness. I also added in a frozen banana to create a cold, creamy smoothie and dates for some sweetness.