Many of you already know that green smoothies are my go-to for breakfast, snacks, and/or pre and post workout fuel. They are easy to make, taste delicious, and are packed with nutrition! Lately, I’ve been experimenting with adding kefir to my smoothies. Kefir is SO GOOD for the skin!

Kefir is a low-fat cultured dairy food rich in calcium and protein. It is somewhat similar to yogurt in taste and appearance, however, kefir is made with 12 different live & active cultures, and it’s cultured for 14 hours, giving it a higher probiotic count than yogurt and an effervescent, tangy flavor. There are up to 10 billion units per serving! When these friendly bacteria proliferate, we experience:

Healthy skin
Weight loss
Increased immune response
Better digestion and healthy bowel movements

This is because these little sentient beings are constantly producing enzymes, B vitamins, and other nutrients that support a healthy internal environment. Internally, your “gut” or intestinal system is your line of defense in keeping the skin healthy and vibrant, and your immune system strong. Skin issues are often related to what is going on inside our gut. The ratio to healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the intestine is said to be best at 80/20. When this is in check, rest assured the body will thrive. Adding 1 cup of kefir to your daily smoothies will work wonders to restore the healthy bacteria in the gut and your skin will be glowing as a result!

My favorite way to take probiotics is to add kefir to my smoothies. I use plain Green Valley Organics brand, which can be found at your local health food store. I am partial to Green Valley Organics since I always strive to use organic animal products. To make this delicious, probiotic rich smoothie you’ll need:

Ingredients
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 large handfuls spinach
1 cup plain kefir
1 dropper full of NuNaturals Vanilla Stevia

Instructions
Simply blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth. I use a VitaMix, which is an amazing!

*This post was originally published on www.lindawagner.net. Be sure to visit Linda’s site for more great recipes and tips!