Probiotic Boost Breakfast

Name: Probiotic Boost Breakfast
Cook time: 10 min
Yield: 1-2
Ingredients: 1 cup organic plain yogurt; 1 cup organic kefir; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 3-4 tbsp maple syrup; 2-3 tbsp raw hemp seeds; 1 pomegranate, use as many seeds as you like; drizzle honey on top, manuka for best health properties; optional, cinnamon

This combination of healthy ingredients is indeed a probiotic boost breakfast or a great snack option. Put into a mason jar or any other spill-proof container, it can be easily taken to school in a cooled lunch bag.

Don’t be scared of full-fat

If we consume dairy products it is best to buy organic and full-fat. Even better would be grass-fed and raw.

Don’t worry about the fat in dairy, there is scientific evidence that it does not contribute to obesity. Full-fat dairy offers plenty of nutritional benefits, but it does appear to have certain negative health effects in some children (and adults). I will talk about the pros and cons of cow’s dairy in another post in the Health Talk category.

Kefir, the probiotic boost

Kefir is a good source of calcium, potassium, and protein, but it also contains a lot more microorganisms than yogurt. Kefir contains bacteria which eat the sugar in dairy, therefore it tastes less sweet and is better digestible for children with lactose issues.

Kids love pomegranate

Do you know that pomegranate has been used for thousands of years as medicine? It has three times more antioxidants than Green tea. The antioxidants in pomegranates can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. The fiber in pomegranate has an anti-inflammatory effect in the gut and improves digestion.

The vitamin content such as vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E, can prevent illness and fight off infection. Pomegranates have also been shown to be antibacterial and antiviral. The supermarkets here start offering this amazing fruit in late fall and in the winter months. Food is medicine!