Brain Blend Coconut Kefir Smoothe Recipe

We are so excited to share with everyone our newly created 'functional wellness' recipes. Each week we'll add a recipe that is meticulously researched, tailored and tested to nourish a specific health concern (we have backgrounds in nutrition and psychology). The best part is that we ensure they are all delicious, packed with probiotics and 100% kid approved! (our boys love their job ;)).

Brain Blend Coconut Kefir Smoothie

PURPOSE: Great for kids on the spectrum or anyone looking to improve brain health.

This delicious, creamy smoothie recipe is created as a nutritional boost for the brain containing nutrients that tend to be low in kids on the spectrum, whether it be sensory processing, autism, ADHD/ADD, dyspraxia etc. It also contains nutrients that aid in the healing of the gut-brain axis and none of the problematic stuff (gluten, dairy, etc). It's balanced with healthful oils as well, so there is no blood-sugar spike that would exacerbate an already out of balance mind or body.

The best part is that it is 100% kid approved-delicious (which we know is even extra critical with spectrum children!) and amazingly healthy for everyone in the family.

If you want to know why we chose the specific ingredients there is a breakdown at the bottom of the page of what's in it, otherwise skip on to the recipe and enjoy!

A quick note on ORGANIC - for any gut-brain disorder it's our opinion that it's absolutely essential that you source these ingredients from Organic sources whenever possible. Non-organic produce contains glyphosate in the cells of the plant and fruit (which cannot be washed out). Glyphosate is incredibly damaging to the barrier in our intestines, leading to leaky gut and is linked to a whole host of mental issues.

YEMOOS TIP: I find that this recipe is just as tasty the next day so don't be afraid to save it if you have extra. It also makes great popsicles if you have some molds on hand!

Brain Blend Coconut Kefir Smoothie

Makes about 4 cups

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup spinach
• 2 cups coconut kefir - homemade is best, but store-bought coconut yogurt works great too (or use grass-fed whole milk kefir plus a few teaspoons EV coconut oil if dairy is ok)
• 1 banana
• 1 punnet of raspberries (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup papaya (seeds removed)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup cashews (natural, not roasted)
• 1 tsp chlorella* (or other DHA supplement, such as a teaspoon of flavored fish oil)
• optional: 1 TBS chia seeds for their ALA and EPA content, will make the consistency thicker

* if you have never had it, please try chlorella first for any negative reactions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all ingredients into a blender (1 qt+ size)
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately (makes about 4 full cups).
4. Store extra in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze any extra into Popsicle molds!

Spinach - for its calming manganese, magnesium (overall health and healing) and nutritious chlorophyll (incredible nutrition for our cells)

Coconut kefir - for its incredible healing effect due to its probiotics (which are key for health restoration and brain function), lauric acid (brain and immune support) and mct's (energy, brain function). If you are ok with using dairy, we recommend grass-fed whole milk with a spoonful of extra virgin coconut oil added to the smoothie.

Raspberries - high in zinc (immune support), antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It also contains Manganese (calming), Pantothenic acid (b5) which spectrum children greatly benefit from, and quercitin (a natural anti-histamine!) which also helps with gut-brain issues, leaky gut etc.

Banana - for containing inulin (a great pre-biotic for the probiotics in this) and its high tryptophan (a precurser to serotonin, which can be out of balance in spectrum children, and for anyone with a gut disorder).

Avocado - for it's incredibly healthful fats (anti-inflammatory fats, high nutrition, lasting and balanced energy), and it's zinc, vit E and C content, and B5.

Papaya - for it's b5 and Vit C content as well as it's interesting ability to help heal and regulate the digestive system.

Cashews - for it's zinc (which is low in a vast majority of us, and those with spectrum issues even more so), Vit E and magnesium

Chlorella - for it's high DHA (highly beneficial to the brain), chlorophyll, detoxing ability (chelates chemicals, metals), and it's high iron and zinc (necessary for proper functioning and immune balance). This is an optional ingredient because it's important to know how your body reacts to this before consuming (it's highly beneficial to kids and adults alike, just before to try it out first!). If you would like to substitute another dha supplement or fish oil feel free to add those in!