Kaboom Kefir Energy Smoothie

By Zuzana Samkova

YIELD: 2 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup kefir
1-2 bananas (frozen bananas are a great option here)
1-2 heaping tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tbsp. instant coffee
1-2 tbsp. flax seeds or flax meal
1 tbsp. coconut butter or coconut oil
Pinch of sea salt
Splash of pure vanilla extract
Optional – raw egg (included in the nutrition info.) *
Ice cubes, if not using frozen bananas

PREPARATION:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and whip until smooth.

*A note about RAW EGGS:
In pursuit of extra energy, protein and additional nutrients, athletes, weightlifters or health conscience people simply looking for extra energy will often add protein to shakes and smoothies. One common approach is to mix raw eggs in with the drink/smoothie, Rocky style. Eggs are a power food containing high levels of protein along with other valuable nutrients and vitamins. With 6 grams of the highest quality protein and 14 key nutrients, eggs provide the energy needed to keep you going. They are a natural choice for a healthy, active lifestyle.

EGG NUTRITION
One large egg contains 6 g of protein and only 70 calories. Eggs also contain high levels of vitamin A, with around 270 IU per large egg. Vitamin A helps in cell development, tissue repair, eyesight, blood health and many other bodily functions. You’ll also get omega-3 fatty acids from eggs, substances linked with a healthy heart and blood circulation.

EGG SAFETY
The Food and Drug Administration recommends avoiding all products that contain raw, unpasteurized eggs. Store-bought products contain pasteurized eggs, which makes them safe to eat. However, consuming raw eggs in shakes exposes you to the possibility of contracting the bacterial infection salmonellosis.

SALMONELLA
The bacterial infection salmonellosis presents the main health risk with raw eggs.

CONSIDERATIONS
If you want to add eggs to your shakes and smoothies, use eggs that have been pasteurized while still in their shells. According to the FDA, an increasing number of stores offer pasteurized eggs. The pasteurization process kills most forms of bacteria found in the raw eggs, making them much safer to eat raw. However, to be safe, you should still cook the eggs if possible, particularly if you are serving them to young children or pregnant women. A dried or liquid egg substitute offers a safe alternative for your smoothies.

 

Read about eggs here. (click to redirect)