Recipe by @feelgoodwithfi -
Looking for a quick midday pick-me-up or snack to curb a sweet tooth?
This 4-ingredient recipe takes less than a minute to make and tastes just like a milkshake, but it’s packed with gut healing nutrients and free of added sugars. Your kids will love it too! Use frozen banana for a thicker consistency or feel free to add ice.
Read on to learn why each ingredient is so great for gut healing:
Banana
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Prebiotic Fiber: Bananas contain dietary fiber, particularly resistant starch (especially in slightly unripe bananas) and pectin, which act as prebiotics. These feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy microbiome, which is essential for digestion, immune function, and reducing inflammation.
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Gentle on the Gut: Bananas are easily digestible and may help soothe the digestive tract, potentially aiding in conditions like diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Nutrient Support: Rich in potassium and vitamins like B6 and C, bananas support overall gut motility and reduce gut inflammation.
Raw Milk
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Probiotics and Enzymes: Raw milk contains live beneficial bacteria (like lactobacilli) and enzymes (lactase, lipase) that may support gut microbial diversity and aid digestion, particularly for those who can tolerate lactose. These probiotics can help balance gut flora, potentially reducing bloating or digestive discomfort.
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Immune Factors: Raw milk includes immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which may support gut barrier function and protect against pathogens.
Colostrum Powder
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Gut Barrier Support: Colostrum (the first milk produced by mammals) is rich in immunoglobulins (IgG), growth factors, and lactoferrin. These strengthen the gut lining, reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and combat harmful bacteria or toxins.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Colostrum contains peptides like PRPs (proline-rich polypeptides) that may reduce gut inflammation, supporting conditions like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Microbiome Enhancement: It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, enhancing microbial diversity critical for gut health.
Beef Protein Powder
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Amino Acids for Gut Repair: Beef protein powder provides amino acids like glutamine and glycine, which are crucial for repairing the gut lining and maintaining intestinal integrity. These can be beneficial for conditions like leaky gut or post-exercise gut stress.
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Low Allergenicity: Compared to dairy-based proteins, beef protein is often hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with dairy sensitivities, reducing gut irritation.
- Collagen Potential: Some beef protein powders include collagen peptides, which support gut lining repair and reduce inflammation.
Synergistic Benefits
The prebiotics from bananas, probiotics from raw milk, and immune-supporting factors from colostrum work together to foster a balanced gut microbiome, strengthen the gut barrier, and reduce inflammation. Beef protein adds amino acids to support tissue repair and overall gut integrity. This smoothie may improve digestion, reduce bloating, and support regular bowel movements due to the fiber, enzymes, and nutrient density.
Ingredients
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup raw milk
- 2 scoops Equip clean protein powder
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1 scoop Equip colostrum powder
Instructions:
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Add frozen or fresh banana into a blender with raw milk, colostrum, and beef protein powder
- Blend & enjoy!
Planning to make this recipe? Tag us if you post on social media - we want to see what you make. This would go great with a Clean Coffee latte (our organic mold-free coffee) or as a healthy snack like our clean protein bars.
