Probiotic Goodness

I went to a press event for work today. It was at Red Mango for their new probiotic iced teas. The teas include GanedenBC30, a strain of probiotic bacteria. They help support digestive health and maintain your immune system. The teas come in 3 delicious flavors: Mysteaque (a vanilla black tea), Fanteasia (a wildberry hibiscus tea, it's brewed with hibiscus flowers mmm), and Lemonocity (a lemonade green tea, it has citrus flavors not lemonade in it). My favorite by far was the Mysteaque, with Fanteasia being my least favorite as it was very sweet but reminded me a bit of Passion iced tea from Starbucks.


Red Mango has also added this specific probiotic into their Original, Pomegranate (made with POM Wonderful) and Tangomonium (this is BY FAR my favorite, so delicious!) frozen yogurts in New York (will be everywhere by September). All yogurts, including the Green Tea flavor, also have active cultures, 100% natural ingredients, are fat free, are gluten- ree, are kosher, and have 100 calories or less per serving. A very healthy snack, especially in the hot summer! And you can top them with healthy fresh fruits and protein like almonds. Yummy!
Dr. Steven Pratt, M.D. was there to speak about the benefits of probiotics. Dr. Pratt is the author of the bestselling SuperFoodsRX and his new book SuperHealth: 6 Simple Steps, 6 Easy Weeks, 1 Longer, Healthier Life (which I will be reviewing and getting tips from for you all).


He explained that the GanedenBC30 is special because it is able to survive all the way down to the digestive tract where it's needed. Because it comes in spore form, it doesn't sprout until the environment is right- and that environment is your gastrointestinal tract! These bacteria help your digestion and your immune system since 70% is actually in your GI tract. However, you need to replenish the bacteria every one or two days so that you keep them in your body and growing.

Yogurt, berries, tea, almonds: all Super Foods. Add some to your diet and be a little healthier. Yogurt, such as DanActive Immunity and Activia are best- they help regulate digestion- try some and any bloating you have should go away soon.


Speaking of yogurt, there are two new smoothies I am in love with that I experimented with yesterday and today:

Pear Strawberry Bliss

1 pear (cut up)
4-5 medium strawberries (cut up)
3 tablespoons nonfat plain organic yogurt
1 tablespoon ground organic flaxseed
1 tablespoon Benefiber
A few ice cubes

Combine everything in blender until smooth. Feel free to add ground supplements. Makes about 2 cups

Pink Delight

1 pear (cut up)
5-6 medium strawberries (cut up)
2 medium bananas (cut up)
4 tablespoons nonfat plain organic yogurt
2 tablespoons ground organic flaxseed
1 1/2 tablespoons Benefiber
A few ice cubes

Combine everything in blender until smooth. Feel free to add ground supplements. (Bananas are calorie dense so this is perfect for breakfast or a quick lunch) Makes about 3 cups

Enjoy!

(Pics: redmangousa.com, barnesandnoble.com, thejuicecaboose.com)