Did you know that 75% of our immune system is located in our gut? That is one reason why we need to look after the bacteria in our digestive system.
Supporting gut health during childhood is so important and much more effective than waiting until they are grown up, as gut flora is still developing and can change due to antibiotic use, environmental factors, food quality and dietary intake. Unbalanced gut flora can contribute to digestive disorders, skin disorders, behaviour, obesity and autoimmune disease just to name a few.
Offering your child a wide variety of foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat and legumes is an important part of daily life for growth, fuel and development. Introducing fermented foods which provide a variety of different bacteria is a great way to build a healthy gut flora which will contribute to health and wellbeing. If your kids are like mine, kimchi and sauerkraut are not top of their list. This recipe for Gut Loving Treats not only taste great but will help look after their precious little tummies.
Gut Loving Treats
Ingredients
2 tbs of Acai Powder
1.5 cups frozen berries
1.5 cups good quality yoghurt or milk (no added sugars or flavours and contains live cultures) or coconut kefir (you could make your own mixture by emptying capsules of children’s probiotic capsules into 1 ½ cups water
1/3 cup Grass Fed Gelatin
1/4 cup sweetener of choice (optional) or1 tablespoon lime juice (for a tangy taste)
Instructions
Combine 2tbs of the Acai Powder with 1 cup of water. Set aside.
Place half of the Acai mixture in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Place the other half in a 2-cup glass measuring jug. When the Acai in the saucepan is heated, remove and quickly pour the Gelatin into the measuring cup with the cooled acai and whisk quickly to combine. Immediately add the warmed acai and whisk until smooth.
Quickly pour the Acai and Gelatin mixture into the blender with the fruit and blend on LOW speed until just combined. Add the sweetener or lime juice if using and blend until just combined.
Pour into silicone moulds (if using) or into a greased glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator until Gelatin has set.
Remove, take out of the moulds or cut into squares (if in a glass dish) and serve. Store in an airtight container