Vegan Probiotic Apricot Lassi
A vegan variation to the classic Mango Lassi. This is packed with gut healthy probiotics that wont compromise your system if you are lactose intolerant.
2-3 very ripe apricots. On the over ripe side would even be better. If your apricots aren’t fully ripe, they will be extremely sour.
1/3 cup good quality probiotic coconut yogurt. I use New Earth Superfoods Probiotic Coconut Yogurt Unsweetened Original Formula
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp agave
2 Tbsp water
Directions
Add all ingredients to blender and blend until a creamy consistency.
Summer Wellness
Deep hues of golden yellow and orange are the colors that paint the sunset sky in July. With the Summer Solstice marking the official beginning of summer on June 21, we can expect a variety of colorful summer season fruits and vegetables. Where I grew up we had an apricot tree that offered us literally hundreds of fruits in July. Finding uses for all those apricots was always a creative endeavor! From chutneys to jams, put in smoothies or atop roast chicken, Apricots can be as versatile as your imagination!
Another summer favorite of mine is the Mango, the world’s most popular fruit. Mango Salsa pairs deliciously with grilled fish or is an excellent alternative to tomato salsa for a potluck gathering! The deep orange-yellow color found in Apricots, Mangoes and in many fruits and vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potato, carrots, and oranges comes from the antioxidant, beta carotene that converts to vitamin A when consumed. According to Colors of Health Vitamin A plays many important roles in our body like, “the repair of body tissues, formation of bones and teeth, resistance to infection and development of healthy eyes”.
Orange-You-Glad Nutrition and Facts
The strongly colored red-orange-yellow pigment in fruits and vegetables comes from an organic compound called beta carotene.
Beta Carotene can slow the process of cognitive decline, keep your lungs healthy and can reduce age related macular decline, a disease that compromises your vision.
Beta Carotene has also been shown to reduce your chances of cancer and heart disease.
Because Beta Carotene is an Antioxidant it protects the body from free radicals, that damage cells through oxidation. Damage from free radicals is the primary cause of aging and degeneration. Antioxidants have been shown to improve immunity, skin health, heart health and prevent chronic diseases.
Did you know that Flamingo’s red-orange feathers comes from the beta carotene in their diet? That's one healthy flamingo!
Make sure to read our other summer wellness orange nutrition recipes on the blog!
