Mangoes and cardamom in the smoothie promote digestion
Mango lassi is a traditional drink from India made with mangoes and yogurt. Made popular by Indian restaurants all over North America, mango lassis are yogurt based smoothies made with canned mango pulp, sugar, and whole milk yogurt. Although the restaurant version is not exactly junk food, it is high in sugar, fat and calories. Made at home, a little twist to the traditional recipe can turn mango lassi into a healthy, refreshing, digestion promoting drink that is absolutely delicious! Learning to make it at home is easy.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup of organic low fat plain kefir
- 1/2 cup water
- Two ripe organic mangoes
- Honey, agave nectar or cane sugar to taste
- Green cardamom pods
Method:
- Pour one cup of plain organic plain kefir as the base into a blender. Even though mango lassi is traditionally made with yogurt, using kefir to substitute yogurt will add a dose of digestion promoting probiotics to the drink. Most brands of plain kefir contain several strains of friendly bacteria and good yeasts that enhance digestion and boost immunity. Kefir is also an excellent source of calcium, protein and B Vitamins.
- Peel two ripe organic mangoes, and cut the flesh into pieces pokies online and add to the blender. Mangoes are widely known for their vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and potassium content. However, a little known fact about mangoes is that they also contain proteolytic enzymes that promote digestion. Mangoes contain enzymes that are similar to the enzyme papain in papayas. Helpful in calming the digestive tract, the enzymes in mangoes naturally promote digestion.
- Add a sweetener of choice. Honey lends itself beautifully to a lassi recipe. Raw honey has enzymes that naturally promote digestion. Manuka honey is known for its role in reducing heartburn and healing stomach ulcers.
- Add half a cup of water, a few icecubes and blend. Pour the mango lassi into two tall cups.
- Add powdered cardamom as a topping to the lassi. Cardamom is known for its detoxifying properties and also as a digestive aid in soothing indigestion and stomach cramps. For best flavor and nutritional value, buy green cardamom pods and grind them roughly using a mortar and pestle.
- Enjoy the delicious digestion promoting mango lassi! Perfect for a hot summer day, this drink can be served with lunch or dinner, or had by itself at any time of the day.
Tips
- Experiment making the smoothie with different fruits.
- Alphonso mangoes, or yellow sweet Mexican mangoes are great for making mango lassi.
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