(NAPSI)—Adding more probiotics to your diet can be a “feel good” experience.

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that perform useful functions that range from helping to keep your digestive tract running smoothly, to manufacturing vitamins, to protecting you from harmful bacteria.

According to Registered Dietitian Tamara Freuman, “Cultured dairy products—such as yogurts and kefirs—are among the tastiest, most convenient and time-tested vehicles for delivering a daily dose of probiotics.”

For versatility and flavor, she recommends easy-to-digest kefir—drinkable yogurt—on its own, as a base for smoothies or in place of buttermilk, cream or condensed milk in just about any recipe.

“Kefir is a great way to satisfy creamy cravings without all the fat of buttermilk or cream,” adds Freuman. “It’s also an excellent source of probiotics, and now with new lactose-free kefir options, even the one in 10 Americans who, like me, are lactose intolerant can enjoy kefir without the tummy-troubling lactose.”

The word “kefir” is thought to have derived from the Turkish word “keif” for “good feeling.” Make your own good feelings by experimenting with kefir in your kitchen. Here’s a recipe to get you started. Serve it as a tasty entrée for warm-weather meals or pour it into shot glasses and top with grilled shrimp for a party-worthy appetizer with roasted corn, pico de gallo garnish and your favorite hot sauce.

Chilled Avocado Soup

3 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

⅔ cup frozen peas

1 cup Plain Kefir (such as Redwood Hill Farm goat milk kefir OR Green Valley Organics Lactose Free cow dairy kefir)

¼ cup chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp. chopped white onion

2 tsp. seeded and chopped jalapeño (to taste)

Juice of one lime

Water or chicken broth

Salt, to taste

Place avocados, peas, kefir, cilantro, onion, jalapeño and lime juice in a blender. Puree until smooth. Add warm water or chicken broth to thin out the soup. Add salt to taste. Serves 4 to 6.

For more kefir recipes, visit www.RedwoodHill.com and www.GreenValleyLactoseFree.com.

 

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)