07 Oct Raw vegan Yogurt , probiotics and gut health at Plant Based Academy

Happy Brain, Happy Gut ! How does it work? The brain and the gut communicate via gut-brain axis, a mode of bidirectional signaling between the digestive tract and the nervous system. There are several central mechanisms by which gut bacteria can communicate with the brain. First, imbalances in gut bacteria can trigger inflammation by increasing the permeability of the intestinal lining, which allows toxins to seep into the bloodstream. Research has linked pro-inflammatory markers (cytokines) and increased intestinal permeability with anxiety and depression. Secondly, bacteria can produce neurotransmitters, which are carried through the blood to the brain. Bacteria can also stimulate specific nerves in the gut that then transmit information to the brain, Bercik said. Fortunately, you can support gut health (and therefore mental health) by eating a diet that’s rich in probiotics — the “friendly” gut bacteria that support digestion and a balanced microbiome, and are known to boost immune and neurological function. Use the following simple recipe from Plant Based Academy to ensure you are including high dose full spectrum probiotics into your diet and your family’s diet. Join our Raw Food Mastery Level III Certification course at Plant Based Academy to learn more about the art, history and science of fermentation and gut health.
 
Raw vegan Blueberry Yogurt 
15 organic Brazil nuts or almonds (Soaked overnight and rinsed)
200 ml of pure filtered Water or Probiotic drink (water Kefir/kombucha)
4 organic Dates
100g of organic Blueberries
1 organic vanilla pod scraped
Probiotics 1 teaspoon (Health force nutritional)
Blend the nuts, dates, berries and water to a thick creamy and smooth consistency, pour into a container, add the probiotic powder, and stir. Cover with lid but not an airtight lid, as air is needed. Leave out of refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Then Refrigerate. Eat when cold. This Yogurt will be loaded with health probiotic bacteria at a much higher level than anything you can buy in a store, this will taste delicious and will have amazing feel good benefits for you and your family. The Yogurt will keep in Refridgerator for up to 4 weeks.


 

Plant Based academy is a raw and vegan culinary school. Training, educating and empowering students on plant based culinary art, vegan nutritional science and conscious living. Plant Based Academy is world unique in its comprehensive content, certification and delivery. Plant Based Academy offers a number of comprehensive and single module raw food Mastery programs both on site at our raw kitchen and online. Plant Based academy is now enrolling students for Raw Food Mastery Level III courses starting in May and September 2016 and January 2017. This Course is perfect for you if you would like to incorporate raw vegan skills and knowledge into your current business, or you are creating a new plant based business or you would like to learn skills to prepare amazing refined raw vegan health food at home for yourself and family . The emphasis is on raw vegan health food, Culinary skills and knowlegde, nutritional science, maximum vitamin absorption, fine dining, Fermentation, Herbal medicine, Conscious lifestye and organic edible cosmetics. Book your place now and pay just 500 Euro. Pay the remaining fee with installments.

“Raw vegan food is not boring salads and uncooked vegetables, raw food is a culinary pursuit, a dedication and endeavor to transforming the highest quality of vegetables using simple techniques to extract exquisite flavors, preserving the essential nutrients and enzymes and complementing them with an array of mineral rich nuts, seeds, seaweeds, sprouts and fruits. Raw vegan food is the pursuit of perfect food, art for the eyes, a taste of naturalness, unparalleled nourishment for the body and great for the planet too” – Plant Based Academy

 
Over the past 30 years, science has come to a better understanding of bacteria, the effects on the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, and immune systems. As a result, the use of probiotics has become more widely accepted and practiced than ever before. About 80% of your immune system lives in your gastrointestinal tract and probiotics can help. Approximately 500 different species of bacteria live inside you. The weight of these bacteria is about two to three pounds. Some of these bacteria are referred to as “good”, but others do not provide any benefit. The ideal balance between them is 85% good, 15% “other”.
This ratio between the “good” bacteria and the other bacteria becomes one of the critical factors determining your optimal health. Helpful bacteria (as found in probiotics) prevent the growth of less desirable ones by competing for both nutrition and attachment sites in the tissues of the colon. These organisms also aid digestion and nutrient absorption — another boost to overall health. The term probiotics comes from the Greek “for life” (which gives you an inkling of what the word “antibiotics” really means). When probiotics are ingested, these living microorganisms replenish the micro flora in your intestinal tract. This results in the promotion of a number of health-enhancing functions, including enhanced digestive function, a sense of well being and strong immunity.
Poor diet and the stress- and pollution-filled environment provide significant challenges to healthy digestion, strong immunity and overall good health. Processed foods also tend to upset the balance of bacteria needed to support overall intestinal health. What’s more, many food products today are pasteurized or sterilized during the production process, and this destroys the helpful bacteria needed to promote intestinal health. To ensure that you have the right balance of “good/bad” bacteria include fermented foods such as natural probiotic yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, tempeh, and natto in your diet on a regular basis. Probiotic supplements are also a quick way to replenish beneficial gut bacteria. Look for a powdered probiotic with at least 8 billion organisms per gram. The most important strains of beneficial bacteria are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria so your probiotic should contain these. Keep your probiotic refrigerated to ensure survival of the bacteria.
 
Further Reading:
The Importance of Probiotics and Health
How gut Bacteria Help make Us Fat and Thin
Life Change – Gut Flora Health
Gut Brain Connection 
 
Plant Based Academy 
Module 1 – Week 1 Raw Food Essentials
Module 2 – Week 2 The Art of Advanced Fermentation
Module 3 – Week 3 Smoothies, Milks, Soups & juices
Module 4 – Week 4 Herbal Tonics & Medicinal Mushrroms
Module 5 – Week 5 The Art of Raw Chocolate & Desserts
Module 6 – Week 6 Raw Food Dehydration
Module 7 – Week 7 Raw Food Preparation Skills & Sprouting
Module 8 – Week 8 Raw Gourmet Meal Demonstration
Module 9 – Week 9 Practical Exam – 5 Course Meal Presentation
Module 10 – Week 10 Raw Skin Care & Cosmetics
Module 11 – Week 11 Raw Philosphy & Conscious Lifestyle
Module 12 – Week 12 Raw Food on The Go & Travelling
Raw Food Mastery Level III Online
Raw Food mastery is now also available online. Click HERE for more information on our online course.