Tonic Drinks & Waters
Blueberry Yakult Smoothie
Traditionally associated with supporting vision, brain function, and gut microbiome health
Why people make this drink
Bro Niu had bought three punnets of blueberries only to find them all disappointingly sour. Rather than force them down, he reached for a small bottle of Yakult, dropped everything into the blender, and was surprised at how delicious the result was. The sourness of the berries melted into the sweetness of the Yakult to produce a smooth, refreshing drink. The three punnets were gone in no time. Beyond the good taste, this combination brings together blueberry’s well-documented antioxidant anthocyanins with the live probiotics in Yakult — a pairing that supports both the brain and the gut.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people who enjoy blueberries and would like a simple daily drink to support vision, brain health, and gut balance
- Because Yakult contains a meaningful amount of added sugar, older adults and anyone managing blood sugar should keep the serving small — one small Yakult bottle is enough; do not double up
- Best consumed immediately after blending; drink within 5 minutes to prevent oxidation
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Blueberries: Rich in anthocyanins — potent antioxidants that are extensively studied for their support of visual acuity, brain cell vitality, and reduced oxidative stress on the liver and nervous system. Also associated with improved circulation and better sleep quality.
- Yakult (probiotic fermented milk): Provides live Lactobacillus casei Shirota — a well-researched probiotic strain that supports a balanced gut microbiome, healthy digestion, and immune function.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh blueberries | 1 punnet (~125 g) | Soak briefly in lightly salted water to clean |
| Yakult | 1 small bottle (~65 ml) | One bottle is sufficient; Yakult is high in sugar |
Method
- Place the blueberries in a bowl of lightly salted water and soak for about 10 minutes to clean them. Rinse with plain cool water and drain.
- Place blueberries and Yakult in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour and serve immediately — drink within 5 minutes to prevent oxidation and nutrient loss.
Bro Niu’s tips
Freshly blended fruit drinks should always be consumed within 5 minutes; leaving them to sit causes rapid oxidation and the nutrients degrade quickly. The sweet-tart balance in this smoothie is just right — the Yakult tames the sourness of the berries beautifully. Because Yakult is high in sugar, older adults should keep to one small bottle per serve. Yakult also pairs well with banana, papaya, apple, cranberry, or fresh mulberries if you want to vary the flavour.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can Yakult be paired with fruits other than blueberry? Bro Niu: Yes, Yakult works well with banana, papaya, apple, cranberry, and fresh mulberries — all good combinations.
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Q (Anna): What are the benefits of thick rice water for babies? How should it be used? Bro Niu: Before moving babies to semi-solid rice porridge, starting them on thick rice water is a gentle way to support their digestion and help their gut slowly adjust to a new type of food. You can dry-roast a little brown rice in a pan for about 7 minutes, store it, and then use 2 tablespoons simmered in one bowl of water for 20 minutes to make about half a bowl of rice water per serving.
Published November 13, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
