Full disclosure: I am not actually going to give you 101 anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes. What I will give you are the tools you need to create your own recipes that will boost your energy, relieve pain and inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Use in Your Smoothie Recipes
A smoothie is inflammatory by nature because it contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in the form of fruits and vegetables. However, some ingredients have more potent anti-inflammatory properties. and you can include them in your smoothie recipes:
- Turmeric: Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. Curcumin is the main compound that gives it its anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric contains only 3% curcumin and it is not easily absorbed. Consume it with black pepper to increase its absorption by 2000%. To learn more about the benefits of turmeric, read 10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements.
- Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger: The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been amply studied.
- Beets: Beets contain plant pigments called betalains which not only reduce inflammation but protect against cancer and heart disease.
- Carrots: Carrots are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are believed to fight inflammation.
- Berries: Berries contain antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation.
- Green leafy vegetables: Dark green veggies, such as spinach, Swiss chard, kale, and broccoli contain plenty of vitamin E which protects against the pro-inflammatory molecule called cytokines.
- Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocado: Nuts and seeds contain Omega-3s. We still don’t quite understand how this works, but Omega-3s dampen your inflammatory response.
101 Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe Template
Here’s how you will build your own smoothie:
- Start by placing 2 cups of liquid (water, nut or seed milk, full-fat coconut oil mixed with an equal part of water) in your blender.
- Add1 cup of leafy greens such as romaine, spinach, kale, chard or 1/2 cup of chopped veggies such as carrots, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
- Add 2 cups of frozen fruits of your choice.
- Include 1 tablespoon of healthy fat such as nut butter, extra-virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil, MCT oil, or coconut oil to ensure your smoothie releases the sugars from the fruit at a slower rate.
Blend with a high powered blender until smooth. Season as desired (you can add cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, etc.)
My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe
I change my recipe around a bit sometimes, but here’s my favorite anti-inflammatory smoothie:
Anti-Inflammatory Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
Equipment
- High-powered blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut kefir
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 5 tbsp green powder
- 1 apple
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 thumb fresh ginger
- 1 tsp fresh turmeric
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Blend until smooth.
Notes
How to Pick a Nutrient-Dense Green Superfood Powder
Why Use a Green Superfood Powder?
Green superfood powders are a convenient and affordable way to boost your daily nutrient intake. Many green powders not only contain greens but they also contain health-promoting ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and healing herbs. With the way our produce has become depleted, green powders help fill in the gaps. Green powders are whole food products, which means your body will absorb the nutrient better than if you were to take isolated vitamins and minerals. What I love to do is eating my fresh greens with lunch and dinner and use the green superfood powder in my breakfast smoothie recipe. I love the flavor and no matter what ingredients I used, the smoothie always turns out delicious!
Best Organic Greens Powder
To pick the best greens powder, you need to consider the following factors:
- Processing: The way the company processes the ingredients will impact how much nutrition is left in the powder. For example, the temperature at which the greens are dehydrated is important to consider.
- Quality of the ingredients: Ingredients that are certified organic and fresh from the soil are preferable.
- Bioavailability: For example, chlorella is often found in greens powders. Unless the product specifies cracked-cell wall chlorella, your body will not be able to absorb much of its nutrients.
- Gluten-free: You should avoid gluten as much as possible as the majority of people are gluten-sensitive even though they might be in denial.
- Sweeteners and synthetic ingredients: Many products use fillers and sweeteners that you need to avoid. At the very least, make sure the only sweetener is stevia or fruit powders.
My Number One Organic Greens Powder
My favorite product is called Power Shake.
It includes a combination of certified organic ingredients that help balance pH levels, support healthy cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Among other things, it contains rice bran solubles for healing the gut lining, spirulina, wheatgrass juice powder, alfalfa leaf juice, oat grass juice powder, Lo Han berry, and chia seeds. It is sweetened with carrot juice and all the ingredients are fresh and dehydrated at a temperature of 80F.
This product made a huge difference in my energy levels within two weeks. I was not feeling my best, I had to go to bed early each night, and felt like I was dragging my feet. Including this organic greens powder in my life has helped me regain my health. Contact me to try it and get a $50 discount code.
My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe Video
In Summary
Anti-inflammatory smoothies are an excellent way to boost your nutrient intake every day. They are quick and easy to make, convenient, filled with vitamins and minerals that can give your body what it seeds to heal and regenerate. Smoothie recipes can serve as a great starting point to get inspired to create your own recipes! Let me know in the comments, what is your favorite anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe?