Why Drink an Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie?
Do you get headaches? Is your skin is sensitive?
As researchers uncover more about the root causes of many of today’s common health conditions, one common thread runs through each of them.
Chronic inflammation is a major contributing factor.
Some of the conditions for which chronic inflammation is a culprit are:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Resistance to losing weight
- Cardiovascular disease1
- Cancer2
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Fortunately, anti-inflammatory smoothies are an easy way to fight these!
By making healthy lifestyle choices that lower the inflammation in your body, you’ll help your body resist common health conditions associated with chronic inflammation.
Small changes in your diet can go a long way toward reducing inflammation and fighting aging.
Recipes Shared by the Founder ORS
This is a post written by the founder of Organic Radiance Skincare™, Candice Betty. With over 8 years of research experience in the biotechnology industry, her passion for biology shapes almost every aspect of her life.
While in her late 20’s, Candice was diagnosed with rosacea, a condition associated with chronic inflammation.
Today she successfully manages her symptoms – redness, breakouts, stinging eyes, flushing with heat & exercise – with an anti-inflammatory diet instead of expensive lasers or prescription medications with side effects.
One of her favorite ways to start the day is by having a healthy breakfast smoothie – this kick-starts her anti-inflammatory diet.
She has combined her favorite foods that reduce inflammation into three fruit smoothie recipes, which she rotates to get the most variety in her diet.
Candice is sharing her three favorite anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes with us today. The first two are simple green smoothies and the third is more of a tropical smoothie.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie #1: Kale Ginger Green Smoothie
Walnuts3 are one of the best foods that fight inflammation, according to Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet4.
Tart cherries (yes they must be tart) are also on our list of foods that reduce inflammation,5 and are popular among arthritis sufferers.
The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger6 have been well documented, making it a staple in any anti inflammatory diet.
Ingredients:
- Handful of walnuts
- 1 cup tart cherries (fresh or frozen) or tart cherry juice
- 1 stock of kale (stem removed)
- ½ inch piece of ginger (peeled)
- 1 Cup of chilled tea (green or black)
- 4-5 Ice cubes
- Raw honey to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Put tea & walnuts in a blender and blend on whole juice or high setting for at least 30 seconds or until smooth.
- Add ginger, tart cherries, kale, and ice and blend on smoothie setting or until smooth.
- Sweeten to taste with raw honey, if desired, and pulse 3-4 times to mix.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie #2: Ginger Spinach Green Smoothie
Almonds are another great anti-inflammatory food7, especially when it comes to heart health.
Antioxidants in berries and spinach make them a great choice for an anti-inflammatory smoothie.
Ginger is another great anti-oxidant food, and its anti-inflammatory effects are especially beneficial in preventing cancers8.
Ingredients:
- Handful of almonds
- 1 cup Berries
- 1 cup Spinach
- ½ inch piece of ginger (peeled)
- 1 Cup of chilled tea (green or black)
- 4-5 Ice cubes
- Raw honey to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Place tea & almonds in a blender and blend on whole juice or high setting for at least 30 seconds or until smooth.
- Add ginger, berries, spinach, and ice and blend on smoothie setting or until smooth.
- Sweeten to taste with raw honey, if desired, and pulse 3-4 times to mix.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie #3: Red Pina Colada Tropical Smoothie
This coconut milk and pineapple smoothie make the perfect Pina colada with a healthy twist!
Beets have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are great for detoxification. You can use a raw beet, but use it sparingly as it can be overpowering to the otherwise subtle flavors of this Pina colada smoothie.
If you prefer, you can quarter the beet and steam it for no more than 5 minutes to tone the flavor down. Keep in mind that the more you cook beets, the more you damage its betalain content, which is what makes it so great for a detox.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Pineapple
- ½ small beet (or ¼ large beet, don’t over-do it)
- 1-inch piece of Turmeric, peeled
- ½ cup Coconut milk
- ½ cup water
- 4-5 Ice cubes
- Raw honey to taste (optional)
Directions:
- Place turmeric, pineapple, beet, coconut milk, water, and ice into the blender and blend on the smoothie setting or about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Sweeten to taste with raw honey, if desired, and pulse 3-4 times to mix.
Rotate For Best Results
Rotate these 3 healthy smoothie recipes for a quick and easy breakfast you won’t get sick of!
Candice recommends rotating foods as much as possible so that you get the most variety in your diet to help you reduce inflammation, prevent cancers and keep your heart healthy!
Download the Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Shopping List and Recipe Cards
It’s super easy to get started making these smoothies. Get instant access to The Shopping List and Recipe Cards for The Ultimate Trio of Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipes. Enter name and email where you’d like the list sent.
References:
- Risk Factors for Chronic Inflammation: http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Health-Concerns/Chronic-Inflammation/Page-02
- The Role of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity-Associated Cancers by Maria E. Ramos-Nino: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/697521/
- J Nutr Biochem. 2013 May; 24. Walnut diet reduces accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins and inflammation in the brain of aged rats. Poulose SM1, Bielinski DF, Shukitt-Hale B. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22917841
- Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet
- Seymour E, Warber S, Kirakosyan A, et al. Anthocyanin pharmacokinetics and dose-dependent plasma antioxidant pharmacodynamics following whole tart cherry intake in healthy humans. Journal of Functional Foods. 2014. http://www.experts.umich.edu/pubDetail.asp?n=Sara+L+Warber&u_id=4626&oe_id=1&o_id=54&id=84906596246
- Inhibitory effects of [6]-gingerol, a major pungent principle of ginger, on phorbol ester-induced inflammation, epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and skin tumor promotion in ICR mice. Kwang-Kyun Parka, Kyung-Soo Chunb, Jong-Min Leeb, Sang Sup Leeb, Young-Joon Surhb http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304383598000810
- Almonds: Nutrition & Inflammation Last Updated: Mar 12, 2014 | By Sandi Busch http://www.livestrong.com/article/555586-almonds-nutrition-inflammation/
- Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence. Nafiseh Shokri Mashhadi, Reza Ghiasvand,1,2 Gholamreza Askari,1,2 Mitra Hariri,1,2 Leila Darvishi,1,2 and Mohammad Reza Mofid3 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/