5 Smoothies to Reduce Inflammation and Revive Your Health
Smoothies are presently at the forefront of healthy eating. Aside from being delicious when done right, they present a nutrient-packed alternative to consume for breakfast, (or dinner, if that’s your style). It’s a fact that a bowl of cereal or a plate of bacon and eggs is definitely tasty, but depending on your dietary needs, these meals might not pack the punch your body is actually craving.
Smoothies, on the other hand, can often do the trick. One of the best things about them is their anti-inflammatory properties.
Why does this matter? According to Harvard Health, following an anti-inflammatory diet is great for your overall well being. Some of us can feel inflammation raging in parts of our body without even thinking about it, (carpal tunnel? Post-pregnancy tendonitis, anyone?) For others, however, the inflammation could be going on undetected. Many of the foods we often eat such as red meat, carbs and sugary drinks are all culprits. The trouble is, inflammation isn’t an innocent side effect. Numerous deadly diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease and cancer have chronic inflammation on their list as a contributing factor.
So, if you feel like fighting the future with food, dive in. As the old saying goes, you are what you eat (or blend).
Here are 5 smoothie recipes with anti-inflammatory properties to help keep your body on the right track.
Blueberry Smoothie
½ to 1 cup of blueberries
1 banana
½ to 1 cup of vanilla yogurt
coconut, almond, pea or cow’s milk
Toss these ingredients together in your blender and combine. Use as much milk as you feel suits your needs. Remember, by adding more you’re diluting the solids. If you want a thicker drink, add less. For more leftovers at lunchtime, pour it on.
Strawberry Delight
Strawberries, just like blueberries, are naturally high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are two of the protective compounds found in plants. Frozen berries can be an effective component in smoothies but these berries are always tastiest when in season in your area. Shop local, if you can!
½ to 1 cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 banana
1 tbsp of flaxseed or chia seeds
strawberry jam (to taste)
your favourite milk
Combine and enjoy.
Coffee Lover’s Smoothie
Is coffee a healthy snack? Consider this. According to a study done back in 2018, coffee contains compounds that have been shown to have effects similar to antioxidants, in animals. These components include caffeine, chlorogenic acid, trigonelline, kahweol, and cafestol. Experts aren’t entirely certain if coffee protects you against inflammation in exactly the same way as other foods, but consuming some within reason likely isn’t going to hurt you, and it could actually be doing some good. Another reason for another latté!
Many coffee smoothies contain nut butter. Add it in here, if you want something more substantial.
2 spoonfuls of instant coffee grounds
½ cup of vanilla yogurt
Shredded coconut
1 banana
Milk
Ice cubes
Blend a sip your new morning brew.
Are You Nuts Smoothie
Like coffee, nuts could also be further down on your list when brainstorming anti-inflammatory foods. Walnuts, however, are your system-soothing friend. They have one of the highest levels of antioxidants compared to other nuts. With almost twice as many antioxidants as their common counterparts including peanuts, hazelnuts, macadamias and pistachios, this nut is impressive.
A handful of walnuts also comes with a plethora of other health benefitsincluding the ability to lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
1 cup of frozen mango
½ cup of walnuts
your favourite milk
maple syrup to taste
Enjoy!
Mixology
If one thing is good and another is even better, why not combine them for a solid dose of the fantasmagorical? Mixology pulls a bit from all 4 recipes here for your best anti-inflammatory combo. Sweet.
A handful of walnuts
1 cup of vanilla yogurt
Blueberries
Strawberries
1 banana
Coffee-grinds, instant, or already brewed
Your choice of milk
Which one would you try? Comment below and let us know!
