Anti-Inflammatory Tropical Smoothie

---

a little glass of Paradise!!

Not only does this smoothie taste like tropical paradise it packs a blast of anti-inflammatory and healing spices, such as fresh turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and even, fresh cracked black pepper (don't worry, I'll explain). It's a lot of sweet with a little kick! You'll want to lick up every last drop of this Anti-Inflammatory Tropical Smoothie and your body will thank you for it.

By now, most people have heard all about turmeric. If not turmeric, maybe you've heard of curcumin, which is the active substance in turmeric that gives it it's bright orange color and superpowers!

Turmeric is most commonly known as an Indian spice, as it is the main ingredient in many Indian dishes, such as curries. That is because turmeric is the dried root of the curcuma longa plant, which is locally grown in India and Southeast Asia. You can find either the whole root in the produce section of your local health food store or dried in the spice aisle.

Although turmeric is most commonly seen in savory dishes such as stews, curries and soups, it can also be a fantastic add in to sweet dishes, like this smoothie and elixirs, providing medicinal properties and beautifully bright color. As much as our bodies love turmeric, they need a little help absorbing curcumin, which is why we pair it with a pinch of black pepper. Black pepper contain piperine (1), the magic key needed to increase absorption and bioavailability.

5 REASONS TURMERIC (CURCUMIN) ROCKS:

1. Curcumin may be nature’s strongest anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown it to work stronger that NSAIDs (i.e. aspirin and ibuprofen), without the gastrointestinal side effects. Making it a safe effective source to treat inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune diseases, IBS, and even lupus. (2)

2. Curcumin has been shown to repair DNA damage of those exposed to cancer-inducing arsenic, a carcinogenic heavy metal, that many are exposed to daily. (3)

3. Curcumin has shown to possess several forms of cancer-preventing properties and is a power antioxidant. Turmeric has been recognized as medicinal and used for thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

4. Curcumin has also been used in effectively treating skin disorders such as psoriasis, clearing up acne and even fading acne scars. (4)

5. Curcumin studies have shown it may be capable in enhancing antibody response, giving the immune system a boost. Making it a beneficial addition when treating arthritis, allergies, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and more! (5)

With all these qualities it is clear why turmeric is gaining popularity and without a doubt, here to stay! This smoothie is an excellent way to start incorporating or increasing turmeric in your diet. Once you have given it a try, be sure to share in the comments or snap a pic and share on Instagram using #sproutintowellness.

anti-inflammatory tropical smoothie

(Makes 2 Servings)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut milk*

• 1 fresh mango (or 1 1/2 cups frozen)

• 1 frozen banana

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple

• 1/2 lime, juiced (~1 TBSP)

• 1 1/2” fresh turmeric, peeled and grated (or 1/2 tsp ground turmeric)

• 1” fresh ginger, peeled and grated

• 1/2 TBSP ground cinnamon

• dash of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Best served immediately.

NOTES:

• I prefer using a full fat, no guar gum added, canned coconut milk, such as Native Forest. Using 1 can plus filtered water to reach the full 2 cups. Feel free to use coconut milk from a carton or fresh, whichever you have access to.

• If using all fresh fruit, add 1 cup of ice the blender to chill and thicken the smoothie. I always recommend frozen bananas for smoothies, as they give a creamy, ice cream like texture.