Our Go-To Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie That Will Help Heal You From The Inside Out

Heal your gut and detoxify your body with this green anti-inflammatory smoothie

At Little West, we love nutrient-dense juices and smoothies that are good for the body and mind. We’d like to introduce you to a fresh and easy-to-make anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe. This smoothie is ready in minutes, and will be loved by both kids and adults. Not only is it delicious, it is also good for your overall wellness.

Ingredients

• 1.5 Cups Almond Milk (unsweetened)
• 1/2 Cup H2O
• 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein (we love @bewellbykelly)
• 1 Huge Handful Spinach (or ~ 1 cup frozen spinach)
• 1 Small Persian Cucumber
• 2 Tbsp Almond Butter
• 2 tsp Chia Seeds
• 2 tsp Flax Seeds

Instructions

1. Wash the spinach and the cucumber, and cut the cucumber into smaller pieces (and remove the dry ends of the cucumber if preferred). 
2. Add the spinach and the cucumber into the blender with the rest of the ingredients (extra tip: add a few ice cubes if you want this green anti-inflammatory smoothie to be even more refreshing). 
3. Start blending with a slower speed, and then gradually increase the speed. Blend for 20-40 seconds (depending on the blender) until the ingredients are as smooth as possible. Don’t let the blender run too long, as it can affect the nutrients. 
4. Pour your drink into a glass and enjoy. You can also top the smoothie with some delicious toppings, such as bee pollen, goji berries or cacao nibs. 

Why Are Green Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies So Good For You?

Firstly, green anti-inflammatory smoothies are high in vitamin-C which is known to prevent and fight against inflammation. According to Lorraine Johnson, greens like spinach contain high alkalinity properties which are great for people who are suffering inflammatory ailments, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies have also shown that fruits and vegetables can increase the levels of important vitamins and antioxidants in our bodies. These nutrients are the key to our overall health and well-being. 

Another study shows that popular ingredients used in green smoothies, like ginger and turmeric, can relieve pain, protect against illness and decrease nausea on top of enhancing the immune system. Both ginger and turmeric are high in anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, which makes them a great ingredient for healthy anti-inflammatory green smoothie recipes. 

Get Creative When Making Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies

You don’t always have to follow an anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe, if you know what ingredients are great for preventing inflammation. We’ll help you out:

The base of the smoothie should be a simple liquid that doesn't add many sugars and fats into the smoothie. We recommend bases such as unsweetened nut milks, fresh squeezed juices, or even water. 

Greens, such as spinach, kale and spirulina are amazing for making the smoothie high in nutrients and minerals. Add a handful of fresh greens or a spoonful of spirulina into a smoothie, to make it deliciously green and healthy.

Now that we have the base and the greens sorted, next we want some flavor and texture. Bananas and avocados are great for bringing a smooth texture. To give this smoothie an even better anti-inflammatory kick, add a handful of berries, citrus fruits or a peeled piece of fresh ginger or turmeric. These ingredients will also bring delicious flavor.

Also Read - 5 Anti Inflammation Smoothie Recipes For A Healthy Winter

Lastly, you want some good fats and oils into this anti-inflammatory smoothie. Add a spoonful of any kind of nut butter that you like or some seeds, such as chia seeds, flax seeds or hemp seeds.

Extra tip: even if making a clean and lean smoothie that contains nothing but greens, always add a few drops of olive oil. Why? Oil helps you absorb all the nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals from the veggies! If you’re adding nut butters, seeds and nuts, adding oil is not necessary since they already contain good fats and oils.

How Should I Store My Delicious Anti Inflammatory Smoothie?

Freshly made delicious smoothies are usually best consumed immediately after making them. However, you can store them in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just remember, that with natural ingredients (and no preservatives and additives) separation is natural. Your smoothie will likely form a thicker layer on the top and have a clearer liquid at the bottom - this is completely normal. Just give it a stir or a shake, and it’s ready to enjoy!