Perk-Up Ginger Smoothie: An Energizing, Anti-Inflammatory Vegan Treat
My Perk-Up Ginger Smoothie is the perfect vegan, gluten-free start for your morning or to help you push through the afternoon slump with free-radical busting power, natural nutrition and no added sugar!
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When I need an extra boost to get me through a busy afternoon, I reach for this Perk-Up Ginger Smoothie! Fresh ginger adds a spicy zing to wake you up and provide a potent anti-inflammatory boost. The potent nutrients in each real food ingredient power up my cells and help me focus without caffeine or added sugar. This Perk-Up Ginger Smoothie is the perfect example of the power of whole foods to energize, help us cleanse and renourish the body.
Ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and other savory spices are the perfect complements to savory and sweet treats. As I highlighted in my recent post, savory spices like ginger add a healthy superfood boost along with a punch of flavor. I add a good amount of fresh organic ginger to my smoothie which gives a definite spicy bite, but you can adjust the quantity of ginger to your taste.
Ginger is a strong anti-inflammatory spice which is best known for its ability to help qualm nausea, including that from morning sickness, chemotherapy and sea sickness. I which helps prevent blood clots and slows the development of atherosclerosis. Gingerols are potent inflammation-reducing substances that support cell health and may help prevent chronic diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and even cancer. Ginger has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, nausea, indigestion and digestive imbalance.
I add parsley for its rich mineral and vitamin content and detoxifying chlorophyll. Parsley contains calcium, iron and magnesium along with potassium for healthy fluid balance in the body.
The apple and carrot help to balance out the spice of the ginger and savory greens with some natural sweetness. If you prefer your smoothies a bit sweeter you could add a few drops of liquid stevia to taste.
Some natural sweetness along comes from the cucumber. One of my favorite ways to keep my smoothies creamy, smooth and nutrient-dense (without bananas!) is to freeze some cucumbers to add instead of ice cubes. This low-sugar option adds vitamin C and silica, which supports healthy skin and also soothe the digestive tract.
Chia seeds also help thicken the smoothie while adding healthy fats. If you prefer or avoid seeds, you can leave them out, and the smoothie will still be smooth and delicious!
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Perk-Up Ginger Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cucumber sliced and frozen
- 1 large handful baby kale or green of your choice
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 apple cored and seeded
- 1 carrot cut into chunks
- 1 lemon
- 2 inch pieces of fresh ginger root
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Freeze the cucumber ahead of time to provide a creamy chill to your smoothie.
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender with enough water or coconut water to blend well. Add additional liquid to reach desired consistency. Enjoy immediately!
What is your favorite way to overcome the afternoon slump?
Do you have a go-to smoothie?
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This post was shared with: Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop, Two Cup Tuesday, Marvelous in my Monday, Meatless Mondays, Allergy-Free Wednesday, What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, A Little Bird Told Me Link Party, Wow Us Wednesdays, Gluten-Free Recipe Fix, Full Plate Thursday, Healthy Living Link Party, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday. Gluten-Free Fridays, Friday’s Five Features and Fun Festivities, Real Food Fridays, Savoring Saturdays, LinkLove
Comments
Deborah Davis
This is just what I need! It’s such a pleasure to read and share your healthy, delectable, energizing, and anti-Inflammatory Perk-Up Ginger Smoothie. Thank you for partying with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing this!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you so much Deborah! I appreciate the shares and your kind words.
Miz Helen
I love Ginger and would love this smoothie! Hope you have a very special week and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Miz Helen
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you Helen! Hope you enjoy your week as well!
Marla
Hi Dr. Jennifer,
Wow what a wealth of health this smoothie has. Ginger to be is one of the most valuable herbs we have. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you so much Marla! Ginger really is delicious.
megan
I absolutely loveee ginger in my smoothies! I also add cucumber a lot but hadn’t thought of freezing them! Such a great idea!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thanks Megan! I really like how frozen cucumber adds creaminess, flavor and nutrition!
jules
This looks fantastic! We’ve been juicing a very similar mixture. I love the idea of freezing the cukes – ingenious!
~jules
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thanks Jules! I love how frozen cucumbers make smoothies creamy without bananas, since I am allergic.
Rebecca Strength and Sunshine
Yum! This sounds so clean and refreshing for the body!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE
Thank you Rebecca! I love a green drink for fresh energy!