July is Nutrition Month. May we always remember to nourish our bodies with healthy food. Start with some fruits and vegetables. Throw in some healthy fats and oils, protein, and whole grains, too. Finally, stay hydrated and drink lots of water.
Want to reduce inflammation in a refreshing and delicious way? Try this anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe from the Institute of Functional Medicine. This recipe features powerhouse ingredients like kale and collard greens, blackberries, and pomegranates, among others.
ANTI-INFLAMMATION RECIPE
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup blackberries (or 1 tbsp black raspberry nutritional powder)
- ½ cup citrus or tropical fruit (e.g. papaya, orange, tangerine, mango, guava)
- 1 large collard green leaf
- ½-inch knob fresh ginger root
- 1 large kale leaf
- ½ cup pomegranate juice (or 2 ounces pomegranate juice)
- 1-inch knob fresh turmeric root (or ½ teaspoon ground turmeric)
- Water for taste and texture
- Put everything in the blender and whiz until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Health benefits
Blackberries
- Packed with fiber
- Good source of vitamin C
- Improves cognitive and motor skills
- Reduces oxidative stress
Citrus fruits
- Low in calories
- Loaded with fiber
- Rich in vitamins and plant compounds
Ginger root
- Improves blood sugar regulation
- Reduces nausea
- May help lower cholesterol
Collard greens
- High in fiber and water content
- Packed with nutrients and low in calories
- Contain antioxidants
Kale
- Loaded with powerful antioxidants
- Packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K, B, C, calcium, and manganese
Pomegranate
- Boosts digestive health
- Reduces insulin resistance
- Packed with antioxidants
Turmeric
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Improves heart health
Smoothies are great to have practically at any time of the day. Want a quick breakfast? Grab a smoothie. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Your best bet is a smoothie. Let us know when you’ve tried this! We only have one body. Let’s take care of it so it will take care of us, too. Let’s stay healthy together! 💚
#functionalmedicine #lifesciencephil #backtobesthealth #rootcausemedicine #standardofcareplus #antiinflammatorysmoothie #smoothies #healthysmoothie #nutrition #nutritionmonth
(n.d.). 6 benefits of blackberries for your health – Medical News Today. Retrieved July 6, 2022
(n.d.). Collard greens: Benefits, nutrition, diet, and risks. Retrieved July 6, 2022
(2021, October 14). 3 Ginger Health Benefits – Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved July 6, 2022
(n.d.). Pomegranate juice benefits for your health and other FAQs. Retrieved July 6, 2022
(2018, June 29). 10 Health Benefits of Kale – Healthline. Retrieved July 6, 2022
(n.d.). The Institute for Functional Medicine | Information and educational …. Retrieved July 8, 2022
