Amazing Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

Rolled an ankle at the gym? Pulled a muscle hauling kids around? Injuries can be a real pain! Tenderness, stiffness, and the dreaded inflammation are all real drags when you have things to do and little people to chase around! You can get back to business faster simply by consuming foods that contain helpful nutrients that promote healing, like the quick and easy smoothie recipe below.

While there’s no magic spell that will instantly heal an injury, there are several other steps you can take that will speed up the process. Whether you use the traditional RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) or the so-hot-right-now METH method (movement, elevation, traction, heat), ensure you get those much-needed vitamins! Eating a plant-rich diet that contains whole foods will help keep inflammation out of your busy life!  

7 nutrients for a speedy recovery

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas)
• Enzymes
• Protein
• Zinc

Anti-inflammatory powerhouses

• Turmeric
• Pineapple
• Ginger
• Papaya
• Garlic
• Aloe vera juice
• Flax oil
• Hemp hearts

(Want to know more about amazing plant-based superfoods? Check out our Superfoods 101 primer--it's full of them!)

Tropical Spice Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

• 2-3 clementines, peeled, or 1 medium orange
• 1 c of unsweetened coconut water
• 1 c pineapple (frozen or fresh)
• 1 c mango (frozen or fresh)
• ½ -1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and chopped, or ½ -1 tsp of ground ginger
• 3 Tbsp hemp hearts
• ½ -1 tsp stevia to sweeten, optional

Blend and serve!

For fueling pre-workout or replenishing afterward, try this Strawberry Protein Smoothie recipe!