Firefighter Smoothie

This week we’ve been talking about detoxing – both when it comes to our food, and in our personal care and household products. Today’s recipe is not only great for helping the body to detox, but it’s also incredibly powerful in helping fight inflammation.

The reality is that most of us have some sort of inflammation going on within our bodies, and in this Firefighter Smoothie, you’ll find powerful antioxidants and phytonutrients to help combat that.

Berries and citrus fruit, along with dark leafy greens like kale and collards are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that help bring powerful anti-inflammation properties.

Ginger can help with nausea and digestive cramping, along with motion sickness. Ginger also helps to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds with a substance called gingerols. Gingerols inhibit the formation of inflammatory cytokines. In other words, it helps to prevent inflammation before it starts. These substances are believed to help with joint pain associated with arthritis, decreased swelling and stiffness when taken regularly.

Turmeric root and ground turmeric powder have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties, and its effects have been shown to be as effective as some prescription pain relievers and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.

Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow or orange color, also has powerful antioxidant actions that help to protect cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA and lead to cancer.

This smoothie not only packs a powerful nutritional and anti-inflammatory punch, it is also tasty and refreshing – perfect for this warm (almost!) summer weather!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Blackberries or Black Raspberries (or 1 tablespoon Black Raspberry nutritional powder)
1/2 cup Citrus or Tropical Fruit (e.g., Tangerine, Orange, Mandarin, Papaya, Mango, Guava, Apricot, Nectarine, etc.)
1 large Collard Green leaf
1/2-inch knob Ginger Root, fresh
1 large Kale leaf
1/2 cup Pomegranate Seeds (or 2 ounces Pomegranate Juice)
1-inch knob Turmeric Root, fresh (or 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric)
Water, for taste and texture

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender. Pulse blender a few times, then blend until desired consistency is reached.

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