This iced ginger turmeric smoothie is a perfect mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up! And its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties will leave your body cheering!

Hot Weather Sipping

It’s hot out! And while I’m a traditional girl when it comes to coffee (I like to savor a hot cup of coffee or espresso), I love other types of cold, icy drinks–from fruit-infused sparkling water to icy cold smoothies.

Enter this ginger turmeric smoothie. I have been enjoying this summery beverage at least once a week for the past couple of months. I love that it’s so easy to whip up, and both refreshing and invigorating. And, like the turmeric roasted chickpea and quinoa salad that I posted about last week, it gives me another way to incorporate turmeric into my diet.

What is Turmeric?

Why all the fuss about turmeric? Turmeric grows like a root and is commonly used in Asian cooking and is also part of curry. Turmeric contains a yellow compound known as curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric have known anti-inflammatory effects, meaning they may help decrease inflammation or swelling in the body. And who doesn’t want that? From sore joints to sinus swelling to who knows what else, I know that I certainly need anti-inflammatory components in my diet.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is another spice that comes from a root. It’s known to help alleviate digestive issues, such as an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting. Like turmeric, ginger also has anti-inflammatory components and some studies suggest that it may be helpful for conditions such as osteoarthritis.

In addition to their anti-inflammatory components, both ginger and turmeric provide antioxidants too! Adding a touch of black pepper to the smoothie helps your body absorb the curcumin.

Ginger Turmeric Availability

Our local Whole Foods now carries the whole turmeric, right next to the whole ginger, so I have been buying that now and then. But you can make this smoothie with either whole or dried turmeric. Experiment and mix it up!

The idea for this drink came from golden milk, basically a warm version of this drink but made without a banana. I thought this would be really good as a cold smoothie/latte-type drink. I had also tried adding turmeric to my fruit smoothies but found that the turmeric flavor often overpowered the fruit flavor.

Gentle Nutrition For Active Individuals

This iced ginger turmeric smoothie can be part of a perfect post-workout snack too. Just enjoy it with a food that contains a good combination of protein and fat, such as a handful of nuts, a mini frittata, or crackers and hummus. Add some fresh fruit, avocado, whole grain toast, or granola if you need more calories!

Iced Ginger Turmeric Smoothie

This dairy free ginger-turmeric smoothie is perfect for a mid-morning or afternoon pick me up. Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory and also rich in antioxidants. Almond milk provides B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin D, and calcium.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• 1 high powered blender

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
• ½ frozen banana if using fresh banana add a couple of extra ice cubes
• ½ inch peeled ginger root
• 1 teaspoon turmeric or ½-inch piece peeled, fresh turmeric root
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 2 ice cubes

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and whiz until smooth. Pour into a tall glass over ice. Sprinkle with some extra cinnamon if desired and enjoy!

Keyword anti-inflammatory

Sources:

http://nutritionfacts.org/2015/02/05/why-pepper-boosts-turmeric-blood-levels/

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginger

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662