Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Pineapple Smoothie

Packed with superfoods like cherries, hemp seeds, ginger, turmeric, and kale, this healthy and delicious smoothie will help keep inflammation at bay!

There was a time in my life where the only smoothie I craved was one with bloobs, cacao, and avocado. It was creamy. It was chocolatey. It was oh so slurpable. It embodied all my wildest smoothie dreams.

Then it got warm outside. All the sudden all my body wanted was tropical-ness. Ginger. Pineapple. Coconut water. Oh my! My taste buds have taken me on many smoothie journeys, but this current blend gets me all hot and bothered each and every morning. It's just creamy enough from the hemp seeds yet totally light, refreshing, and invigorating from all the other ingredients.

Before we have a chat about this superstar lineup and just how anti-inflammatory they are in their own right, lettuce define inflammation. Inflammation happens when our immune systems attacks a foreign substance in the body, like chemicals or  invading microbes. But wait---this is a good thing!

The not-so-protective kind happens from lifestyle factors like poor diet and smoking, which produce free radicals. Antioxidant-packed foods like berries, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, nuts, and seeds can help combat the inflammatory disease process and actually prevent illness by neutralizing free radicals. That's right---the free radical damage that causes so many of the diseases that plague our generation (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.) can be reduced by some of our favorite plant foods!

Let's begin with kale. First, it's a great source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and regulation of the body’s inflammatory process. One cup of these lovely leaves provides 10% of the recommended daily amount of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Ginger gives this smoothie a delish zingy flavor. Its functional compounds known as gingerols, shogaol, and paradols help reduce the formation of free radicals and prevent the formation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. So scientific!

Turmeric is a highly anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory root thanks to its active compound curcumin. Secret!! Black peppers helps to activate curcumin, so I always add a pinch whenever I use turmeric. You won't taste it, I swear!

Bee tee dubs, if fresh ginger and turmeric intimidate you, don't let them! I bought a knob (about the length of a finger) of each at my local Kroger. It cost less than a dollar and prep couldn't be easier. Just give it a rinse, chop off a little knob for a smoothie (I don't even peel it), and you're golden. Literally. If you're still intimidates you, just use the dried kind from your spice cabinet. I won't tell.

Now onto the seedies. I love that they're neutral in flavor and add that perfect touch of creaminess to smoothies thanks to those heart-healthy fats. Did you know hemp seeds are actually the highest protein seeds? It's no surprise that they're one of my go-to options for clients when it comes to quick ways to boost protein and healthy fats. Sprinkle 'em on toast, salad, oatmeal, yogurt...you name it!

Hip, hip, horray! I mean hemp.

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