Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of serious diseases and health problems from various cancers, to autoimmune disorders, even Alzheimer’s [1].
So what better way to help manage inflammation than with a delicious and tropical anti-inflammatory smoothie?
This smoothie is absolutely packed with anti-inflammatory goodness with turmeric, chia seeds, pineapple, and ginger!
This definitely isn’t your average green smoothie!
Thanks to the fresh fruit and pineapple it has a sweet tropical flavor with a subtle warming kick from the ginger and turmeric – super unique and refreshing!
If you’re looking for a more traditional green smoothie flavor instead, then you’ll love this kale mango smoothie.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Ingredients
Let’s take a look at some of the active ingredients and their amazing benefits:
Turmeric:
Turmeric is the star of the show here. This anti-inflammatory “superfood” contains curcumin, a powerful and medicinal anti-inflammatory compound. [2]
It is important to note that curcumin is not readily bioavailable (able to be absorbed by our bodies). By consuming curcumin with peperine (found in black pepper) the bioavailability of curcumin is increased by 2000% [3]. Curcumin is also fat soluble which is why the coconut oil is added to this recipe.
Related: Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots
Chia Seeds:
A major cause of inflammation in Western diets is an imbalance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Modern diets contain way too much omega-6 and are deficient in omega-3. Chia seeds are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to help balance out your diet. [4]
Chia seeds are one of my favorite ways to boost my green smoothies!
Pineapple:
Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which is used to treat inflammatory diseases. This enzyme helps regulate unwanted inflammation caused by the body’s immune response. [5]
Ginger:
It’s common knowledge that ginger is great for digestion, but did you know it also has anti-inflammatory properties? Thanks to a phenolic compound called 6-Gingerol, ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory food. [6] Ginger is also super versatile, it’s good in everything from smoothies to stir fry. I even put it in my detox waters!
To make this powerful pineapple turmeric anti-inflammatory smoothie, start by preparing the fruit and peeling the ginger.
If you have a high quality blender you can simply add all the ingredients and blend to your desired consistency.
Otherwise, you’ll want to blend the spinach with the almond milk until well combined first. This makes it easier to break down the spinach so you aren’t chewing it while drinking your smoothie!
The crushed black pepper seems like a strange ingredient in a smoothie but it is such a small amount that you can’t taste it at all.
Its only purpose is to increase the absorption of the good stuff in the turmeric as discussed earlier.
That’s it, your done. Just add a slice of pineapple to your cup and enjoy the refreshing tropical flavors with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits!
More Superfood drink Recipes
Can’t get enough superfoods? You’ll love these other delicious healthy drinks:
Pineapple Turmeric Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
- Author: Kailey
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
This isn’t your average green smoothie! Thanks to the fresh fruit and pineapple it has a sweet tropical flavor with a subtle warming kick from the ginger and turmeric – so unique and refreshing! This smoothie is also packed with anti-inflammatory goodness from the turmeric to the chia seeds to the pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Pineapple
- 1.5 cups Spinach
- 1 Apple
- 1 Pear
- 2 inches Ginger
- 2 tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 cup Coconut Water
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Black Pepper (For turmeric bioavailability)
- 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (For turmeric bioavailability)
- *Optional: 1 scoop Personalized Protein Blend
Instructions
- Peel ginger and remove the cores, stems, and seeds from the apple, pear, and pineapple
- Add spinach and coconut water to the blender and blend until well combined
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend to desired consistency
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Use at least 1 frozen fruit or a handful of ice for a creamy and cold smoothie
- I use a protein brand called Gainful. They create a personalized protein blend for your specific needs whether that’s weight loss, muscle gain, recovery or more. They also cater to a variety of dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, keto, and various allergies. You can find out which protein blend is the perfect fit for you by taking the protein quiz!
- Category: Smoothie
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory smoothie, Turmeric smoothie
Hover over the photo to pin this recipe!
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492709/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section2
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/
- https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best-foods-for-arthritis/best-nuts-and-seeds-for-arthritis.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22517542
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25230520
Rebecca
Really good for my arthritis thank you!!!
★★★★★
Brenda
How many calories is one serving ?
Kailey
Hi Brenda,
One serving is about 225 calories. Cheers!
Monica
We have been encouraged to leave the core in the pineapple as it has really good anti inflammatory properties.
Kailey
The pineapple core has been measured to have higher levels of Bromelain which is the anti inflammatory compound in pineapple. The core doesn’t have as much flavor and is much harder, but if you have a high speed blender that can fully break it down then it’s definitely worth leaving in!
Maria
Looks delicious. In the instructions you mention almond milk yet the recipe does not. How much almond milk.
Kailey
Hey Maria,
That is supposed to be coconut water not almond milk. Thanks for catching that!
Riley Waters
I can’t get the protein quiz to work, I really need protein
Kailey
Hi Riley, it is working on my end but maybe they are having problems with their website. Just try Gainful.com