Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie

SUNSHINE IN A GLASS, ANYONE?

Consider this your homemade Naked juice! I love a good blend of fruit and veggies and this is the perfect combination of both! A little sweet and a little spicy, this mix is perfect for this time of year! As the weather warms up, I tend to get my afternoon pick-me-ups from a big glass of whatever smoothie I’m feeling that day – and this one is bound to be a regular pick! 

Full of antioxidants and vitamins to keep your immune system humming through the (sometimes crazy) weather changes of spring, this smoothie can also give your mood a boost! Between the vitamin A and vitamin C content, as well as all the other nutrients, there are tons of benefits to adding this sip to your smoothie arsenal. 

orange ginger carrot smoothie 3

HEALTH BENEFITS

VITAMIN A

  • Immunity boost

  • Eye health

  • Skin health

  • Strong bone development (1)

VITAMIN C

  • Immunity boost

  • Collagen synthesis

  • Wound healing

  • Mood boost

  • Check out THIS POST for more!

BETA-CAROTENE

The red-orange pigment in fruits and vegetables like the carrots and orange in this recipe!

  • Antioxidant

  • Converts into Vitamin A (see above)

  • Potential to slow cognitive decline (3)

FIBER

  • Lowers cholesterol levels

  • Improves bowel health

  • Controls blood sugar levels

  • Reduction in colorectal cancer risk (4)

CURCUMIN

Compound in turmeric!

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Increases antioxidant capacity

  • Increases brain function

  • Decreases risk for chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer (5)

CHECK OUT THIS BRIGHT AND BENEFICIAL SMOOTHIE RECIPE!

orange carrot ginger smoothie 1

Carrot Orange Ginger Smoothie

Prep Time: 5 min
Servings: 1 smoothie

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 c unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 c chopped carrots

  • 1 medium orange (or 1/2 cup orange juice)

  • 1/2 banana

  • 1/2 inch peeled, fresh ginger

  • 1 tsp. lemon juice

  • 1 tsp. turmeric

  • 1 serving protein powder of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Add all ingredients into high-speed blender.

  2. Blend on medium to high until smooth; 2-4 minutes.

  3. Pour into glass and enjoy!

NUTRITION INFO (1 SMOOTHIE)

Calories: 270, Fat: 3g, Carbohydrates: 43g, Fiber: 8.4g, Sugar: 26g, Added Sugar: 0g, Protein: 22g
*protein content may vary depending on what you use; for this recipe – Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides


A LITTLE LESS SUGAR?

Skip the banana or split the smoothie in half! Keep in mind, added sugars and natural sugars are different and this one is full of all natural. Concerned about blood sugars? Opt to use the whole fruit instead of orange juice! The fiber in the fruit is eliminated in the juicing process, and fiber helps manage blood sugars.

HIGHER FAT?

Add in some full-fat coconut milk or your favorite nuts/seeds if you don’t mind a little bit grittier smoothie. 

orange ginger carrot smoothie 2

Enjoy sippin’ on sunshine! And all the benefits that come with it!

xx,
mallory

 

SOURCES

  1. Organic Facts. 15 Important Vitamin A or Retinol Benefits.

  2. Organic Facts. 15 Amazing Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Benefits.

  3. Medical News Today. All you need to know about beta-carotene.

  4. Mayo Clinic. Dietary FIber: Essential for a healthy diet.

  5. Healthline. 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.