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.
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!
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
Add all ingredients into high-speed blender.
Blend on medium to high until smooth; 2-4 minutes.
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.
Enjoy sippin’ on sunshine! And all the benefits that come with it!
xx,
mallory
SOURCES
Organic Facts. 15 Important Vitamin A or Retinol Benefits.
Organic Facts. 15 Amazing Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Benefits.
Medical News Today. All you need to know about beta-carotene.
Mayo Clinic. Dietary FIber: Essential for a healthy diet.
Healthline. 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.