Say goodbye to stiff, sore aches and pains with this inflammation-fighting smoothie. Cherries, pineapple, parsley, and turmeric do the heavy lifting to keep you feeling limber. Perfect for those who, like me, have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s, or any other autoimmune issue that attacks the joints.
Why it’s powerful:
Colorful pigments:
Cherries fight inflammation thanks to anthocyanins’ positive effects (red and purple plant pigments), which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These plant pigments are found in all red and purple fruits, including raspberries and blueberries, but cherries—especially tart cherries—contain higher levels. Woohoo!
Bromelain:
Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme shown to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Flavonoids!
Parsley contains the flavonoid luteolin, which helps block inflammatory proteins. It’s also high in antioxidants like vitamin C, A, and E, which can help soothe inflammation.
Curcumin:
Turmeric is part of the ginger family, where curcumin is the active ingredient. This golden spice supports immune health, helps relieve pain, and can aid in digestion, among other things. Turmeric contributes to healthy digestion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s used in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. Western medicine is finally catching up and beginning to study how turmeric can help with two measures of digestive efficiency: gut inflammation and gut permeability (healing leaky gut!).
Very Cherry Smoothie for Arthritis
Arthritis and joint pain get the boot with naturally inflammation-fighting foods in this sweet and tangy smoothie.
Check out the powerhouses that pack a punch:- Cherries fight inflammation thanks to anthocyanins' positive effects (red and purple plant pigments), which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These plant pigments are found in all red and purple fruits, including raspberries and blueberries, but cherries—especially tart cherries—contain higher levels. Woohoo!
- Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme shown to reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Add a little more if you're having a flare-up.
- Turmeric has curcumin that reduces inflammation and aids in digestion. It has a warm, bitter taste on its own, but is mellowed out by the pineapple in this concoction.
- Parsley contains the flavonoid luteolin, which helps block inflammatory proteins. It's also high in antioxidants like vitamin C, A, and E, which can help soothe inflammation.
To control my blood sugar and support a fast, I add a scoop Vital Proteins collagen powder to my smoothies. One scoop is about 10 grams of protein. It's odorless, tasteless, and dissolves instantly.
Collagen supports skin and joints' elasticity, and an added bonus is reducing brittleness in hair and nails. Yes, please!
It's also great for healing leaky gut and other stomach issues, which is essential in controlling an autoimmune issue like rheumatoid arthritis.
Ingredients
- 2 large handfuls of spinach (don't worry, it's tasteless in a smoothie)
- 1/2 cup of cherries (I like frozen cherries)
- 1/2 cup of pineapple (Use fresh or frozen. Never canned, which can have added sweeteners)
- 1/4 cup of parsley, stems and all (I prefer flat-leaf parsley)
- 1 tbsp raw cacao (powder, nibs, or beans)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1-2 scoops of collagen powder (see notes for link)
- Water to mix, about a cup
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender or NutriBullet cup, add all the above ingredients, adding the water last and just enough to mix, about a cup.
- Blend until smooth.
- Drink, and jump for joy!
Notes
OPTIONAL:
1 tsp cinnamon
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 58mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g
