This smoothie is delicious, nourishing, easy to make and healthy. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals and has incredible health benefits thanks to its wonderful ingredients. Don’t you love it when something is super healthy and delicious at the same time? This is the great smoothie to have in the morning if you want to give a little boost to your immune system, while nourishing your body with the essential nutrients it needs.

WHY AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SMOOTHIE?

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism of the body and is not harmful in itself. However, chronic inflammation of the body may be the source of many hormonal imbalances and health problems. It is therefore important to have a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods thus promoting overall good health. That's why I included these two spices in this smoothie:

• Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent thanks to its active ingredient, turmeric longa, from which it holds its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps relieve chronic inflammation of the body, muscle and joint pain and digestive disorders. It also helps detoxify the blood and liver, and protect the body. In addition, turmeric is very rich in antioxidants, which make it effective to prevent many cancers.

• Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial spice effective to fight infections, improve digestion, reduce intestinal, muscle and joint pains, and strengthen the immune system. When combined with turmeric, ginger may help prevent certain types of cancer. It is a stimulating and invigorating herb that can give you a real boost when you are tired. Ginger also helps improve turmeric absorption in the body.

But that's not all. This smoothie also contains other healthy fruits and vegetables:

• Banana is a good source of antioxidants, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. It is a highly nutritious fruit that helps boost energy, strengthens endurance, improves digestion, strengthens bones and muscles.

• Carrot is rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E. It promotes cardiovascular health and has a protective effect against certain type of cancers including lung cancer. It helps improves complexion and vision.

• Pear is rich in vitamin C, B, E and potassium. It is a high source of fiber which helps improve intestinal transit, lower bad cholesterol level in the blood and prevent cardiovascular disease. It is also rich in antioxidants and helps strengthen the immune system.

• Orange is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber. It helps boost energy, relieve digestive disorders, strengthen the immune system and fight fatigue. It is also beneficial for good bone health.

INGREDIENTS

Portions 2

• 2 ripe bananas

• 2 carrots, juiced

• 1 ripe pear (with skin on)

• 1/2 tsp fresh ginger

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (or a small piece of fresh turmeric)

• 1/2 orange, juiced

• 1/2 cup (125ml) almond milk

METHOD:

1. Start by making your carrot juice. If you don’t have a juicer, put two carrots in a blender with a bit of filtered water and blend until smooth. Strain using a clean cotton fabric or a sieve. Collect the juice and transfer to a glass.

2. Add all ingredients to a blender, including the carrot juice. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the smoothie’s flavor and consistency to your liking. You may add more spices or almond milk as needed. It should be naturally sweet thanks to the ripe bananas and pear.

3. Pour into a glass and drink fresh. You may keep the remaining smoothie in the fridge for 1-2 days.