Here’s just a little about the blender that makes ingredients that are good for your body even better on your taste buds. From dips to soups to our personal favorite smoothies, swirling toppings is a surefire way to create deliciously creamy, smooth and even beverages without the fuss. Unlike juicing, blending doesn’t remove any nutritional benefits (looking at you, fiber) from the drink. Morning, afternoon or night, there’s no better pick-me-up than sipping on a chilled smoothie through a straw, which takes 90 seconds to prepare.
Besides convenience, smoothies offer an easy opportunity to incorporate more heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, especially fresh or frozen produce. Given that the main ingredients in most smoothies tend to be fruits or vegetables, many of these drinks are naturally anti-inflammatory, rich in fiber, and loaded with important vitamins and minerals that support the cardiovascular system. In particular, vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which are abundant in citrus fruits, strawberries, mangoes, etc., are key antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol-induced plaque buildup, thereby preventing atherosclerosis Heart disease such as sclerosis. Other key smoothie ingredients—especially yogurt and kefir—are great sources of probiotics that can help keep your gut microbiome in balance. Gut health is an important part of maintaining a strong immune system, fighting against Symptoms of depression and anxiety has been linked to a lower risk of chronic disease, including heart disease.
To help you up the ante on your smoothie-making repertoire, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite heart-healthy smoothie recipes that are as delicious as they are nutritious.
8 Heart-Healthy Smoothie Recipes That Are Anti-Inflammatory
1. 4-Ingredient Iced Banana Turmeric Smoothie
Inspired by some of the longest-lived people on Earth, this heart-healthy smoothie comes together in a snap and tastes like a spiced banana smoothie. The recipe comes from the team at Blue Zones, a research group led by Dan Buettner that documented the habits of the five regions with the most centenarians (you can bet that these four ingredients are part of the Blue Zones diet).
2. Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie Bowl
For a delicious smoothie that will help you sleep better at night. Use frozen bananas for extra creaminess, and of course, a dollop of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread for a hint of sweetness.
3. Spinach Berry Smoothie
We love this berry smoothie with spinach and probiotics from chef and Well+Good council member Candice Kumai. Berries provide plenty of antioxidants and gut-friendly fiber, plus they help fight inflammation and support your immune system. Yogurt offers probiotics and more benefits for gut health, while spinach is a great source of plant-based iron for bone health.
4. Turmeric, Ginger and Apple Spice Smoothie
Even among other superfoods, turmeric and ginger are especially good for your body. A powerful anti-inflammatory herb, turmeric has been used for literally millennia to help humans stay strong and healthy. Ginger packs an equally punchy flavor profile and is super easy to digest (remember when you were a kid with stomach aches and ginger ale was your drink of choice? The fiber and pectin in apples make this fruit a powerhouse for gut health to the source.
5. Blueberry Coconut Smoothie
A favorite of Meghan Markle, this blueberry coconut smoothie packs a protein punch, thanks to the added protein powder. Using frozen blueberries helps make this recipe easy to make (as well as antioxidant-rich) in any season, and the addition of coconut gives this smoothie an even higher level of creaminess and tropical flavor.
6. Spa Smoothie
If green smoothies are more your thing, we highly recommend this “spa smoothie” from Kelly LeVeque, Jessica Alba’s holistic nutritionist. This one is full of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and a hint of citrus. Not only is it easy on the taste buds, but the beautiful green color is also easy on the eyes.
7. Gut-Healthy Pineapple Smoothie Bowl
If you’re looking for a delicious, tropical-inspired smoothie, look no further than this gut-friendly Pineapple Smoothie Bowl. , pineapple is especially beneficial for gut health, thanks to the enzyme bromelain, which helps stimulate digestion. A cup of pineapple also provides three grams of fiber, which can help with regularity. When it comes to heart-healthy smoothie recipes, it doesn’t get much better.
8. Banana Bread Smoothie
This dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan smoothie has the added bonus of being absolutely delicious because it tastes a lot like a slice of banana bread (hence the name). Then there’s the array of health benefits associated with bananas at various stages of ripening — from their high fiber content to their antioxidant levels. The point is? It’s a smoothie that’s good for your body in so many ways.