It’s summer so you’re probably already drinking a smoothie. Did you add any of this delicious, nutritious spices to your mix? Each one can (and should) be added to all of your smoothies. So whether you’ve got a solid recipe, or an ever-changing one – try tossing in a few spices next time.
Rosemary
Full of anti-inflammatory compounds like carnosic acid and carnosol which inhibit pain and inflammation, add 1-2 tsp of rosemary to your smoothies to improve your mood, clear your headaches and help your body prevent cancer.
Cayenne pepper
Extremely powerful, cayenne pepper helps with upset stomach, sore throats, coughs, and diarrhea, but it also helps any other spice. Start slow adding only ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon at a time, as it can get a little spicy. Cayenne helps metabolize and detoxify by increasing the flow of digestive enzyme and gastric juices.
Turmeric
Healthy immune, digestive and cardiovascular systems are supported by turmeric. It also helps to detox your liver, which is usually busy detoxing your entire body. For the top 9 reasons to use turmeric as often as possible, click here. Add a couple teaspoons to your next smoothie.
Mint
Mint is so powerful that even the smell of it can help relieve congestion problems. 3-4 leaves will freshen your smoothie and freshen up your breath as well. Mint also eases a worried tummy, and grows so easily that you should plant some yourself.
Cilantro
Cilantro will detox the heavy metals your body does not need. It also helps your blood by preventing vascular damage and lowering blood sugar. This spice goes great with the strong tastes of banana and mango – you can add lots of cilantro to your smoothies.
Cinnamon
This one seems obvious, but we don’t just add cinnamon for flavor – although it is delicious. Cinnamon actually regulates your blood sugar, so adding it to a fruit-filled smoothie is a great idea. Cinnamon has compounds that kill infection, reduce cancer cells, and ease the pain of arthritis. Try adding 1-2 tsp in your next smoothie, and start naturally healing your body.
Ginger
This digestive helps stimulate blood circulation and metabolism. It also fights the common cold and flu, so start incorporating ginger into all your fall smoothies. Shave an inch or two of fresh ginger, or combine it with cinnamon to get a Gingersnap cookie taste.
Cloves
Vitamins, minerals, fiber – if you’re looking for these look no further than cloves. One of cloves hidden talents is that it reduces pressure, gas, and bloating in the stomach promoting easier passage. A powerful anti-inflammatory, cloves help fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Add 1-2 tsp of clove powder to your smoothie to get all of its health benefits.
Vanilla
Vanilla has two major benefits and one is its taste – but the number one benefit of vanilla is its ability to reduce nausea. Vanilla is calming and relaxing so it helps to destress – adding 1-2 tsp of fresh vanilla to your smoothies will a great way to feel calm.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg has long been used to treat digestive problems, skin problems, and dental care – so it makes sense that you’d put it in your smoothie. A natural compound in nutmeg called myristicin helps prevent degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. 1-2 tsp of fresh nutmeg powder is the suggested amount for smoothies.
