Fight inflammation in the most delicious with this easy anti-inflammatory blueberry smoothie recipe. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack full of berries, spinach and more!
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Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie: All in the Name
I really tried hard to think of more of a catchy name for this smoothie.
There was the Blazing Blueberry Smoothie, the Blue Heat Smoothie, and several others not worth mentioning. When it came down to it though, this smoothie adds a ton of inflammation fighting foods and spices so the key word is Anti-inflammatory. In all honesty, it’s not the most catchy, however, these days it is quite the buzz word in all things related to health and nutrition.
So what is all of the buzz about eating foods with anti-inflammatory powers?
Inflammation is like salt. A pinch is a good thing, but get a tad too much and it ruins everything.
There are actually a lot of foods that are considered anti-inflammatory.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods:
1. Wild Caught Salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation and these fish are a great source.
2. Whole Grains. We have heard time and time again to cut out the white, refined flour so this is just one more reason to do it!
3. Dark, leafy greens. I have been adding these to my husband’s smoothies lately and he has finally stopped complaining. The list of benefits from eating your greens is so long so this just is icing on the cake, right?
4. Nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews and more. Again, the omega-3 fatty acids are loaded in all kinds of nuts.
5. Spices: ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and more.
6. Berries. These fruits are loaded with anti-oxidants as well so load up on your berries!
7. Garlic. Sure it’s potent to the breath, but it is an anti-inflammation powerhouse!
8. Olive Oil. Many studies on the Mediterranean diet that is rich in extra virgin olive oil show the benefits when it comes to combatting inflammation.
9. Avocados. Yes! I can’t live without these so just another reason to eat them daily!
10. Beans. These are a great protein source and high in fiber as well!
Your body is equipped with the tools it needs to fight inflammation but when I feel like I am getting sick or things feel off, I like to add a little boost!
More on this Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie
I guess you can see why it was pretty tough to come up with anything catchy for this smoothie, but don’t let the name fool you, it is delicious and full of flavor and character. I have been on a cayenne kick lately when it comes to my smoothies so this Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie is just the right balance of sweet and spicy.
Blueberries, leafy greens, almond butter, cinnamon, cayenne and even the Maca powder (optional) offer anti-inflammatory qualities so you are ready for anything with this one! If you are not one for heat, lighten up on the cayenne at first but I wouldn’t skip it completely, it just adds a bit of flair to the whole smoothie.
Toss everything in the blender and things will really get fired up! So go eat up and fight some inflammation!
What you will need to make this Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie:
- Frozen Banana: I am a firm believer that all smoothies need a frozen banana or some sort of frozen base to make them thick, creamy and cold. Bananas are always always in our freezer because you never know when you will crave a smoothie!
- Blueberries: I prefer frozen but fresh are great as well. I find them to have a touch more sweetness and that’s what I love!
- Spinach or leafy greens: Spinach is my go to–I have never been much for kale. If kale is more your thing , then go for it!
- Almond Butter: I love adding a nut butter to most of my smoothies. Gives them a bit of bulk in my opinion.
- Almond Milk: More almonds are always a great thing in my opinion. You can certainly use your preferred milk for this blueberry smoothie.
- Cinnamon: Adds a touch of sweet spice.
- Cayenne: Cayenne makes this smoothie in my opinion. It doesn’t add any flavor but a sensation of heat right along with the sweet. Don’t miss out on this! But if you really really can’t do the cayenne, maybe try to add some turmeric instead. Turmeric is another great spice to add into your diet!
- Maca Powder: This is totally optional.
Check out more delicious smoothie recipes here!
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Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 2/3 - 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 2 handfuls spinach or leafy greens
- 1 T almond butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne start light and add as desired
- 1 tsp maca powder optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
I use whole almonds as the almond butter is over 7.00 for a pint.
I like to make my own to be more cost effective but I also add almonds as is sometimes as well. Thanks again, Barbara!
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Yes!
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I thought I had it up somewhere but now that I think of it, I don’t think I do!
I just finished making this for my afternoon green drink. I highly recommend! I omitted the maca powder (personal preference). I liked the cayenne idea. It gave it a kick. I will prefer this recipe as my blueberry “green” drink.
I love this one, too! I like changing up my green smoothie at times!
Any options without almond milk or butter? My son has a nut allergy, but we are looking for anti-inflammatory options for him. Thanks!
Hi! Coconut water could be used as it is a great anti-inflammatory. If you prefer a milk then maybe go for hemp milk. As for the butter, sub sunflower seed butter which is another great anti-inflammatory!
Not quite the allergy can be triggered by seeds as well. But the best anti-inflammatory known is Turmeric, the ground root used in the Middle East, India, Ceylon & Northern Africa & grants the
yellow to pickles! Followed by Its cousins, Galangal used in Thai & other Asian cuisines & Ginger. I can’t have cayenne makes me terribly ill. Ginger can be added to anything. Casseroles, Vegetables, meat, Soups, Spaghetti. Sauce. Baked Goodies, It doesn’t need Asian Recipes. She can get ginger root & add slices to cooking water, ginger powder to add to cookies, brownies, There are herbal teas withGinger in them, Pacific Naturals makes Chicken Broth with ginger. t is a digestive in Ayerveda & Chinese Medicine practices. I use a very strong gel cap that is so hot I bite it & swallow with a big glug of ice water, better than Maalox or Mylanta.. There are ginger hard candies, & crystallized ginger or plain ginger tea great for nausea & queasy stomach. It does blend well with Lemon, & honey ( if he can have it, must be 2 years old) It is great in lemonade. She can start small amts & build up. Turmeric can be taken in capsules straight up ( I don’t recommend for a child, very bitter) but Turmeric in any hot milk, with honey, cinnamon, allspice or nutmeg . To make it taste better. Give an hour or so before sleep. If he’s not allergic to peanuts, they are not a nut or seed , but a legume. She can Roast Chickpeas & add ginger or soy to sub for the Nuts & Snacks he can’t have. For your smoothie I suggest adding lemon juice, there is no acid to release the iron from the greens. Also Ginger works well with blueberries,, & Indian cultures use ginger & cayenne in Dishes together. The Chinese use Pepper & hot sauces to add digestive problems (black pepper spice) anything that enhances the gut & digestion enhances immunity. She may need to start small & work up as his palette matures & he acquires a taste for the heat. You could add turmeric or pepper to your smoothie but It might look a bit funny. Try the. Hot Turmeric milk for a cold or to combat stress. Regards MA from Boston, MA ❤️?❤️??
Turmeric is a great one for sure! Thanks for so much great info!!!
Would peanut butter work instead of almond butter? Or maybe just adding in sunflower seeds?
Hi Lindsay! Peanut butter would work. I use the almond butter dues to it’s anti-inflammatory qualities. Sometimes I use a few whole almonds instead of the butter!
Very good I’ll be drinking this daily after a hard day at work
This is my favorite smoothie. Thanks Paul!
Great smoothie recipe and information. I added your recipe to my anti-inflammatory smoothie list http://blenderauthority.com/anti-inflammatory-smoothie-recipes/
Hope that is OK.
Absolutely! Thanks so much Anna! I can’t wait to check out the entire list.
Any idea of a calorie count on this? Looks so awesome!
Not sure but you could easily plug the ingredients into something like My fitness Pal and get the numbers! This one is my go to smoothie!
This looks delicious and I love the idea of the cayenne! I might alternate that with some turmeric and black pepper. Is there something I can replace the banana with, though? I’m omitting as much sugar as possible from my diet for a while.
Hey there! You could use an avocado instead, that usually is a great sub as it will still keep the smoothie thick and creamy. And I love the turmeric, I need to add some as well to mine!
Yum, girl. I’m all about that anti-inflammatory diet! I always have a hard time coming up with smoothie names too..and I LOVE THE CAYENNE in there. Not sure why I’ve never tried that, I love adding turmeric and ginger but will have to try cayenne. Thanks 🙂
I’ve added turmeric as well but I’m not a huge fan of the flavor. I know it’s so good for me though!
I make a lot of smoothies. They are a quick and easy way to pack a lot of nutritious ingredients into a delicious and portable meal or snack. This one sounds like it has a nice kick to it! I’ll have to give it a try!
They really are the best bang for your buck!
This is my kind of smoothie! I’ve added cayenne to smoothies and had smoothies pretty much the same but without the cayenne and never thought to add it but now can’t wait to try it!
Yes! It’s so amazing!
Love smoothies! Can’t wait to try this one! Especially like the addition of cayenne!
Same. Enjoy!
I suffer quite a bit from inflammation, so its always awesome to see more recipes like this! I even think I have all of the ingredients on hand to make this afternoon, thanks for sharing!
Hope you love it Emily!
Yum! That smoothie is beautiful, and I love that it has extra health benefits, too 🙂
Tasty and healthy are always a great combo!
Oh I love the addition of cayenne and maca in there! This smoothie sounds seriously awesome. Blueberries are magical.
Thanks Ashley! I just stocked up on maca so it’s happening now!
I have inflammation in my elbow right now from breaking it! Clearly I need to try this, what a great recipe.
The worst, hope you feel better and fast!
I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen cayenne in a smoothie before! I’m trying to figure out how all of this will come together, and I just can’t, so I’ll just have to try it 🙂
I had it in a smoothie a couple years ago at a local Juicery. It’s unlike anything. You really just have to do it!!
I’ll take blueberries in any form I can get them! This looks so creamy and delicious!
Yes! And when they are in season. Even better!
Can this smoothie be made ahead and kept in a fridge for a few hours or do you need drink it right away? I’m new to the whole smoothie thing ~thanks!
I’ve made it and let it sit for a few hours in the fridge while at work before eating. You should be fine!!
This is such a great smoothie to start your morning with! Full of healthy fruits, and fats to keep you full throughout the day!
Great start to the day for sure!
I love wild blueberries esp. for their antioxidant content! YUM!
They are the best!
Absolutely love!!! I use prune juice sometimes. I sub hemp milk and add flax meal. Sunflower seed butter is yummy in this smoothie. Sub peaches for bananas sooo good!
Oh my gosh Kelley!!! Amazing to hear, and peaches, yes please!!!! ??
Hey Lorie – I am drinking this right now. I ran out of spinach and didn’t have maca powder but wow – it tastes soooo good! I love the addition of the cinnamon. I only added a little cayenne so I’ll be putting in more next time 🙂
It’s safer to go light on the cayenne to start always. And I don’t even remember the last time I’ve had maca in the house and I make this one regularly, ha! Glad you loved it!!
Blueberries are my fave and can do wonders for our health! Will definitely have to try this smoothie
No doubt! Enjoy Abbey!
I love love loveee MACA. Never tried pairing maca with blueberries but now I must. Smoothie looks delicious. Definitely will give it a try.
Give it a shot–I feel like it’s so versatile! I also have a cacao/maca mix that is amazing for smoothies!