When it comes to blending up a delicious and nutritious smoothie, few things beat the combination of ginger and spinach. Not only does this combination pack a punch with flavor and goodness, but it also has numerous health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and joint pain, while spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals. More on that later! First, we’ll tackle the most important part-getting the taste just right. Ginger is known for its pungency, which means using too much in a smoothie can be overwhelming for some. Not to mention that raw spinach has a strong flavor that can overpower other ingredients. But with some simple adjustments and the right combination of fruits, you can create a truly delicious green smoothie. Here’s how.
What’s In A Ginger Green Smoothie?
The short answer/ Anything green! Yes, you read that right—there’s no limit to what you can include in a green smoothie. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Ginger – This root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is great for relieving joint pain and aiding digestion.
- Spinach – This leafy green is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. It also has a mild flavor that’s easy to mask with sweeter ingredients.
- Kale – Kale is a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system. It’s also high in fiber and antioxidants, so it’s perfect for any healthy smoothie.
- Avocado – This creamy fruit is high in healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Not to mention, its mild flavor makes it a perfect addition to any smoothie.
- Chia Seeds – Chia seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, making them a great addition to any smoothie.
- Hemp Seeds – These little seeds are packed with protein and fiber, plus they give your smoothie a creamy texture.
- Flaxseed – Flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. Plus, it makes for an extra creamy smoothie.
- Bananas – Not only do they add sweetness, but bananas are also full of potassium, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.
- Peaches – Peaches are a great way to add natural sweetness without having to use processed sugars. Plus, they contain lots of vitamin A, which is good for your skin and vision.
- Apples – Apples are rich in antioxidants, as well as Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and fight off disease.
- Honey – A natural sweetener, honey is packed with minerals, vitamins, and enzymes that are essential for good health.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a hint of tartness, and provides Vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
- Coconut Milk – If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great alternative to regular milk or cream. It also adds a delicious tropical flavor to your smoothie.
- Apple cider vinegar – This powerful ingredient is great for digestion and can help to reduce inflammation.
- Water – Last but not least, don’t forget to add water! Depending on how thick or thin you like your smoothie, you can adjust the amount you add.
The ingredients above, and many more, are all options for making a delicious ginger-green smoothie. But,of course you can’t use them all at once! Flavor-wise, some combinations work much better than others. The same holds true for texture, too.
To make sure your smoothie turns out the best it can be, try experimenting with different ingredients until you find the combination that works for you. Or, you can use some of these trusted recipes that we’ve rounded up for you!
Read More: Mango Matcha Smoothie: Everything You Need To Know
Mango Ginger Kale Smoothie (7)
5 ingredients and a whole lot of goodness! This vitamin-rich smoothie is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ice (optional)
- 2 cups packed kale (fresh or frozen/organic when possible)
- 1 cup ripe frozen mango cubes (organic when possible)
- 1 cup ripe frozen peaches (organic when possible)
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 1/2 – 2 lemons or limes, juiced (yields ~1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups filtered water
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional/depending on sweetness of fruit)
Instructions:
- Crush ice in a blender at low speed until it’s a few chunks.
- Add remaining ingredients except water and blend on high for 1 minute.
- Gradually add water until desired consistency is reached.
- Blend again and serve immediately.
Nutrition (1 of 2 servings): Serving: 1 smoothies, Calories: 117, Carbohydrates: 26.4 g, Protein: 2.5 g, Fat: 0.8 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 25 mg,
Fiber: 3.5 g, Sugar: 19 g
This recipe is courtesy of minimalistbaker.com
Apple Ginger Greens Smoothie (8)
Enjoy a burst of apple-ginger flavor in this smoothie! A perfect balance of sweetness and tang, it’s sure to keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 handful fresh spinach (about 1 cup)
- 1 handful fresh kale (about 1 cup)
- 1 apple cored and quartered (or sub 1 banana or mango)
- 1 lemon juiced & zested (about ¼ cup)
- 1 inch knob ginger minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup cold water (preferably filtered)
- ½ cup ice
- Optional: small handful fresh mint leaves (about ¼ cup + more for garnish if desired )
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon for acidity, ginger for spice, or sweetener of choice for sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and enjoy immediately!
Nutrition per Serving: Calories: 77kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 21mg, Potassium: 337mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 3105IU, Vitamin C: 56.8mg, Calcium: 59mg, Iron: 1.1mg
This recipe is courtesy of healthymidwesterngirl.com
Avocado Banana Ginger Smoothie (4)
Kick fatigue to the curb with this energizing smoothie. Filled with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, it’s sure to keep you feeling your best.
Ingredients:
- 1 organic banana
- 1 cup organic spinach
- 1/2 organic avocado
- 1-inch knob of organic ginger
- A handful of organic dates
- 1/4 cup organic lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp organic flax seeds
- 1 Tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
- 1- 2 cups water or coconut water
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon for acidity, ginger for spice, or dates for sweetness.
- Apple Ginger Protein Smoothie
Nutritional facts per serving: Serving Size: 1 container (219g), Calorie:190, Total Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 65mg, Total Carbohydrate: 37g, Dietary Fiber: 8g, Total Sugars: 16g, Protein: 4g, Calcium: 87mg, Iron: 2mg, Potassium: 999mg
This recipe is courtesy of daily-harvest.com
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Apple Ginger Green Smoothie (1)
Getting in a protein boost never tasted so good! This smoothie is bursting with nourishing goodness, and a perfect way to start your day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups kale (loosely packed stems removed)
- 1 apple (core removed cut chunks)
- 2 celery stalks (quartered)
- ½ banana
- ½ cup parsley
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 inch piece ginger root (quartered)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 cup water or lemon juice
- Ice to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon for acidity, ginger for spice, or sweetener of choice for sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition per Serving: Calories: 327kcal, Carbohydrates: 68.3g, Protein: 17.7g, Fat: 1.9g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 200mg, Fiber: 13.1g, Sugar: 29.8g
This recipe is courtesy of themonbowl.com
Why Are Ginger Green Smoothies Good For You?
Starting your day with a ginger green smoothie is an easy way to get a healthy dose of fruits, vegetables and other superfoods. Over time, such a nutrient-dense breakfast can offer the following benefits:
Protection From Chronic Disease
Green fruits and vegetables have one thing in common—a high concentration of phytochemicals. These powerful compounds can help fight off chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body (3).
Immune System Support
Ginger green smoothies contain two important immune-boosting nutrients—vitamin C and beta carotene. Vitamin C, found in fruits and vegetables like oranges, spinach, and kale, helps activate the immune system by producing white blood cells (12).
Beta carotene, in fruits and vegetables like carrots, squash, and mangoes, is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps protect against infection (12).
Weight Loss And Management
Ginger green smoothies are perfect for weight loss and management because they are low in calories and rich in fiber. A low calorie, high fiber drink can fill you up faster, keep you full longer, and help prevent overeating (9).
The nutrients in these smoothies will also give you a steady stream of energy throughout the day and help you stay motivated to reach your weight loss goals.
If you’ve been wondering, “does ginger in smoothies help you lose weight?” The answer is yes, when combined with other high-fiber, low-calorie ingredients.
Read More: Meal Replacement Smoothies For Weight Loss: How Effective Are They For The Long Haul?
Heart Health
The vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals found in ginger green smoothies can help protect against heart disease (3).
For instance, the vitamin K and potassium in these drinks help to regulate blood pressure, while the omega-3 fatty acids reduce risk of stroke (11). Furthermore, the fiber and antioxidants help clear the arteries and reduce cholesterol levels (5).
Improved Digestion
Ginger is known to aid digestion and can help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach. That’s because it contains gingerols, an active compound that helps reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract and relieve digestive discomfort (5).
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables also promote healthy digestion by keeping things moving along your digestive tract and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (6).
Increased Energy Levels
Green smoothies are a great way to get a quick energy boost in the morning. The combination of carbohydrates and proteins found in fruits and vegetables provide a steady source of energy that will help you stay energized and alert throughout the day.
Plus, the natural sugars in fruits can help give your brain a boost of energy when it needs it most. Research shows that eating a nutrient-rich breakfast before school or work can help improve performance (2).
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Bone And Joint Health
Ginger green smoothie is rich in minerals that support bone and joint health. The potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium found in these drinks can help keep bones and joints strong, while the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger may help reduce pain and swelling in joints (10).
Improved Skin Health
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals (6).
The vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in ginger green smoothies can also help the body produce more collagen, which is essential for keeping skin smooth and supple.
The Bottom Line
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy way to start your day, try making a ginger green smoothie! This delicious and nourishing smoothie is an easy way to get in your daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
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SOURCES:
- Apple Ginger Green Smoothie (2022, themonbowl.com)
- Breakfast (n.d., betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
- Characteristics and Health Benefits of Phytochemicals (2016, pubmed.gov)
- Ginger + Greens (n.d., daily-harvest.com)
- Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials (2020, nih.gov)
- Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables1 (2012, nih.gov)
- Mango Ginger Kale Green Smoothie (n.d., minimalistbaker.com)
- Super Green Smoothie with Ginger (n.d., healthymidwesterngirl.com)
- The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (2019, nih.gov)
- The role of nutrients in bone health, from A to Z (2006, nih.gov)
- The Role of Vitamin K Status in Cardiovascular Health: Evidence from Observational and Clinical Studies (2017, nih.gov)
- Vitamins C and E and Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cancer Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2009, nih.gov)