Immune Boosting Smoothie

Vegan, Low Fodmap, Refined Sugar Free, and Gluten Free Friendly

Originally published: March 5, 2020

I think we can all agree that getting a little more immune-boosting foods in our diet is crucial right now. As of late, this has been my current smoothie obsession and it just so happens to have natural sources of vitamin c, contains beauty benefits such as antioxidants, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties, all while supporting digestion. Not to mention it's chock-full of healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you full for hours.

Key Ingredient Breakdown

Orange: vitamin C, fiber, folate (vitamin B9 or folic acid), thiamine (vitamin B1), potassium, antioxidants. 

Oranges are a great source of phenolic compounds, specifically flavonoids which provide most of their antioxidant properties.  

Ginger Root: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-nausea, may help reduce muscle pain, can lower blood sugar, improve heart disease risk factors, aids to help chronic indigestion.

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, which is what’s responsible for its medicinal properties. Ginger is known for a plethora of things but improving immunity, brain function, indigestion, and lowering cholesterol levels are some of the top benefits.

Raw Cacao: magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, flavonoids, phenylethylamine, anandamide, and contains antioxidants.

Raw cacao powder is an excellent source of magnesium, which is essential for energy production. Magnesium helps support our brain, nervous system, and can support healthy blood pressure. Cacao contains iron, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium. Cacao also has cardiovascular, cognitive, metabolic and positive hormonal (including anti-aging hormones) benefits.

Ingredients

1/2 cup water

1.5 cup of ice

1/2 of a fresh orange

1 inch knob of fresh, peeled ginger

2 tbsp of raw cacao powder

2 scoops of protein powder (optional)

2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp ground flax or hemp seeds

a couple dashes of cinnamon

sweetener of choice (I use liquid stevia)

Method

Throw everything into a blender and blend on high. If you’re having trouble blending, turn off the blender, combine all ingredients with a spoon, return the lid to the blender and slowly repeat this process. If necessary, you can add more liquid to get it going. Because I love to eat my smoothies with a spoon (helps promote digestion), the thicker the better (for me). Once your smoothie has reached your desired consistency, top with cereal, granola, cacao nibs, or more nut/seed butter.

Notes

If you prefer a thinner smoothie, add more liquid and vice versa.