Juices & Smoothies/ Recipes/ Take away/ Vegetarian

Mango, Peach & Turmeric Smoothie

For me, summer is the season of smoothies. I admit that the rest of the year I don’t make smoothies often. But during summer me and my blender are best friends! With this smoothie with mango, peach and turmeric I am thrilled! It’s so refreshing, so delicious and so fragrant that I am sure you will like it as much as I do. Moreover, it is a good way to add turmeric to your diet, which is more than beneficial to your body.

As I told you in a previous post, this time you may store the summer fruits in the freezer and enjoy them for much longer. Cut them into pieces, divide them into specific amounts (1 cup, etc.) And keep them in the freezer for as long as you want. This way you will have peaches, strawberries or whatever fruit you want for much longer. Moreover you wouldn’t need ice cubes in your smoothie that will alter the taste.

Today I made this smoothie with Greek strained yoghurt. If you’re vegan you can do it with coconut cream, or almond milk, just keep in mind to reduce, or skip altogether the water.

Turmeric, a flowering plant belonging to the ginger family, is recognized in Chinese and Indian medicine as an excellent anti-inflammatory, and as a therapeutic agent for flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, bleeding and colic. It may also be applied topically in a poultice, to relieve pain or inflammation. It is a powerful antioxidant, preventing bacterial infections in wounds, lowers cholesterol levels in the body, preventing the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, thereby preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, laboratory studies have shown that turmeric help address some forms of cancer, such as that of the prostate, breast, skin and colon. It is rich in manganese, iron, potassium, fiber and vitamin B6.

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, which contribute significantly to reducing pain in people with arthritis, are due to curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Curcumin helps patients complain of pain and aches in the joints from arthritis, muscular aches and sprains can be relieved.

Turmeric is more readily absorbed by the body when combined with oil or other substances, such as black pepper and ginger. 1-2 teaspoons a day are sufficient to get the benefits without adverse side effects. For this reason I added a bit of fresh ginger in the recipe as an optional ingredient. You can skip it if you want.

Cinnamon helps control blood sugar, reduces stress and has anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Mango is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, an antioxidant that acts as a shield in many forms of cancer. It is also rich in lycopene, which is also a powerful antioxidant and essential for protecting cells and suppress tumor growth. A single mango covers the daily requirement of vitamin C, and is rich in several B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and fiber. Complex carbohydrates such as mango, helps to boost metabolism so your body burns more calories.

Peach is ideal for those watching their diet as it provides few calories and a large amount of vitamins. It contains proteins, sugar, a sufficient amount of vitamin C and E, many antioxidants, fiber, phosphorus, biotin, iron and calcium. 100 g. of peach offer only 40 calories. Due to the complex of vitamins peach contains, especially C and E, it protects against gastrointestinal disorders, helps prevent many types of cancer, helps the body’s resistance to disease by strengthening the immune system and is good diuretic and laxative. It has anti-aging properties and is valuable for the health and beauty of the skin. Also due to the content of trace elements, minerals and vitamins, peach is suitable for those with anxiety, stress and feel tired. It acts as a sedative and anxiolytic.

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 large

Ingredients:

1 cup (5.2 oz.) mango cubed, frozen
½ cup (2.8 oz.) peach cubed, frozen
1/3 cup water
8 oz. Greek yoghurt 2% fat or coconut cream
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
a bit of fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Instructions:

Add all the ingredients into the blender and combine until smooth.
Top with coconut flakes, dried or your fresh fruit of your choice.

Note: The ideas and information presented in this blog are for informational purposes only and in no case can replace the advice of a specialist in nutrition and health. Before starting any diet or exercise or before adding a special food in your daily intake, you should contact a specialist doctor or dietitian; especially if you suffer from a serious illness.