Looking for a healthy green smoothie that’s crazy delicious also? Whip up this super simple anti-inflammatory smoothie for breakfast, snack or anytime. You’ll love the fresh turmeric, ginger, and tips about these amazing ingredients!
The truth is I have several green smoothies that I really love and make, but this one is a true favorite and has the extra element of turmeric and ginger which are reported to have great anti-inflammatory properties.
How To Make This Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie:
1. Gather your ingredients. Grind the flaxseed, measure all the other ingredients.
See below the piece of fresh ginger and fresh turmeric. Peel the skin off both using a knife or spoon showing the flesh inside. The turmeric is the bright orange and the ginger more of a light yellow. Snip off a small piece for this anti-inflammatory smoothie. *For storage tips and more, see further down this post.
The plate below shows the ground flaxseed, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, small piece of turmeric and a small piece of ginger.
2. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend for about one minute until all ingredients are combined. Having a quality, efficient, accessible blender makes all the difference in keeping true to your smoothie habits. Mine in on my counter.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
PRO TIPS For Your Turmeric Banana Smoothie:
- Use a great blender
- Use the best possible quality ingredients available.
- Use organic frozen fruit when possible.
- Use fresh or frozen spinach (see tip below for frozen spinach)
- Slice the banana and place it in the freezer in advance so it will be sufficiently frozen when needed.
- If a frozen banana is not available, use a few ice cubes instead.
- In a pinch, ground turmeric and ground ginger may be used (start with 1/4 teaspoon and add to taste).
- Use the tips mentioned below for storing ginger and turmeric to avoid waste.
- Add some ground black pepper to make the turmeric more effective.
Frozen Smoothie Packs:
Although this smoothie is fairly easy to throw together in minutes, why not make it even faster by having all the ingredients ready in packets.
- Peel the ginger, turmeric, and banana.
- Slice the banana in pieces.
- Measure out the ingredients for this anti-inflammatory smoothie (with the exception of the milk, which you will add when making the smoothie) and add to resealable plastic baggies.
- Place in the freezer and store up to a month.
- When ready to make the smoothie, simply add the ingredients to a blender, add dairy-free milk and blend until smooth. Consume immediately.
Tip: You can use fresh or frozen spinach with these make-ahead smoothie packets. If using frozen, use 1/2 cup spinach as the volume shrinks in the frozen version.
Benefits of Ginger and Turmeric:
- Turmeric and ginger are deemed to have powerful benefits for this anti-inflammatory smoothie.
- Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has the active ingredient “curcumin”.
- Ginger is an herb that can be consumed ground, fresh or as juice.
- Many smoothies for arthritis pain tend to include these ingredients.
- But, as always, you may want to check with your health professional to make sure these ingredients are good for you.
Additionally, this turmeric green smoothie has flax and chia seeds which contain omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are considered to have wonderful anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Best Storage For Ginger and Turmeric:
I store my fresh turmeric and ginger by wrapping each in a paper towel, then placing them in a sealed plastic bag and storing it in the fridge for up to a week. It is easy to tell the difference between the two because turmeric has a very bright orange flesh.
Freeze both ginger and turmeric for future use. I peel the turmeric and ginger completely, then cut into small pieces (perfect smoothie size) and store in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer. This provides easy access for many recipes, including smoothies.
What Would Be A Good Drink For Inflammation?
- The best would be a drink (smoothie, tea, soup, etc…) that tastes delicious and ALSO has anti-inflammatory ingredients. Delicious Ginger Tea or Turmeric Tea is a great anti-inflammatory tea and afternoon treat.
Anti-Inflammatory Breakfasts:
- Chocolate Chia Pudding
- Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Coconut Milk Smoothie
- Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
- Mango Smoothie
- Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipes:
The Ultimate Dairy-Free Smoothies You Need In Your Life!
The BEST Spinach Apple Smoothie
★Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★
This anti-inflammatory smoothie is great for an anti-inflammatory breakfast, snack, after a workout. I even have this as a meal replacement during those hectic busy days! Add this to your anti-inflammatory recipes!
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1/4 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 inch piece of fresh turmeric (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon flax seeds
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
-
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend for several minutes until very smooth. Pour into a glass and drink up. Enjoy!
PRO TIPS For Your Turmeric Banana Smoothie:
- Use a great blender
- Use the best quality ingredients available.
- Use organic frozen fruit when possible.
- Use fresh or frozen spinach
- Slice the banana and place in freezer in advance so it will be sufficiently frozen when needed.
- If a frozen banana is not available, use a few ice cubes instead.
- In a pinch, ground turmeric and ground ginger may be used (just a small pinch).
- Use the tips mentioned below for storing ginger and turmeric to avoid waste.
You may substitute ground turmeric and ground ginger in this recipe. Add to taste - try 1/4-1/2 teaspoon.
Update Notes: This post was originally published on September 11, 2015, but was republished with an updated recipe, new photos, step by step instructions and photos, success tips and a video in October 2018.
llb
The preparation is a tad longer than most of your smoothies; but the extra effort is well worth it. Thanks.
Christine Galvani
Great to hear!
Shannon
Can you use powder/dried turmeric/ginger? Do they have the same qualities?
Christine
Hi Shannon! You might be able to use the dried versions, but much less as they are potent. In my opinion, fresh is much better, if it’s available.
Gina
Hello! Recipe sounds great! Could you clarify 1/2 piece tumeric? Do you mean half of the actual size of the tumeric piece, cut that in half? Seems like a big chunk if tumeric? Thanks for your time.
Christine
Hi Gina, Yes, it is a small piece, 1/2″ by 1/2″. 🙂
Annette
Wow, delicious! I was a little nervous if this would be tasty, but very refreshing. I substituted Hemp milk since I am allergic to tree nuts. Do you have any recommendations for alternative milks? Thank you
Christine
Thanks Annette! So glad you like the smoothie. Coconut milk would probably be good in this smoothie, although I might dilute it first. Let me know if you try it.
Fran
Hi!
I always use water in my smoothies and it works perfectly!!!!!
Christine
Thanks, Fran! I agree water can be fantastic for thinning out smoothies!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I have never bough fresh turmeric….I’m not sure I have even seen it in the stores here. Ginger and turmeric have great healing powers for sure. I will have to try and find some and give this a try.