Smoothies With Spices

Who doesn't love a good smoothie?! It's one of the easiest snacks or meals you can make. Just pop a few items in a blender with some liquid, blend for 30 seconds, and you're done. We like combining fruits, veggies, and healthful spices in one drink — not only do spices add nutrition, but they are a great way to add more flavor without adding more calories to your smoothies.

It's easy to find good smoothie recipes — there are so many on blogs, social media sites, health Web sites.... Or, if you're a culinary risk taker, create your own concoction by experimenting with ingredients you have on hand. The key to a good smoothie is the right balance of fruits and veggies. If just starting out, try a 3:1 ratio of fruits to vegetables and gradually adjust your drinks to include more greens. Adding ice and an organic apple makes it much more palatable and quite delicious, too!

Here are some of our best smoothie creations using healthful spices:

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

This smoothie provides plenty of fiber but tastes like a dessert! Cinnamon is a known anti-inflammatory and some studies have shown it can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet organic apples, like Fuji, pink lady or honey crisp
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups organic almond milk
• 2 organic dates, pit removed
• 1/2 cup ice

Directions

Wash and slice apples into 2-inch chunks for easy blending. Remove pits from dates and slice into four pieces before tossing into mix. Add cinnamon and almond milk to blender. Throw in some ice to make this like an apple milkshake! Blend for about 30 seconds.

Cayenne Veggie Smoothie

Turn up the heat with this cayenne pepper smoothie. Cayenne pepper can be used for heart conditions like poor circulation, and to help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease, according to WebMD.  The pineapple gives this smoothie a tropical flavor and sweetness.

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic spinach
• 1 cup frozen organic pineapple
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 organic apple, sliced
• Handful of ice

Directions

Wash spinach and apple. Slice apple into small pieces so it's easier to blend. Add all ingredients to blender. Blend for 30 seconds. Add more ice to finished drink if you want it very cold. Enjoy!

For more healthy drinks try our Everyday Green Smoothie and Watermelon Slushy. And share your smoothie recipes with us in the comments! 

This post is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for medical advice. Before undertaking any course of treatment or dietary/health changes, you should seek the advice of your physician or other health care provider.