Anti Inflammatory Tropical Turmeric Smoothie and Bowl

Oh what I wouldn't give for a day or two on a tropical island right about now.  A few swaying palms, a hammock strung between them, and someone serving me frosty drinks with a touch of coconut...

Well, I may not be able to swing the hammock, but the drink?  I've got us covered!

Frosty and sweet with island pineapple and luscious mango, this smoothie brings not only a bit of an escape, but a few health benefits along with it.

Last month Mom's doc prescribed turmeric for joint pain and inflammation, and we've been working all angles to get more turmeric into her diet. Her knees and hips have been giving her trouble lately with chronic pain and we're up for trying anything to bring a bit of relief.

Recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to fight inflammation and chronic pain, turmeric dates back some 4,000 years to Southern India and Indonesia where history shows its use medicinally as well as as a beauty aid, spice and in the worship of the Sun Gods.

Years later Buddhist monks traveled great distances in search of the roots to dye their robs those familiar brilliant yellow/golden hues.  Evidence also shows medicinal use of turmeric as part of ancient Chinese medicine as an aid in digestion and for both the prevention and therapy of numerous diseases.

So what's the big deal with this golden hued root?  Research shows that curcumin, an antioxidant found in turmeric, works to promote a natural inflammatory response by molecularly inhibiting the expression of the COX-2 "pain" enzyme (1).  While curcumin extracts provide the most concentrated doses of the helpful antioxidant, we can supplement throughout the day with turmeric root in recipes for additional benefits and, as an added bonus, exotic flavors.

I'm by no means an expert on turmeric, but I can tell you mom has experienced slight relief since beginning her use of the root.  Power of suggestion?  Maybe.  But whatever the reason she's feeling a little better and we've all begun incorporating more turmeric into our diets (Note that curcumin is far better absorbed by the body when accompanied by a small dose of ground pepper) and enjoying so many new recipes in the process.

So, tropical and healthful?  This smoothie, or smoothie bowl, has it all.  Pineapple and ginger are wonderful for digestion and sweetness, mango brings even more of the lovely orange/golden hues, and a dash of coconut lends an essence of my beloved swaying palms.

Whether sipped with a straw or poured into a bowl and topped with your favorite smoothie bowl goodies (banana, chia, granola and goji top my list of favorites!), this Tropical Turmeric Smoothie is a welcome post workout refresher or as a bowl filled with goodies, a lovely way to start your day.

Smoothie turned smoothie bowl with the addition of toppings!  This one includes mandrin orange, banana, chia seeds, goji berries, granola and a sprinkle of coconut!

Tropical Turmeric Smoothie (or Smoothie Bowl)

Sweet with pineapple and mango, turmeric and ginger bring even more tropical essence to your cup or bowl.  Sweet enough to sip post work out, I love to pour the frosty concoction into a bowl and top with my favorite smoothie bowl goodies - banana, goji berry, chia, granola and a sprinkle of coconut - for a sunny start to my morning. Printer Friendly

1/2 cup coconut water

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks or tidbits

1/4 cup frozen banan

1-inch turmeric root, peeled and chopped (organic if possible)

1 1-inch slice ginger root, peeled and chopped (organic if possible)
1/2 medium carrot chopped
1 Tbs shredded coconut (optional)
1/8 tsp ground pepper (2 good grinds from your grinder) - Turmeric needs pepper for better absorption (click to see why)
Shredded coconut to garnish

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth, adding additional coconut water if concoction is too thick to blend.  Pour into a cup to sip, or pour into a bowl and top with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings.

Makes 1 smoothie or two medium bowls.

Liv Life Notes:
(1) information from DrDavidWilliams.com
See also The National Center for Biotechnology for more information on Turmeric and Curcumin