Berry Ginger Smoothie for Digestive Reset

This smoothie delivers a powerhouse of nutrients to boost digestive health! It's a great way to kick off a clean eating lifestyle or digestive reset program.

Do you ever feel like your digestive system needs a little TLC? Such as after vacations or holiday celebrations when we tend to indulge in not-so-healthy foods and beverages?

Fuel Your GI Tract With Healing Nutrients

Your intestinal tract needs nutrients on a daily basis for normal functioning. If you bombard your GI with heavy meals, processed foods, alcohol, and other unhealthy endeavors...it will need some nourishing back to health!

This Berry Ginger Smoothie provides a load of nutrients to support GI health:

• Berries are rich in phenolic compounds that have a positive impact on the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of good bacteria while inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria. Berries have also been shown to alleviate symptoms of gut inflammation.

• Bananas are a source of inulin and resistant starch, both of which are prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut.

• Ginger has a soothing effect on digestion by reducing intestinal cramping, gas, and bloating.

• Protein from soy milk (or almond milk plus plant-based protein powder) in this smoothie will help with healing and building digestive enzymes.

• Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

Recipe for Berry Ginger Smoothie

1 cup frozen berries (preferably organic)

1/2 frozen banana (non-frozen works too)

1/2-inch fresh ginger root - peeled and grated

1 cup soy milk (or almond milk plus a scoop of plant-based protein powder)

1 T. chia seeds

Put ingredients in a blender. Blend until frozen fruits have been completely pureed. Sip and relax!

Sources:

Lavefve L , Howard LR , Carbonero F . Berry polyphenols metabolism and impact on human gut microbiota and health. Food Funct. 2020 Jan 29;11(1):45-65.

Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Nov 5;7(1):96-108.

Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013 Apr 22;5(4):1417-35.