There are pre-workout supplements, and then there are whole foods that naturally build your body’s defenses, support a healthy inflammatory response. At the same time, you lift, and give you natural carbohydrates to fuel your endurance.
We’re team au natural when it comes to healthy living, and we’ve got a mango turmeric smoothie recipe that can give your body a more natural pick me up than your regular pre-workout — plus, it takes very little prep time to prepare. Here’s the secret behind how it works.
Turmeric
There are numerous benefits of turmeric, and one of the most important is how the antioxidants inside can temporarily help ease achy joints and sore muscles.REF#2358
Curcumin, the main compound in turmeric, can help support the following:
- Healthy cholesterol levelsREF#2358
- Regulated blood glucoseREF#2358
- A balanced moodREF#2358
- Protection from oxidative stressREF#2358
Turmeric is most bioavailable to our bodies when combined with other compounds, like ground black pepper.REF#2358
Papaya, Mango, and Pineapple: What’s Inside
We know eating more fruits and veggies is good for us, but we often consume them without knowing the nutritional information of our meals. Here’s why eating more of these fruits is generally a good idea.
- They contain superfood power. Superfoods are foods that are nutrient-dense and have properties that make them natural alternative therapies. Pineapple, for instance, contains a substance called bromelain, which has properties that can help soothe and recalibrate the immune system.REF#2359
- They contain essential vitamins. Fresh mango, pineapple, and papaya contain high vitamin C and A levels, essential for immunity and eye health.REF#2360
- They contain essential minerals. All three fruits also contain calcium and potassium, which can help regulate your electrolyte balance, an important consideration when working out.
In addition to their benefits, these fruits offer tropical flavors that can help transport you from the humdrum of your day to your own personal, mental paradise. Here, we’ve got a delicious gluten-free smoothie that harnesses the power of turmeric along with these tropical fruits.
Turmeric Mango Smoothie
The antioxidant action of Turmeric combined with the bromelain in pineapple helps power any workout. Total time for preparation will vary depending on whether or not you already have your fruit peeled and prepped.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dairy-free almond milk or coconut milk(or your favorite milk)
- 1 serving TurmericBoost® Uplift
- 1 slice ripe papaya, peeled and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
Preparation:
- Blend all ingredients until smoothie reaches desired consistency.
- Prepare with ice if using fresh fruit.
- Pour into a glass and ENJOY!
Variations and Substitutions
If you prefer a drink with fewer calories, consider swapping your milk choice with coconut water. You’ll still get an amazing flavor but fewer calories than whole milk. You can also toss in a frozen banana or flavored protein powder for a sweet kick.
Want a few more kcals to power your workout? Toss in a handful (or roughly two tablespoons) of cashews, nut butter, or seeds. Adding flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds adds texture to your smoothie and increases protein content.
For added antioxidant benefits, try adding fresh ginger (ground ginger will work if you don’t have fresh).REF#2361
Power Up
When you’re in need of energy and focus, look no further than nature and this easy-to-make smoothie. You can get the benefits of turmeric root, the vitamins and minerals in the fruit, plus a few calories to power your workout.
REFERENCES:
- 1. Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017), "Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health", Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 6(10), 92. 1
- 2. Varilla, C., Marcone, M., Paiva, L., & Baptista, J. (2021), "Bromelain, a Group of Pineapple Proteolytic Complex Enzymes (Ananas comosus) and Their Possible Therapeutic and Clinical Effects. A Summary", Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 10(10), 2249.. 2
- 3. , "Vitamin A and Carotenoids", NIH.Gov. National Institutes of Health, August 12, 2022.. 3
- 4. Ginger. (2022), "In Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)", National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.. 4