Studies have shown that eating the right foods is one of the best ways to reduce inflammation and improve overall health (see linked studies below). These anti-inflammation smoothie recipes can help you do just that! Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help protect your body from potentially life-threatening diseases and fight inflammation for good.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the process of the white blood cells in our bodies protecting us from bacteria and viruses.

However, in some diseases, such as arthritis, the body’s immune system triggers an inflammatory response when no bacteria or virus is present. In these autoimmune diseases, the immune system thinks the body is infected and causes damage.

Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Certain foods, including those rich in antioxidants, like berries, have anti-inflammatory properties. These foods fight chemicals in the body that cause long-term damage and can increase inflammation.

Because what we eat influences the levels of inflammation in our bodies, following anti-inflammatory recipes can help to keep chronic inflammation at bay and prevent potentially life-threatening conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and cancer.

READ MORE: Awesome Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies

Anti-inflammatory smoothie ingredients

Studies suggest that people who have a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils have a reduced risk of inflammation than those who follow a diet rich in fats.

Anti-inflammatory foods include:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
• Broccoli
• Cherries
• Dairy-free milk
• Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
• Flax seed
• Herbs and spices (ginger, turmeric, garlic)
• Kale
• Nuts and nut butter
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes
• Whole grains

Foods to Avoid

Various foods, including those high in omega-6 fatty acids, increase inflammation. Although these fatty acids are vital for bone health, brain function, and metabolism, consuming a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids can have a negative effect. High GI foods can also increase inflammation.

If you suffer from inflammation, it’s best to keep the below foods to a minimum:

• High-fat dairy products (such as milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream)
• Red meat
• Refined grains (white carbohydrates)
• Peanuts
• Processed foods
• Sugary foods (sweets etc)

Click the image below to read about the Body Beautiful online programme and book your place. You will receive support and resources to help you with inflammation and teach you a long-term solution to help you have the best nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle: 

Anti-inflammation smoothie recipes

Smoothies are a great way to get plenty of anti-inflammatory ingredients into your body. Because they can be blended with a variety of ingredients, they can help you get everything you need.

Filling the body with real food is a great way to get your daily intake of fruit and vegetables into your diet. It can also help you feel fuller for longer and ease many of the symptoms associated with inflammation.

Foods high in antioxidants such as berries, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate, and healthy fats like avocados help reduce the levels of free radicals in the body that cause damage to your cells. Antioxidant-rich foods are vital for every diet as they are essential for your health. They help to balance your immune system, fight disease and slow ageing.

For more information on smoothies in general and how best to prepare them, check out my #Funky5 Food Freedom Challenge 

Enjoy one of these anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes that will help to reduce inflammation and keep you feeling your best all day long:

Funky5 Green smoothie

If you’re looking for a super creamy and delicious smoothie recipe that will help reduce inflammation, look no further than this gorgeous, healthy green smoothie. Perfect as a snack or for breakfast, this smoothie is jam-packed and full of quality ingredients and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Ingredients

• 250ml coconut milk
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 thumb of fresh ginger
• 1 small frozen banana
• 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
• 4 ice cubes

Method

In a high-speed blender, add the milk, spinach, ginger, banana, seeds and ice cubes and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk. Serve over ice, and enjoy!

Funky5 Immune-boosting anti-inflammatory smoothie

This anti-inflammatory smoothie recipe is loaded with healthy fats and immune-boosting nutrients such as carrot, ginger, and fresh turmeric. It helps reduce inflammation and improves skin, joints, hair, heart, and mood!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 teaspoon of almond butter
• 1/2 a carrot
• A handful of frozen fruit (banana and pineapple)
• 175ml orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh turmeric
• Sprinkle with black pepper (this helps with the absorption of turmeric)

We really hope you’ve enjoyed these tips. Join the community and get support in your weight loss or weight maintenance journey throughout the Body Beautiful programme here.

Resources and Studies on Inflammation:

Harvard Health | Arthritis.org | WebMD | Science Direct