What do you do when you make yummy shrimp tacos and have coconut milk left over?! Make a smoothie of course! I’ve recently been having some inflammation issues with my hips ( no running for me right now ☹ ) so I created my own super food, anti-inflammatory smoothie!

What is it about this smoothie that makes it so powerful?

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is higher in fat specifically medium chain triglycerides called Lauric acid unlike longer-chain fats, MCTs bypass the liver and are used for energy. Coconut milk is also believed to be anti-inflammatory a few studies have shown it decreases inflammation

Strawberries

Strawberries as with all berries are a great source of antioxidants. The main contributor to their antioxidant properties? Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant. And strawberries are high in vitamin c, like crazy high. One serving of strawberries (about 1 cup) contains 113% of your daily needs of Vitamin C. Other antioxidants found in strawberries include anthocyanins, catechins, quercetin and resveratrol- just to name a few. Also fun fact strawberries are one of the only fruits that naturally contain folate acid- so eat up if you are expecting!

Tart Cherry Juice

Tart Cherry juice- one of my VERY favorite anti-inflammatory foods. Tart Cherry has the highest content of anthocyanins and has been shown in study after study to be highly effective at decreasing inflammation in runners and athletes. In fact studies show that tart cherry juice can be just as effective as an ibuprofen! In my work I’ve seen Tart Cherry juice be highly effective at reducing pain from gout, arthritis and general aches and pains. It’s truly fantastic, so expect to see more recipes including tart cherry coming from me soon!

Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Two clinical studies showed that ginger is such a great anti-inflammatory food that 100% of the subjects experienced relief from muscular pain! 75% of the subjects experienced relief from arthritis pain- simply amazing! Studies also show that you don’t need a lot to experience relief. As little as ¼” slice of ginger can reduce pain!