anti inflammatory cherry beet and kale smoothie

Breakfast

Anti Inflammatory Cherry Beet & Kale Smoothie

Kale, cherries and beets team up in this powerful anti-inflammatory smoothie. All three of these fruits and veggies contain unique anti-inflammatory compounds that may help stave off diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. Using packaged steamed beets is a great shortcut here. If you have cooked beets on hand, use those! The cherries help sweeten the smoothie and add a fruity flavor. If you opt for tart cherries, you can balance the tanginess with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Ingredients

1 cup frozen sweet or tart cherries
1 cup packed stemmed and torn curly kale leaves
1/2 cup sliced frozen banana
1/3 cup chopped cooked beets
1/2 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
1/4 cup nonfat vanilla strained (greek-style) yogurt
1 tablespoon unsalted roasted pistachios or 1 1/2 teaspoons pistachio butter
chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place cherries, kale, banana, beets, almond milk, yogurt and pistachios (or pistachio butter) in a blender. Process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.