anti inflammatory cherry spinach smoothie

Pancake

Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie

This healthy smoothie is not only delicious—it also provides anti-inflammatory foods. It starts with a base of creamy gut-friendly kefir and includes cherries, which can lower the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Heart-healthy fats in avocado, almond butter and chia seeds deliver additional anti-inflammatory compounds, while spinach offers a mix of antioxidants that sweep up harmful free radicals. Fresh ginger adds zing, plus a compound called gingerol, which preliminary studies suggest may improve inflammatory markers of heart disease if consumed daily.

Ingredients

1 cup plain low-fat kefir
1 cup frozen cherries
½ cup baby spinach leaves
¼ cup mashed ripe avocado
1 tablespoon salted almond butter
1 (1/2 inch) piece peeled ginger
1 teaspoon chia seeds, plus more for garnish

Directions

Place kefir in a blender. Add cherries, spinach, avocado, almond butter, ginger and chia seeds; puree until smooth. Pour into a glass; garnish with more chia seeds, if desired.