Mango Cherry Headache Fighter Smoothie
Anyone else out there in SoCal sick of this muggy weather? Or if you live in the South you’re probably used to hot and humid weather, but you probably don’t prefer it! The mugginess actually gives me and my daughter headaches, so I’ve come up with some recipes that involve foods that will soothe your head. This Headache Fighting Mango Cherry Smoothie is cool, refreshing, and anti-inflammatory. Hopefully it will help if your head hurts, and even if your head doesn’t hurt it’ll at least taste good and give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Let’s start our discussion with cherries! Cherries are high in antioxidants and fiber, but the magical ingredients I’m interested in to alleviate headaches are the anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. The particular types of these ingredients in cherries really help reduce inflammation and headaches. For more about cherries check out this article.
Ginger is also known to reduce inflammation, and it adds an interesting spicy flavor to the smoothie. Feel free to skip it if you don’t like the flavor, but I like the extra kick!
Basil is one of my favorite herbs, and it really can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. It tastes good, and is also a muscle relaxant, so it can help relieve your headaches. For more information on the health benefits of basil, check out this article. My smoothie in these pictures is a more pure pink than yours will be, because I didn’t add basil to mine. If you really want a headache tonic, though, I highly recommend adding it. I actually had a nasty headache yesterday, that went away when I took a New Chapter Holy Basil
Before I get to the recipe for the Cherry Mango Headache Fighter Smoothie, I’d like to invite you to join with others who are making healthy changes! Let me walk alongside you on your journey towards wholeness and health! Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” May you find freedom from food habits that are destructive to a full life!
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Cherries (heaping half cup)
- 1/2 Cup Frozen Mangoes (heaping half cup)
- 1/2 Cup Light Coconut Cream
- 1-2 Tsp Lime Juice
- 1 Handful Basil Leaves
- 1 Inch Fresh Ginger (just eyeball it)
- Water (to desired consistency)
- Maple Syrup (optional, to taste; I didn't use it)
- Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until it's smooth. Use more water if it's not coming together, and add maple syrup if it isn't sweet enough for you. Enjoy!
