It can feel overwhelming to incorporate the many foods that are recommended to decrease inflammation and pain. Eating a plant-based diet is a great start, as the majority of the foods that are anti-inflammatory are vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices. Getting creative with recipes and how to seamlessly make them a regular addition to your diet is the next step. Here are several delicious drink recipes that are loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients that are often also high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Reach for these the next time you are thirsty, pair them with a healthy snack midday, or make one of the delicious smoothies as a dessert option instead of sugar-heavy options that can increase inflammation. Enjoy!
Matcha Berry Smoothie
Matcha (green tea powder) and berries are two foods that help fight inflammation and pain. Incorporating them into this smoothie will help get your day started strong. Read the labels when purchasing matcha, as some powders do come loaded with sugar, which would not only negate the purpose of this anti-inflammatory drink, but also make inflammation worse. This mix provides a dose of protein in the form of plant based protein powder, but you can also add non fat Greek yogurt which will add a great texture, too.
Turmeric Smoothie
Curcumin, found in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory element. Fresh turmeric isn’t easy to find, but you can try to grow it yourself (read our tips here!), so you’ll likely end up using powdered turmeric, which works as well. This smoothie also incorporates ginger, which has anti-inflammatory elements and lends a unique flavor- all in a powerhouse drink.
Turmeric Latte
Not much into smoothies or looking for a different option? Try this delicious latte- it has minimal ingredients, but still packs the ingredients that will provide anti-inflammatory benefits like turmeric and cinnamon. Almond milk provides calcium, is often fortified with vitamins and minerals, and is also lower in calories than cow milk (make sure its unsweetened, though).
Green Juice
This juice is loaded with ingredients that will benefit your overall wellness. Ginger provides an anti-inflammatory boost, as does spinach-which also provides antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Apples, cucumber, and lemon round out the flavors in this tasty beverage.
Hot Pepper Apple Cider
Peppers contain sinapic acid and ferulic acid and other elements that help reduce inflammation. Adding a dash of cayenne to this cider introduces the benefits that chile peppers provide in reducing inflammation and pain. This easy to make cider also contains cinnamon and cloves, which have both been shown to help reduce inflammation.
Strawberry Ginger Juice
Strawberries, ginger, and lime are incorporated into this refreshing drink. It’s easy to make ahead and have chilled in the refrigerator for when thirst hits you. Ginger provides anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants and also benefits your gut health. Delicious strawberries also house powerful anti-inflammatory elements and knock out a serving of fruit for the day.
You may have noticed a trend with the ingredients in these drinks. Most only require a few ingredients, include fresh elements like fruits and herbs, and they’re all easy to make ahead and have on-hand for when you are looking for something to sip on. Recipes like these make incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet a cinch. Do you have any favorite drink recipes (or snacks) that help you maintain anti-inflammatory ingredients in your diet? Leave your ideas in the comments!