The Winter months can be bitterly cold, especially if you are living in extreme weather conditions and dealing with freezing temperatures. Even if you live in a milder climate, feeling damp and cold can be an issue.
I get a lot of emails from readers asking for suggestions on how to “warm up juices and smoothies” so they can still be enjoyed all-year round.
Here are my top 5 foods that will add some heat and delicious flavour to raw juices and smoothies:
Ginger would be my top choice for adding heat and a delicious spicy flavour to smoothies and juices. I prefer to use a nob of fresh ginger root. But, you can use a pinch of powdered dried ginger. Ginger is not only incredibly warming, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It also stimulates digestion, tones the intestinal tract, and relieves gastrointestinal issues like nausea and bloating. Ginger also supports the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This “Rhapsody in Red” Ginger Beet Juice is fabulous Winter cleansing juice.
Cinnamon has been used for centuries in the Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic world to assist with colds, indigestion and cramps. Cinnamon is fantastic for warming the body, and getting your circulation going! It also helps to boost energy and vitality, as well as cognitive and memory functions. Cinnamon also has powerful antifiungal properties, making it a fabulous addition for those struggling with candida. It is also great for inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Cinnamon can also help lower and stabilize blood sugar levels, increase the amount of insulin production in the body, and lower bad (LDL) cholesterol. Cinnamon also helps with alleviating headaches and migraines in some people. I love to add a pinch to juice and smoothie blends to spice things up, add a delicious warm flavour, and some heat! Cinnamon adds a pinch of magic to this Vegetable Magnetism Juice
Garlic has a natural warming effect on the body and contains potent vitamins, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients that act against coronary artery diseases, infections, strokes, and cancers. It also contains powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities, and vitamin C that helps destroy bacteria and help the body develop resistance against infectious agents and free radicals. Garlic is extremely potent. With a spicy, pungent flavour , just 1 – 2 cloves is all it takes to boost the power of juices and smoothies. I like to chop up garlic and add to lemon ginger water. Add some local raw honey for an added immune boosting agent. Or try adding it to gazpacho-style juices and smoothies like this Spicy Alkaline Vegetable Juice or for a real garlic kick, try this Salty Alkaline Kale Smoothie.
Chili peppers certainly get your system moving. Besides adding a spicy flavour, chili peppers contain valuable vitamin C, and can help fight inflammation, as well as boost immunity and maintain the integrity of blood vessels, internal organs, bones, and skin. Chili peppers are also high in Vitamin A and antioxidants, which combat free radical damage, as well as B Complex Vitamins, and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and manganese. Chili can help lower blood pressure, sooth the intestinal tract, relieve respiratory congestion and sinus headaches, and help burn fat. The great thing about chili is that it blends well with sweet and savoury flavours. I love it blended with fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies for a serious kick. Try this Spiced Mango Juice or Spiced Vegetable Green Smoothie.
Almonds are magical alkalizing agents, high in monounsaturated “heart-healthy” fats good for lowering high-density lipoproteins and stabilizing cholesterol levels. They contain over twenty different antioxidant flavanoids, which offset free radical damage, and have fabulous immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties as well. They are relatively high in protein and are a fantastic energy booster, lowering the glycemic index of other foods, and lowering and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Almonds have also been linked to gall bladder and colon health too. They are also a good source of B2, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and an excellent source of Vitamin E for healthy skin. Just a handful added to smoothies can help warm up your body. Try this Spiced Cranberry Ginger Almond Smoothie to really heat up your system.
What’s YOUR favourite warming food to add to juices and smoothies?
