Anti-Inflammatory Spicy Summer Smoothie
Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in your body as a response to damaged cells, invading pathogens, irritating chemicals, and other negative factors. It is a normal part of your immune system’s reaction to these stimuli. However, when inflammation occurs chronically, that is for long periods of time, it can do significant damage to your body.
To reduce your overall amount of chronic inflammation, it is important to eliminate, or at least limit, the foods that cause it, and increase foods that inhibit inflammation. You can do this by using your smoothies as vehicles for anti-inflammatory foods. Here is one of my favorite Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipes 
packed full of goodies to help combat inflammation. Be warned, it’s got a kick!
INGREDIENTS:
- 250g chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 tsp ground turmeric or 1cm cube of fresh turmeric, peeled
- 250ml coconut milk (I use Koko from a carton – this is not the same as milk from a can)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Small pinch of vanilla powder (available in all good food shops)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (makes turmeric more bio-available)
- Small cube, about 1cm (or more, depending on your taste) of fresh ginger, peeled, or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
METHOD:
Put all the ingredients into a blender (I use a Vitamix) and blend until smooth.
You can add a couple of ice cubes to make it really cold, if you wish. Serve.
