You likely know that Walker, Vienna and I are big into smoothies just based on the recipes on my blog and my Instagram stories. We love smoothies - Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothies, Vienna's Smoothie and smoothie bowls!!
The smoothie I'm sharing with you today has special qualities, particularly for digestive wellness, and can be enjoyed by the whole family - little ones included!
There are three major reasons we love smoothies:
- They're a great way to get a big nutritious dose of superfoods into one cup.
- They're time-savers - especially on hectic mornings.
- They taste super yummy!
I realize that for those of you living in a chilly Northern climate, the last thing you want to slurp on is an icy cold smoothie when it's -10 outside - I get it! That's why in the depths of winter, I add warming ingredients like ginger and turmeric and do my best to avoid frozen fruits.
I didn't use any frozen fruit in this smoothie (although you could, if you'd like).
This smoothie is dairy-free, gluten-free, digestive-soothing and gut-health friendly.
The superstar ingredient in this smoothie is aloe vera! You can use either aloe vera juice or a couple peeled chunks of the inner filet for all the gut-loving benefits. Aloe has been revered for more than 3,000 years for its healing benefits, including aiding digestion and gentle daily detoxification. You can read all about the internal and external benefits of aloe here.
Aloe has many beneficial and healing properties including:
- Soothing. The plant is extremely soothing to both the inside and the outside of the body (it can help heal skin burns and abrasions).
- Relieves constipation. Aloe contains natural substances called anthraquinones that increase water content in the bowels and also increases peristalsis which means it encourages the movement of the smooth muscles in the intestines that help break down food and push it through the digestive tract.
- Restorative. It helps restore the stomach lining and therefore aids in the prevention of food sensitivities. It is also known for soothing and healing of stomach ulcers.
- Anti-inflammatory. Source of anti-inflammatory nutrients including vitamins A, C and E.
I keep an aloe vera plant at home and use it as needed for soothing irritated skin. Vienna finds it fascinating how you can break off a piece and this incredible stuff oozes out!
This smoothie can be enjoyed by the whole family, even little ones!
Drinks
Digestive Soothing Green Smoothie
Print
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup aloe vera juice or a couple chunks of the inner filet
- 1 cup cubed fresh or frozen pineapple
- Half a cucumber
- 1 banana
- 1 apple
- 1 cup chopped kale (dino or curly)
- 2 tbsp coconut butter
- Cashew milk or any non-dairy milk to consistency
- Optional: 1 scoop of your favourite protein powder
Instructions
- In a high power blender add aloe, pineapple, cucumber, banana, apple, kale, coconut butter, non-dairy milk and protein powder if using.
- Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds until fully blended.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate up to 3 hours.
Notes
Serves 1 generously.
Have a joyous week!
Joy xo
I was disappointed to see that this product from New Chapter had maltodextrin...is this something that should be a concern?
ReplyYou don't need to be concerned about it as it's such a teeny tiny amount use as a drying agent. The source is non-GMO either rice or tapioca maltodextrin. Hope that helps!
Hi Joy—instead of the powdered aloe what gel/juice aloe could be subbed?
ReplyAny aloe from your local health food store. Lily of the Desert is typically my go-to if I'm not using the fermented powder.
Can you offer a suggestion to substitute banana, my daughter is allergic.
ReplyApplesauce and if that doesn't make it sweet enough you could add a medjol date or two, just remember to remove the pit :)
I have an organic aloe plant and when I bought it, it had a card saying I can add it to smoothies but my question is, just the inside or the entire plant that goes in? I love using it on cuts to
ReplyTypically the inside gel of the plant. The outer skin can have a strong laxative effect :)
Thank you. What is a good amount to put in also?
1 - 2 tbsp would work great
Hi Joy! Is the protein powder only for those work out regularly? Or anyone add protein powder to their smoothie daily?
ReplyAnyone can add protein powder to their smoothie. I love Genuine Health's fermented organic protein powder. I add it to baked goods as well! These sweet potato muffins have my fave protein: https://www.joyoushealth.com/21089-blog-sweet-potato-protein-muffins
Hello Joy, question, can these smoothies be frozen?
ReplyYes for sure but you'll get the biggest nutrition bang for you buck but eating it right away.
I want to know can we use real aloe vera plant? Thank u
ReplyYes definitely, just peel the tough outside part it's very bitter.
I’m sure this is tasty but I find kale indigestible and there’s a lot of fruit in this!
ReplyHi Heidi, you can swap in spinach for the kale and use the amount of fruit to your liking. Enjoy!
Looks yummy however, I don’t see tumeric and ginger in the recipe. Do I just add a pinch?
ReplyOh I just meat in the cold winter time I like adding turmeric and ginger to smoothies in general but it's not in this recipe card. However, you can definitely add them, that would be a lovely addition! I would add a pinkie size amount of fresh ginger and a pinch of turmeric if you're using ground turmeric. Enjoy!
Love this smoothie , thank you Joy !
ReplyYou're welcome Nancy!