BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL SMOOTHIE

This vibrant sweet & spicy smoothie can help keep your mind bright and your body beautiful, inside and out!  A simple blend of fresh carrots, cantaloupe, ginger and turmeric, it is absolutely packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and disease-fighting plant power!

Ginger and turmeric are in the same plant family, Zingiberaceae, and both have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for millennia.

Turmeric's main active ingredient is curcumin.  This potent phytochemical has amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, wound-healing, and cognitive and mood-enhancing benefits.  If you are new to turmeric, it is better to start with less and build-up gradually to see how you tolerate it and to adjust to the somewhat pungent, bitter flavour.  Remember that natural medicines and remedies have side effects, too, and consider discussing with your health care provider.  Also note that turmeric is used as a colouring agent and can stain your clothes!

Ginger has a fresh, fragrant and slightly peppery taste.  It is well-recognized as having anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, analgesic and pro-digestive benefits.  Research also suggests that consumption of ginger can boost immunity and reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond or nut-free milk

• 1 1/2 cups diced ripe cantaloupe

• 1 cup grated raw carrot

• 1/2 Tbsp or more grated fresh ginger, adjusted to taste

• 1/4 to 1 tsp turmeric powder (as discussed above)

• pinch of black pepper

• Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure maple syrup, stevia, or raw honey (nonvegan), adjusted to taste (optional)

• few ice cubes (optional, to make cold and frothy)