Author: Hannah FryeJuly 20, 2023Assistant Beauty & Health EditorBy Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health EditorHannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.Image by Vera Lair / StocksyJuly 20, 2023Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may earn a small commission.A smoothie a day is arguably one of the easiest ways to pack in loads of nutrients—many of which you can customize tailored to your health goals. Want more protein? Toss some powder in your smoothie. Looking for immune support? Load up your blend with citrus.
The options are truly endless, especially when it comes to gut health and a balanced inflammatory response. If you want to check these boxes every single day, find a few ingredients to add to your next recipe below:
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.1.Turmeric
You may be familiar with consuming turmeric in the form of golden milk, chana masala, or spicy ginger shots, but you can also add it to your blend à la carte.
Not only will turmeric add a gorgeous golden hue to your beverage, but it's also soothing for digestion1 and overall gut health.*
In fact, a 2020 scientific review from Nutrients reveals that curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric) even helps promote a healthy gut microbiome2 by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria strains.* So go ahead and aim for a golden smoothie every now and then.
Now, I've made a decent number of smoothies with turmeric in my lifetime (I once worked at a smoothie shop), and I'll tell you that it doesn't pair well with every fruit or vegetable out there. My tip: If you're going to add this root to your blend, make sure to pair it with a sweet counterpart, like mango, orange, or pineapple.
RELATED READ: 8 Health Benefits Of Turmeric + 11 Ways To Make Sure You Get Enough Daily
2.Collagen
If you prefer to take your supplements in powder form, then a daily smoothie is the perfect way to pack all of that goodness into one blend, collagen supplements included.
How, exactly, you incorporate this supplement will depend on which product you buy and the flavor you prefer. If you like to shake up your smoothie recipes, I recommend opting for an unflavored blend like the mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+.
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Shop nowFor dessert smoothie lovers, pick the mindbodygreen chocolate beauty & gut collagen+ instead. While the flavor is rich and decadent, there's no added sugar, so you can enjoy your sweet smoothie without the blood sugar spike.
Sure, this supplement may be best known for its skin-related benefits, but it's actually a secret weapon for supporting the gut as well. Research has found that levels of certain types of collagen are lower in individuals with digestive challenges3.*
What's more, research has found that one of the main amino acids in collagen, L-glutamate, supports the intestine by neutralizing oxidative stress4 and acts as a major fuel source5 for the cells in the intestine.* A bonus? Our blend also features turmeric!
Here, our favorite collagen supplements on the market if you're looking for a new favorite product.
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This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.3.Probiotic yogurt
Now, for those who love a super-rich and creamy smoothie, reach for some probiotic-rich yogurt. Similar to picking a collagen supplement, you'll want unflavored yogurt if you tend to switch up your flavor profile. (Plus, flavored varieties tend to have more sugar.)
If you avoid dairy for whatever reason, don't worry—there are plenty of dairy-free probiotic yogurts on the market, including brands like Cocojune, Siggi's, So Delicious Dairy Free, and others.
This is just one easy way to include even more healthy gut bugs in your diet—especially if you don't take a daily probiotic supplement.
This step will feed your gut microbiome and make your blend super creamy. Just remember to keep your blending time short if you want to preserve the ultra-thick consistency yogurt can create.
The takeaway
If you want to pack your smoothie full of gut-loving ingredients, consider adding turmeric, hydrolyzed collagen peptides, and probiotic-rich yogurt to your blend. Here, more tips for creating a gut-healthy diet.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.Hannah FryeAssistant Beauty & Health EditorHannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more. She previously interned for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends, holistic skincare approaches, must-have makeup products, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. She currently lives in New York City.
5 Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882399/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551052/#:~:text=Curcumin%20Favors%20Beneficial%20Bacterial%20Strains,growth%20of%20beneficial%20bacteria%20strains.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14600124/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25368996
- https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/494777
