Pomegranate season is in full swing and we’re here for it. Pomegranate seeds add a sweet, juicy pop to salads and yogurt parfaits. But they also make a delicious addition to your morning smoothies. Whether you’re cleansing or want to mix up your morning smoothie routine – this pomegranate smoothie delivers.
The power of pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds, also known as pomegranate arils, are the stars of this smoothie. These ruby gems provide a hefty dose of antioxidants, which protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Pomegranate arils are especially rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C, providing roughly 15% of your recommended daily intake in a ½ cup serving. Vitamin C enhances your immune health, which is crucial as we head into cold and flu season.
The polyphenols in pomegranate seeds benefit your gut as well. Their antibacterial effects help limit the growth of harmful bacteria while improving the abundance of friendly strains. They’re also high in fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Half a cup of pomegranate seeds pack 3.5 grams of dietary fiber, making them a delicious way to meet your daily fiber mark.
Get your vitamin C with cherries
Cherries add some extra sweetness and nutrition to this smoothie. Like pomegranate, cherries are a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. A one-cup serving provides 18% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. This nutrient supports a healthy immune system, protecting your body from viruses and other pathogens. Vitamin C also helps your body produce collagen, a protein that promotes smooth, supple skin.
Stay hydrated with cucumbers
It’s no secret that hydration is crucial for your health and well-being. While there’s no substitute for drinking plenty of water, your food choices can also help you stay hydrated. That’s because between 20-30% of your daily water intake comes from food!
And cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods on the planet. They boast a 96% water content, making them a refreshing way to boost your hydration. Staying well-hydrated improves digestion and helps flush toxins and waste from your body. This is especially important if you’re cleansing with Clean 7 or Clean 21.
Coconut water for a hydration boost
Coconut water, the liquid found inside of young coconuts, serves as the base of this smoothie. Naturally sweet and ultra-hydrating, coconut water is packed with electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
Electrolytes are lost through your sweat when you exercise. While sports drinks contain electrolytes, many are loaded with added sugars, artificial colorings, and flavors. Coconut water helps you replenish electrolytes, without exposing yourself to harmful toxins.
Settle your stomach with mint
Fresh herbs add a boost of nutrition to your smoothies – and mint is one of our favorites. This herb is best known for its digestive health benefits. It contains menthol, a compound that calms the muscles in the digestive tract. Mint is shown to ease indigestion and stomach pain, among other IBS symptoms. Research shows it also stimulates your salivary glands to produce digestive enzymes. This can, in turn, improve nutrient absorption.
Don’t forget healthy fats and protein
No smoothie is complete with healthy fats and protein. Fats and protein help stabilize your blood sugar and promote satiety. With avocado and chia seeds, this smoothie includes a generous serving of healthy fats.
These foods are both rich in fiber, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Avocados are also high in potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate your nervous system and blood pressure. Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support brain health.
A scoop of Clean Daily Shake adds essential vitamins and minerals to this smoothie, along with 19 grams of protein. Rich in probiotics and prebiotics, this plant-based protein is an easy way to meet your protein needs, while supporting your gut. We used the plain version for this recipe. But it would be equally delicious with the vanilla or chocolate flavors.
Pomegranate Hydration Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients
1 scoop or packet of Clean Daily Shake
¾ cup pomegranate arils
½ cup frozen cherries
½ medium cucumber (about 1 cup)
½ cup coconut water
¼ avocado
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 sprig fresh mint (about 6-8 leaves)
Instructions
First, you’ll need to extract the seeds from your pomegranate. This article walks you through how to remove the seeds quickly, without making a huge mess.
Alternatively, you can also buy pomegranate arils at the grocery store that are already removed. While these are a handy option, they’re not as fresh.
Fair warning, pomegranate juice can stain wood. So if you use a fresh pomegranate, it’s best to cut it on a plastic cutting board.
Once you have your pomegranate arils, prep the remaining ingredients. Chop ½ the cucumber into large chunks, cut the avocado and remove the pit, and tear the mint leaves off the stem. Measure out the frozen cherries, chia seeds, and coconut water.
Add the pomegranate arils, cherries, cucumber, avocado, mint, chia seeds, and coconut water into your blender.
Measure out one scoop of Daily Shake and add to your blender. Blend ingredients until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a bit more coconut water until you reach your desired consistency.
To serve, pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. Or, cover and store in a mason jar overnight for an easy on-the-go breakfast.
Recipe and photography by Mindy Palmer.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like this Coconut Raspberry Smoothie.
References
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35052533/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4477247/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9220293/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9964784/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084017/
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5814329/
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292542438
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