Spinach and Pineapple Smoothie for Gut Health

If you’re looking for an all-natural smoothie with gut-healing ingredients, try this Spinach and Pineapple Smoothie.

Smoothies are an effective way to load your body with all kinds of good stuff. In this refined sugar-free smoothie recipe, we’re leaning on nutrient-dense ingredients known to aid digestion and heal the gut from within. Think ginger, pineapple, kefir, cinnamon and antioxidant-rich spinach.

Smoothie Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a gut-health smoothie with spinach and pineapple:

• Spinach
• Pineapple
• Nonfat Greek yogurt
• Plain, low-fat kefir
• Coconut water
• Fresh ginger
• Cinnamon
• Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Gut-Healing Smoothie Benefits

Spinach

Spinach is loaded with nutrients, including immune-boosting antioxidants. The high fiber content in this leafy green aids digestion supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria as well as the production of digestive enzymes that help break down food so it can be properly absorbed into the body.

Pineapple

Pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion by breaking down nutrients so they can be properly absorbed by the body. What’s more, bromelain helps alleviate digestive discomfort, such as gas and bloating. Pineapple is also rich in insoluble fiber, which is essential to promoting regular bowel movements and overall digestive health.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a fermented dairy product rich in probiotics, which are exceptionally beneficial for the gut. Probiotics are also beneficial for aiding digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Specifically, Greek yogurt is home to live microorganism strains that include Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, among others, that help replenish and diversify good gut bacteria. In turn, digestion function is improved and symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea may be vastly improved.

Kefir

Kefir is also a fermented dairy product rich in probiotics, but its benefits go a few steps further than those of Greek yogurt. It’s low in lactose, making it a healthy choice for those who are sensitive to lactose in milk, yogurt and other dairy products. Additionally, kefir contains a broader and more diverse spectrum of gut-friendly microbes.

Coconut Water

While known for being a strong source for hydration, coconut water is rarely recognized for its gut-health benefits. The same nutrients that aid in hydration, electrolytes and potassium, also help regulate the balance of fluids in the digestive tract, making coconut water an ideal addition to gut-healing smoothies.

Ginger

Unlike coconut water, ginger is often touted for its digestive benefits. In addition to being rich in antioxidants and fiber, fresh ginger is often recommended for the alleviation of gas and bloating, nausea and as a general natural remedy for upset stomach.

Cinnamon

A compound found in cinnamon called ‘cinnamic acid’ helps fight inflammation and aids in digestive health thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. In addition to promoting healthy gut enzymes and helping to reduce bloating, recent studies show cinnamon may also help regulate blood sugar levels.

How to Make a Spinach and Pineapple Smoothie for Gut Health

Step 1. Blend the ingredients.

In a high-powered blender, add the ingredients: spinach, pineapple, yogurt, kefir, coconut water, cinnamon and ginger. Blend the spinach smoothie with pineapple until it is smooth and creamy.

Add a handful of ice cubes for a thicker smoothie. Add more coconut water to thin out the smoothie.

Step 2. Taste, adjust and serve.

Before serving the pineapple spinach smoothie, taste and adjust by using honey, agave or maple syrup for an optional extra dose of sweetness.

Pour the smoothie into two glasses, garnish with unsweetened shredded coconut (optional), and serve immediately.

This smoothie yields two 16-ounce servings or four 8-ounce servings.

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