This Cooling Ginger Smoothie Recipe Brings Together Unexpected Flavors and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

I’m that person who still goes running down the street when I hear the ice cream truck. Even though I’m now considered an “adult,” ice-cold, sweet things still feel like peak summertime. And that’s why, when creative activist Junauda Petrus-Nasah shared her go-to cooling ginger smoothie recipe on this week’s episode of Glowing Live, I quickly recreated it.

Every month, Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow, jumps on Well+Good’s IGTV and interviews BIPOC wellness leaders who are demonstrating community care. On last week’s episode, she chatted with Petrus-Nasah about standing up for reproductive rights and writing her debut book The Stars and the Blackness Between Them. Plus, she shared a ginger smoothie recipe that she and her wife can’t get enough of right now.

According to Petru-Nasah, ginger is practically in her blood. She grew up drinking its juice, and has considered getting the root tattooed on her skin many times. “I feel like ginger is like my magical medicine,” she said. And magical it is, everyone.

“Studies have shown ginger to be effective in decreasing inflammation, swelling, and pain, thanks to a compound called gingerol,” Tracy Lockwood-Beckerman, RD, previously told Well+Good. “Gingerol is a bio-active compound in ginger which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant affects.” Ginger is also great for calming an upset stomach, or perking you up with its sharp flavor when summer lethargy comes for a visit.

Learn more about the benefits of adding ginger to your smoothie: 

All that said, Petrus-Nasah’s go-to smoothie recipe really takes everything up a notch. “It’s a smoothie with my carrot juice, blueberries, frozen bananas, peanut butter, and ginger juice,” she said, adding that she just invested in a top-of-the-line juicer.

Now, I know that sounds like a weird flavor combo, but Petrus-Nasah says it’s incredible—and I have to agree. The smoothie has a sweet, rich flavor that’s made a little bit heartier by the addition of peanut butter, which adds a few grams of protein, as well as some fiber to help your digestive system.

You’ll also get a number of beneficial nutrients from the other plant ingredients in the smoothie, like heart-disease fighting flavonoids from the blueberries and vision-supporting beta carotene from the carrot. (Don’t worry: The ginger definitely shines through and makes itself the star of the show. )

So there you have it. For the love of summer, please continue to go racing after the ice cream truck. But on those days when you want to make something refreshing for yourself (or someone you love), recreate Petrus-Nasah’s smoothie. You can switch-up the ingredient ratios until you’ve reached your desired thickness and flavor profile. Make it your own, and enjoy.

Catch the full conversation between Thomas and Petrus-Nasah below:

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