2-minute read time
This Ginger Mango Smoothie delivers serious nutrition in a simple, refreshing package.
Fresh ginger root is the star of this smoothie, and for good reason. This powerful rhizome contains potent phytonutrients called gingerols, which deliver impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
For athletes and active individuals, ginger can help reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and support faster recovery between training sessions. Beyond performance, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help combat chronic inflammation linked to various health conditions.
Got knee or joint pain? Regularly including ginger in your routine, or the addition of a ginger extract supplement, can be a natural way to target the aches and pains.
Research suggests that ginger's antioxidant compounds help neutralize free radicals produced during intense exercise, potentially reducing oxidative stress on your body. Whether you're crushing a morning workout or managing everyday stress, these phytonutrients work behind the scenes to support your body's natural healing processes.
Tinkering in the kitchen with ginger
Ingredients:
1 c (240 ml) unsweetened organic soy milk (you can use any milk)
1-inch piece (~10-15 gm or a “thumb” amount) of fresh ginger root (I don’t peel it; if you don’t have a powerhouse blender, you may want to loosely chop the ginger)
1 scoop of SunWarrior Sport Active Protein, vanilla flavored protein powder (you can substitute with your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder)
3/4 c (~120 grams) frozen mango
ice/water as desired to blend to desired thickness and consistency
Add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth.
Basic nutrition info:
270 kilocalories
28 gm carbohydrate
5 gm fiber
24 gm protein
7 gm fat
1:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein
This combination works great pre-workout, post-workout, or as an energizing snack. Adjust the carbs by adding more mango or banana, or boost the protein with an extra scoop of powder to match your workout needs.
But wait… aren’t mangos too high in sugar?
Let's address the elephant in the room: mango gets an unfair reputation for being "too high in sugar." Yes, mango is a tropical fruit with natural sweetness, but that doesn't make it nutritionally inferior. A few highlights of mango include its vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate content. This makes room for us to think “beyond the sugar” and appreciate that whole fruits can provide many other micronutrient benefits - a detail that is often overlooked.
Give this smoothie a try and be sure to tag me on Facebook (@mechanicdina) or Instagram (@nutritionmechanic) with a picture of your creation!
-Dina