Pineapple-Ginger Açaí Smoothie
December 9, 2020
Note: The health information provided in this article is based on studies which I've linked to below. I have a B.S. in microbiology, but I'm not a doctor, and this article should not be taken as health advice or used in place of seeing a doctor. Please read the terms and conditions for my full disclaimer.
Pineapple and ginger are a refreshing combination known for their healing properties. Pineapple has a mixture of enzymes known as bromelain, which assist in digestion and help reduce inflammation (inflammation can show up in a variety of conditions, from the common cold to arthritis). Pineapple is also a good source of vitamin C. Ginger contains its own anti-inflammatory substances called gingerols, which are also helpful for arthritis. And ginger is known to reduce nausea and improve gastrointestinal health. Açaí is thought to have its own health benefits, but there's not enough research yet to make any conclusions.
Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a berry from the Amazon rainforest that's been popular in Brazil for quite some time. It's finally becoming widely available in the United States, thanks to frozen packets and powders that allow it to be transported without going bad. And I love using the frozen form in a variety of smoothies! Açaí packets are sold for around $4.49 per 4-pack at Trader Joe's, but if you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby, you can also get them at most major grocery stores and Costco. The most popular brand is Sambazon (they sell both sweetened and unsweetened varieties, so look for the unsweetened packs).
This smoothie is a light and refreshing, but flavorful drink. If you've never had fresh ginger in a smoothie before, be warned: it has a little bit of a bite. You might want to reduce the amount of ginger until you get accustomed to the taste. Or, if you really don't like it, you can leave it out entirely!
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Pineapple-Ginger Açaí Smoothie
Yield1 smoothie
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Timen/a
Total Time10 minutes
Pin itIngredients
- 1 3.5 oz. packet of frozen, unsweetened açaí
- 1 cup pineapple, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp. fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
Instructions
Add the açaí, pineapple, coconut water, and ginger to a blender, and blend on low speed until large chunks are broken up. Then, blend on high speed until everything is smooth. (The ginger may take a little longer to blend than most smoothie ingredients).
Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately.
Notes & Hints
You may notice this recipe doesn't use a sweetener; I don't think it needs it because the pineapple is quite sweet, but feel free to use maple syrup if you would like to!
Nutrition Data
Serving Size 1 recipe
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories 184 | Calories from Fat 45 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 5g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat 1g | 5% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | |
| Sodium 44mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 32g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 20% | |
| Sugars 22g | ||
| Protein 2g | 4% | |
| Vitamin A 31mcg RAE | 3% | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 0mcg | 0% | |
| Vitamin C 79mg | 88% | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium 65mg | 5% | |
| Iron 0mg | 0% | |
| Potassium 530mg | 11% | |
| Zinc 0mg | 0% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note: This data should be used only as an estimate. Please see the nutrition section of my terms and conditions for more information on how this data is calculated.
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