Have you dreamed of discovering a delicious smoothie that’s the perfect addition to your winter routine? Well, today’s smoothie has got you covered! My Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe is filled with immune-boosting powers and flavor-filled spices, that work wonders on your body!
Smoothies are delicious but oftentimes they can be cooling on the body (which is why we may crave them more in the summer months). But I just love smoothies and I am here to tell you, Beauties, you can certainly enjoy smoothies all year long! You just need to focus on using the right ingredients for the season and your body will love you for it.
Immunity-Boosting Ingredients
When it comes to making a smoothie that is wonderful in spring, I like to think of adding ingredients that help boost immunity. Because let’s face it, the sniffles are no fun! If there is any way to help combat those bugs that tend to spread like wildfires in the winter than I am all for it! Not only are citrus fruits juicy and hydrating during the drier months, but also they are abundant in vitamin C. In fact, just one medium orange has all the vitamin C you need in a day! High concentrations of this super vitamin support a healthy immune system. And a healthy immune system helps to keep sickness at bay! Yay!
For this recipe, I used a large orange. If you happen to have several clementines or even tangerines laying around, these delicious gems will work too! Really any of your favorite citrus fruit would taste delightful in my Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe.
If you don’t have any of the ingredients lying around the house, let me give you a quick tip before you pick them up! When purchasing citrus at your local market, always look for unblemished fruits that are glossy and heavy. They might even have a beautiful aroma! This will ensure you are getting the juiciest of fruits over the ones that might be a little older and less sweet.
Seasonal Specials
Also what I find important while putting together a dreamy smoothie is to find a seasonal ingredient that is extra special this time of year. For this smoothie, that lucky winner happens to be the unique persimmon! Never heard of a persimmon? I’m not surprised! On the west coast, persimmons have such a short window of availability and ripeness – too bad because they are so tasty!
Persimmons almost look like a flat tomato. They are golden and orange in color and taste absolutely delicious when eaten ripe. Be patient and let them get nice and soft, and you’ll discover a sweet treat loaded with nutrients to strengthen your immune system. Persimmons are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and C. Just a single persimmon contains 80% of your daily requirements of vitamin C. More immunity boosting powers for our Citrus Spice Smoothie. You’re welcome!
Let me not forget to mention that persimmons come in two varieties, the Fuyu and the Hachiya. The Fuyu is flatter and sweeter of the two. This one can actually be enjoyed a little on the firmer side and it is still delicious. The Hachiya looks more like an apple in shape. With this variation, you’ll want to wait and let it get nice and soft before sinking your teeth into it. Otherwise, you could be in for one bitter bite.
A Little Spice is Always Nice
Spices all too often are forgotten in smoothies, but they really are the magic that brings so many recipes to life! It’s not every day that I use these powerful tools in a smoothie, but during the winter months especially, they add an immune-boosting and warming touch!
One thing I want to be sure to highlight is that it’s not uncommon to crave a little more sweet during the winter months. I get it! It’s cold outside and we want to treat ourselves to something nice. But before you reach for that extra cookie, remember that certain spices can actually add a natural sweetness to your life. So I rounded up my favorites to help me create my Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe! We need all the help we can get to keep sugar cravings in check during winter. Pass the spices, please!
A simple way to make your smoothie more interesting is by spicing it up! Some wonderful, naturally sweet spices I’ve included in this recipe are cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices are considered by Ayurvedic medicine to improve poor digestion and increase your Agni, or digestive fire. This is a major plus during the time of year when we might be reaching for heavier, more congestive foods.
Speaking of digestion, I’ve got just the thing if you are looking for another boost. Check out my Feel Good Digestive Enzymes. These enzymes effectively break down stubborn macronutrients in your food like protein, carbs and fat, which can reduce gas and bloating as well as improve nutrient absorption. Why spend more on healthy and organic food if your body doesn’t reap the benefits? Adding this supplement to your daily practice helps to ensure you will get the most out of every meal and is essential to your digestive wellness.
Cardamom
I love my spices for so many different reasons. Let me start with cardamom. I like to think of it as almost tasting citrusy and spicy, with a pretty sharp and complex flavor. It pairs well with other spices, hence why cardamom isn’t the only star spice in this smoothie.
A little cardamom in your smoothie goes a long way. Cardamom can help your body absorb the other nutrients as it helps open up your capillaries. It can also help GI issues as this spice has strong detoxifying properties. Not only is cardamom effective at helping you detox, but it will warm you up from the inside out. This is one warming spice that is perfect to add to your winter routine!
In one of the world’s oldest ancient healing systems, Ayurveda, it’s recommended that cardamom be used for low libido. Yes, you’re hearing me right, Beauties! We can thank this spice’s high levels of cineole for that. Cineole works by increasing blood flow to the male and female sexual regions. And increasing blood flow down there may ultimately increase desire and performance.
Need to get rid of a bad case of gingivitis? Cardamom can help! Sip on my Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie, and you’ll actually be fighting off bad bacteria in your mouth. Pretty cool, right? Studies have found that cardamom can even help improve inflammation in the body, decreasing the chances of disease. And the list of benefits could go on, but I’ll move onto the next spice.
Cinnamon
When you want to flavor your food and drink, an all-time favorite spice of mine to use is cinnamon. Cinnamon comes with an entire bag of sweet bonuses besides its amazing taste! It can help you achieve any weight loss goals you might be striving for this new year. It provides the sweetness your body is craving while helping to stabilize your blood sugar to prevent you from crashing, and it can help you boost your metabolism.
I love cinnamon. I even use it my Lickable Immunity Paste that my Ayurvedic doctor, Dr. Jay, suggests using. You can enjoy it every day in the morning or in the evening after meals. It helps to cleanse your system because, like cardamom, it is a warming spice that boosts circulation.
Nutmeg
And last but not least, let me not forget to mention nutmeg. Yes, this is one spice that takes my Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe to the next level! It’s also a warming spice, but it is slightly nutty in flavor which gives this smoothie the perfect taste! Nutmeg contains powerful amounts of antioxidants, like cyanidin. This helps regulate free radicals in the body, giving your skin the glow it deserves!
Looking for another way to boost your glow this year? Check out my Feel Good Skin Care Collection. These plant-based, cruelty-free products will naturally replenish, tighten and brighten your skin!
I can’t wait for you to try my Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie recipe. It sure is one spice-filled treat! Don’t be intimidated by adding spices into your smoothie. I can promise you that it will be sure to heat things up… in a good way!
Be sure to tag me in your Instagram creations so I can see your beautiful recipes come to life and don’t forget to pin the picture above to your Pinterest board. Lots of love to you Beauties!
Immunity Boosting Citrus Spice Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt
- 1 large orange peeled
- 1 persimmon - omit if you can not find
- 2 dates
- ¼ tsp. ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp. Vanilla powder
Can’t wait to try this this weekend!
Enjoy, Beauty! xx
Will try seems interesting.
So excited to try this. I love persimmons but never really know what to make with them.
Hi Amanda! I’m excited for you to try out the recipe too, and have a chance to use persimmons :) Happy blending! xx
Is mixing dates with Orange a digestion friendly food combining?? I read somewhere that combining sweet and citrus fruits is not recommended .. what are your thoughts ?
Hi Chitvan! Some people may prefer to only combine citrus with other acidic fruits. If that’s what feels best for your body and digestion, you could always leave out the dates from this recipe and it would still be delicious! I find that blending always helps with digestion, especially with the two dates and orange combination in this recipe. My philosophy on food combining is to keep meals simple and optimal for digestion, and of course, listening to what feels good for your body! xx
the ebook was not sent to my email :(
Just got your 3 detox books !!!!! I can’t put them down!!! Trying to go Vegan, I know it’s not going to be easy :(
Hi Beauty! Please email love@mysolluna.com if you’re having issues with receiving the e-book. And I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the books, and I’m proud of you for taking the first step to going plant-based. Sending you lots of love and encouragement for your new health journey! xx
I love the color of this smoothie.
I will try this, as I love persimmons. They remind me of a sweet candy treat. I’m sure this smoothie recipe is awesome too.
Thanks for sharing this, Kimberly!
Hi Terry! Let me know how you like the smoothie when you try it out! Sending you lots of love xx
Hi Kimberly, can you recommend a good brand for vanilla powder? Thank you,
Alex
Hi Alex! I always try to look for a brand that is 100% organic and raw, to ensure it’s the cleanest option of vanilla powder. Hope that helps! xx
Hi Kimberly, I would like to make smoothies for my mother. She is beating cancer, during her treatments she can not have citrus. Can I replace the orange with another fruit of her choice? She needs all the immune boosting help we can get for her right now… Thank you,
Tanya
Hi Tanya! Yes, you could definitely replace the citrus with another fruit, such as banana. Wishing your mother good luck and health to beat her cancer, and sending you both lots of love! xx
Just made something very similar
Thank you for your yummy inspiration
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I’m very much excited about this one given the need for an extra immunity boost! Cardamom is my favorite! Thank you Kimberly :)
Amazing taste! So fresh, sweet and a little bit spicy. Love this one
Thanks so much for trying this smoothie Iren! Happy you’re loving it. Sending you lots of love! Xo