Well Beauties, it’s officially October and fall is in full swing! This beautiful autumn month often brings a shift to cooler weather, busy schedules and even preparation for the holidays just around the corner. During this transitional time, it’s important to keep ourselves grounded and our immune systems armored up! Enter in my Cranberry Ginger Cherry Smoothie.

I like to think of this smoothie as my double-defense against stress and sickness. Ginger provides warming and grounding effects, as colder weather and busyness sneak up on us. Cranberries and cherries pack a punch with loads of antioxidants, giving our immune systems some extra love.

Warm Up and Ground Down with Ginger

Aromatic, pungent and slightly spicy, ginger certainly has the power to add a special flavor and zest to many dishes, and to our fresh fruits and veggies. Along with its earthy, fresh flavor comes a host of health benefits.

Ginger elevates your metabolism and has immune-boosting action. It’s a warming root without the irritation, recommended for all body types. It promotes healthy sweating (literally heating the body!) which is often helpful during the oncoming cold and flu season.

Ginger has been used for years in Chinese and Indian medicine, as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat numerous conditions, such as gas, bloating and indigestion. When you’re rushing around and stressed out, as we often are this time of year, your body and mind take a hit. You might feel wound up and scatterbrained or get an irritated stomach from eating in a rush. Ginger is the perfect thing to consume to feel grounded and centered in the middle of all the craziness!

Antioxidant Dynamic Duo: Cranberries & Cherries

Cranberries and cherries are both amazing, and in my opinion, often overlooked beauty foods. Antioxidants found in both bright and cheery fruits are especially important for immune defense.

Crazy about Cranberries

Cranberries are usually associated with women’s health, and for good reason! The berries contain a specific antioxidant called proanthocyanidin, which helps to prevent urinary tract infections.

Whole cranberries boast an amazing collection of other antioxidants, such as phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and triterpenoid. Also included in this unique combination of antioxidant nutrients are—resveratrol, piceatannol, and pterostilbene.

Antioxidant Synergy

What’s even more interesting is the synergy between these nutrients—the phytonutrients in cranberry provide maximum antioxidant benefits only when consumed in combination with each other. This is also true only when consumed alongside of conventional antioxidant nutrients present in cranberry, like manganese and vitamin C.

Astringent Properties

Do you avoid eating whole cranberries because of that intense, mouth puckering taste? The astringent taste of food like cranberries is often unfamiliar to Western palates. The puckering, dry sensation you feel when you eat cranberries actually extends to the whole body, providing benefits like enhanced digestion and healing.

Overall, cranberries supply us with tremendous amounts of fighting action against all the toxins inside and outside of our bodies. Who can say no to these benefits especially with cold and flu season knocking at the door?!

Cheery Cherries

If you’re now convinced to hop on the cranberry train, make sure to bring cherries along for the ride! These shiny red gems pack so much power in every bite. Think of them as little helpers, caring for your immune system, easing you into sleep, and making your beautiful skin glow.

Cherries contain high levels of immunity-building antioxidants. Our body does produce antioxidants naturally, but drinking my Cranberry Ginger Cherry Smoothie will give you the extra antioxidant boost you might need! Side note: these antioxidants are also beneficial for glowing skin. Who would turn down a little extra radiance for the upcoming holidays?? ;)

Sleeping Beauties

Here’s another fun fact that is too good to pass up! Did you know that cherries and ginger are one of nature’s few sources of melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone that lowers body temperature, making us feel nice and sleepy. One study shows how cherries are an excellent source of melatonin, and by increasing their intake, you increase your melatonin levels—which leads to better beauty sleep <1>. I personally will take all the help I can get when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep during this busy season!

Remember, beauties, during this season it is important to pause and take time to care for yourself. Why not start today with this simple, yet powerful, Cranberry Ginger Cherry Smoothie?

Happy blending, Loves!