Cherry Bomb Smoothie

I’m on a bit of a new smoothie recipe kick right now. Back in April, I shared my Sunshine Smoothie and, today, it’s all about the Cherry Bomb Smoothie.

I really love smoothies in the warmer weather months because they’re super quick to make, you can pack so much nutrition into them and they’re portable for a grab’n’go option.

If you’re looking for additional smoothies to try out, bookmark these ones, too:

• Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
• The Clear Skin Smoothie
• The Hormone Smoothie
• Strawberries & Cream Smoothie
• Creamy Tropical Smoothie

All About Fibre

First things first, let’s talk about fibre and why it’s critical for good gut health, detoxification, and hormonal balance.

Fibre is one of the superheroes of your digestive system. It helps keep things moving smoothly, prevents constipation, and ensures that your body eliminates waste effectively. When it comes to acne, a healthy gut is key because it helps to reduce acne-causing inflammation in the body. 

Fibre also plays a crucial role in detoxification by binding to toxins and excess hormones, aiding their elimination from the body. Plus, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is super duper important for acne sufferers (and hormonal health!).

Cherries for Skin Health

Now, let’s get to the star of the show – cherries! These juicy little fruits are not only bursting with fresh flavour but also work wonders for your skin.

• Rich in antioxidants, like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which can help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals [1]. Oxidative stress is a leading cause of acne and promotes premature aging and disease in the body. [2]
• Potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and skin. [3]
• Good source of vitamin A, which promotes skin cell turnover and helps regulate oil production, potentially reducing the occurrence of acne.
• High water content, which can contribute to overall hydration and skin health. Proper hydration is important for maintaining skin elasticity and a healthy complexion.

Reminder, cherries are consistently ranked on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list as a fruit with high levels of pesticide residue. If possible, make sure to buy your cherries organic to reduce your exposure to cancer-causing and hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Cherry Bomb Smoothie

Packed with acne-fighting antioxidants and hormone-balancing fibre, this Cherry Bomb smoothie is your skin's new BFF.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Author: Katie Stewart

Equipment

• 1 Blender

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups filtered water (more or less depending on preferred consistency)
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups frozen dark cherries
• 3 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds (whole/unground)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (whole/unground)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to the blender and blend on high until smooth.
• Pour into a glass and drink immediately (it may thicken slightly if you wait to drink it).

Notes

• This smoothie packs 10 grams of fibre and 16 grams of plant-based protein.
• More Fibre? Add an additional tablespoon of flax or chia. This will thicken the smoothie's consistency and may require more water.
• More Protein? Add a serving of collagen powder or your preferred protein powder. Protein powder may require additional water.

References:

1. Akbari, B, Baghaei-Yazdi, N, Bahmaie, M, Mahdavi Abhari, F. The role of plant-derived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress. BioFactors. 2022; 48: 611– 633. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1831
2. Wong A, et al. Oxidative Stress in Acne Vulgaris. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b95b/511060d3716fab8fe80695eae4e8e9bdd7fd.pdf
3. Jacob RA, Spinozzi GM, Simon VA, Kelley DS, Prior RL, Hess-Pierce B, Kader AA. Consumption of cherries lowers plasma urate in healthy women. J Nutr. 2003 Jun;133(6):1826-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/133.6.1826. PMID: 12771324.