This watermelon pineapple smoothie makes the perfect light and refreshing beverage to help revitalize and cleanse the body. It’s made with a base of coconut water, and blended with alkalizing superfoods like watermelon and pineapple.
Pineapple is a great fruit to help minimize inflammation in the body. It contains an enzyme called bromelain that reduces CD4+T lymphocytes (primary effectors that are involved in triggering the inflammatory response in the body), and has been found to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Bromelain is also an anti-coagulant, and allows blood to flow more freely through the circulatory system (meaning reduced risk of stroke and heart attack).
Watermelon, high in lycopene, also helps the heart via vasodilation (relaxation and widening of blood vessels), which improves blood flow and cardiovascular function. Lycopene is also a beneficial anti-inflammatory, helping to block cyclo-oxygenase enzymes that normally lead to a higher level of inflammation in the body.
Although melons are supposed to be consumed on an empty stomach, I’ve noticed that combining melons with acid fruit like pineapples and oranges digest just fine. Try it out for yourself!
Watermelon Pineapple Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
– 3 cups watermelon
– 2 cups ripe pineapple
– 1 lime, peeled
– 1 cup filtered water or coconut water
– 2 inches fresh ginger root
Method:
Place all of the above ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add some ice cubes to make it more slushy-like.
