Ginger Smoothie Benefits and Recipe
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to start your day, look no further than a ginger smoothie! Ginger is packed with health benefits, and when combined with other nutritious ingredients like fruits and vegetables, it makes for a powerhouse breakfast drink.
Here are just some of the reasons why you should make a ginger smoothie part of your daily routine:
Ginger can help fight off infections.
The scientific community recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria. (1)
Ginger contains compounds that reduce oral bacteria.
Not only does ginger fight infection, but it can also help reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. It can remove plaque and help fight cavities. It can also reduce your risk of gingivitis, and protect against all kinds of gum problems and even oral cancer (2)
Ginger can calm an upset stomach and help with morning sickness.
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. It is thought to work by stimulating the digestive system and calming the stomach. Pregnant women have traditionally used ginger to help relieve morning sickness as it’s safe to consume during pregnancy.(3)
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce soreness in muscles.
A study published in The Journal of Pain, showed a daily dose of ginger eased muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. (4)
Ginger can help lower blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood sugar levels to be too high. Many studies suggest that ginger may help lower blood sugar levels and improve diabetes control. (5)
Ginger can help lower cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Studies have shown that ginger may help lower cholesterol levels and improve other lipid markers in your blood. (6)
Ginger is a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect against disease.
Antioxidants are important because they help scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells. This protects against conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. (7)
Ginger can help relieve indigestion.
If you suffer from discomfort after eating, ginger can help! It is a natural digestive aid that can help relieve gas, bloating, and other stomach issues. (8)
How to Use Ginger Root in Smoothies
When adding ginger to a smoothie, start with a small amount and add more to taste. A little goes a long way!
If you have never used fresh ginger before, start by peeling off the skin. You can use a spoon, vegetable peeler, or even your fingers. Once the skin is removed, you can grate the ginger or chop it into small pieces.
One thing to keep in mind when using fresh ginger is that it can be quite strong, so start with a small amount and add more to taste. If you find the flavor too strong, you can always add more fruit or sweetener to balance it out.
You can also used ginger powder, but fresh is always best.
See our full guide to using ginger root in smoothies.
Now, on to our recipe!
Why We Love Our Carrot Cake Ginger Smoothie
Now that you know all the wonderful things ginger can do for your health, why not try making a ginger smoothie? This carrot cake ginger smoothie is not only healthy, but it’s also delicious!
We love smoothies, and my boys are big fans of ginger, so a combination of their favorite cake and some ginger was spot on!
Ingredients in Our Ginger Smoothie Recipe
Banana
Bananas give a natural sweetness to a smoothie without having to add in a lot of sweetener. They are also great sources of potassium and dietary fiber.
I prefer to use a frozen banana in my smoothies because it gives a level of creaminess to a smoothie that a fresh ripe banana can’t. Frozen fruit really helps to make a smoothie thick and creamy.
Carrot
Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that the body uses to make vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for vision, skin health, and a strong immune system.
Carrots are also a naturally sweet vegetable. How small you will need to make the carrots depends on the quality of your blender. An expensive, high speed blender can handle large chunks of carrot, but if you are starting out with a cheaper blender, cut the carrot into smaller chunks to help it out. I leave the peel on for added nutrients, too.
Ginger
Like we talked about before, ginger is packed with health benefits! It’s a great anti-inflammatory and can help with an upset stomach.
I prefer to use fresh ginger, but you can use ground ginger if that’s what you have on hand. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, as a little ginger goes a long way if you aren’t used to it!
Dates
Dates are a great natural sweetener. If you don’t have dates, you can use honey or maple syrup, but the dates really do add to the flavor of this smoothie!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon not only gives this smoothie a nice flavor, but it’s also a great spice for blood sugar control.
Extra Creamy Oat Milk
I use oat milk in this smoothie because it’s a little bit creamier than other plant based milks and it has a sweetness to it that compliments the carrots and dates. You can use any type of milk you like, though!
We prefer the Extra Creamy Plain Chobani and Plant Oat varieties, but have also used almond milk and coconut milk in this smoothie with great results. You could substitute coconut water or orange juice if you prefer.
How to Make Our Carrot Cake Ginger Smoothie
This carrot cake ginger smoothie is dairy free and so easy to make! Simply add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
If you find that your smoothie is too thick, add a little bit more milk until it reaches the consistency you like.
You can also add more or less ginger, depending on your taste. My kids like a lot of ginger in theirs, but I prefer it with less.
Sprinkle on some chia seeds for extra nutrients and a nice crunch.
You’ll Love These Other Healthy Smoothies
How to Customize Our Healthy Smoothie Recipe
Make it protein packed: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra dose of protein that will help keep you feeling full until lunch time. You could also add in Greek yogurt or nut butter such as peanut butter or almond butter.
Make it nutty: Traditionally walnuts are added to carrot cake, so try adding in some nuts to your smoothie such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of cashews.
Get your greens: Add in a handful of spinach, swiss chard or kale for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals. You won’t even taste the greens in this ginger smoothie!
Turn it into a bowl: If you want to make this more of a meal instead of a snack, pour it into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings. We like to top ours with granola, shredded coconut, chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey.
Make it sweeter: Add additional sweetener like honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also add sweet fruit such as frozen pineapple, fresh pineapple, papaya, or mango.
Common Questions about Ginger Smoothie Benefits and Blending
Yes, you can put raw ginger in your smoothie. I prefer to use fresh ginger because it has a fresher flavor, but ground ginger will work as well. Ginger has a host of health benefits and gives a great flavor to most any smoothie.
Yes, you should peel ginger before adding it to your smoothie. The thin peel comes off easily.
If your blender is not very strong, you may want to consider peeling the ginger and chopping it into smaller pieces so that it blends more easily.
I would start with about 1/2 inch of fresh ginger and add more to taste. If you are using ground ginger, I would start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. My kids like a lot of ginger in their smoothies, but if you are not used to the flavor of ginger, you may want to start with less and add more to taste.
This depends on your blender. Cut the ginger into small pieces so that it will blend easily, maybe even just one 1/2 inch chunk if you have a nice blender. If your blender is not very strong, you may want to consider peeling the ginger and chopping it into smaller pieces so that it blends more easily.
Many flavors pair well with ginger, be we have found that a pineapple ginger smoothie, pear ginger smoothie, green smoothies and cake-like or gingerbread smoothies are best for fresh ginger root.
Carrot Cake Ginger Smoothie
Equipment
- Measuring Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (about 1/2 inch)
- 1 Medjool date (pitted)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup extra creamy oat milk
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Blend on high speed until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Final Thoughts on Ginger Smoothie Benefits and Making Them
We hope you enjoyed our thoughts on the health benefits of ginger and our easy recipe for a delicious carrot cake ginger smoothie!
Ginger is a wonderful spice with many health benefits. It’s great for upset stomachs, calms nausea, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Adding ginger to your diet is a great way to boost your health!
Making a smoothie is a great way to get all the benefits of ginger. This carrot cake ginger smoothie is easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy as a healthy snack.
If you’re looking for other ways to add ginger to your diet, try adding it to soups, stir-fries, juices, or even just plain water. Start with small amounts and increase to taste.
Happy Blending!
Amanda
