Digestive Aid Smoothie
This vibrant Digestive Aid Smoothie is a quick and delicious way to support your gut health, blending the enzymatic power of papaya with the soothing warmth of ginger and probiotic-rich kefir.
For 1 serving
Gather all your ingredients. If using fresh papaya, peel it, remove seeds, and cut into 1-inch chunks. For best results, freeze the chunks for at least 2 hours prior to blending.
Add the frozen papaya chunks, plain kefir (or Greek yogurt), freshly grated ginger, and chia seeds into a high-speed blender.
Pour in 1/4 cup of cold water. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup at this stage.
Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Use the tamper if your blender has one to push ingredients towards the blades.
Check the consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add an additional tablespoon or two of water and blend again for 10-15 seconds until your desired texture is reached.
Pour the Digestive Aid Smoothie immediately into a serving glass. Enjoy chilled for maximum freshness and digestive benefits.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use frozen fruit for smoothies to achieve a thick, cold consistency without diluting the flavor with ice.
- 2Fresh ginger is key; avoid powdered ginger for this recipe as it lacks the same vibrant flavor and potent digestive compounds.
- 3Adjust the liquid gradually. Start with less water and add more as needed to reach your preferred smoothie consistency.
- 4For an extra boost, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder for its anti-inflammatory properties, which pairs well with ginger.
Adapt it for your goals.
Green Boost
Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra vitamins and minerals without significantly altering the taste.
Protein Power UpProtein Power-Up
Incorporate 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to make it a more substantial meal replacement.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Add 1/4 cup of frozen pineapple or mango chunks for a more pronounced tropical flavor and additional digestive enzymes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Enzyme Support
Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Probiotic Richness
Kefir or yogurt provides beneficial live cultures (probiotics) that support a healthy gut microbiome, improving digestion and immunity.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ginger is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can soothe an upset stomach and reduce gut inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use fresh papaya, but for the best cold and thick smoothie consistency, we recommend freezing the papaya chunks for at least 2 hours beforehand. If using fresh, you might need to add a few ice cubes.
