This Tropical Summer Smoothie Fights Inflammation, Bloating, and Constipation

Summer is well under way, and what better way to cool off in the heat than with a nutrient-packed tropical beverage? Enter my new favorite summer smoothie that isn’t just good for you, but tastes like a vacation in a glass.

I came up with this smoothie recipe because I was feeling a little, erm, backed up. It could be all summer festivities that have my digestion acting strange, but who really knows. Whatever the cause, constipation is never fun, but the fully belly feeling and bloat that comes with it is especially bothersome during bathing suit season. With that in mind, I decided to create a smoothie recipe that incorporates some belly-soothing ingredients, an extra serving of greens (who couldn’t use that immune-boosting goodness right now?) and two of my favorite seasonal summer flavors — mango and coconut.

The base for this smoothie is coconut water. Coconut water is the perfect refreshing beverage to drink in the summer because it contains electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, that improve hydration — something we’re in desperate need of as the temperatures rise and perspiration increases. Even though coconut water is naturally sweet, studies show that it also may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

I also include mango, chia seeds, and spinach, but any leafy green will do. Leafy greens contain antioxidants and other nutrients as well as a small amount of fiber. Antioxidants have powerful immune-boosting powers and help fight off disease-causing free radicals.

Mangos and chia seeds are both packed with fiber as well as other nutrients. Fiber is a key player when it comes to good digestion, as it helps to form bulk in your digestive tract and helps to keep things moving, minimizing problems like constipation and bloating. Fiber has also been found to reduce blood sugar levels, making it an important nutrient to consume if you have diabetes or prediabetes.

Fiber also benefits the bacterial environment in your gut, which is said to improve immunity and aid blood sugar control. There are seven grams of fiber in two tablespoons of chia seeds, and a cup of mango boasts about three grams! Mangos also contain digestive enzymes called amylases, which help to break down large foot particles so they can easily pass through your system. Amylases may also help with carbohydrate metabolism. And of course, mangos taste like a tropical dream. What’s not to love?

So if you’re ready to start embracing the best parts of summer, give the recipe below a try.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces coconut water
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 cup or a handful of spinach (or any leafy greens)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

That’s it! If you prefer, you can use a fresh mango cut into chunks for your smoothie. I personally find that the frozen chunks offer this recipe a nice, refreshing temperature and texture.

We hope you’ll enjoy this refreshing sip of summer! Your body — and belly — will surely thank you.