Red Tart Cherry Smoothie
This cherry smoothie is packed with a punch of flavor and nutrition.
Tart cherries are known for their health & beauty benefits, including improved sleep and glowing skin. Savor the bold flavors and health benefits packed into every sip of this tangy treat.
About Tart Cherries
Tart cherries, also known as sour or Montmorency cherries, have gained popularity and gone viral due to their rich antioxidants and health benefits. They're versatile in the kitchen, bringing a fruity tang to both sweet and savory meals. Unlike sweet cherries, which are mostly eaten fresh, tart cherries are frequently enjoyed dried, frozen, or juiced.
Health Benefits
Skin Benefits
Tart cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which can enhance skin health. Vitamin A boosts collagen production, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, while vitamin C works to even out skin tone. Cherries may aid in slowing down the aging process by combating free radicals and oxidative stress caused by pollution and UV exposure.
Anti-inflammatory
Tart cherry juice contains anthocyanins and other antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the skin. This can help with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Sleep
One of the standout benefits of tart cherries is their potential to improve sleep quality. They are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Consuming tart cherry juice or the whole fruit may help enhance sleep duration and efficiency, making it a beneficial addition to a nighttime routine.
Exercise Recovery
Tart cherries are also linked to exercise recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit may aid in reducing muscle soreness and damage following intense workouts. Athletes often incorporate tart cherry products to help speed up recovery times and reduce post-exercise pain.
How to Make it
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen tart cherries
1/2 cup milk (or coconut milk)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt)
1/4 cup tart cherry juice (I use concentrate for more flavor)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
Gather Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are ready for blending.
Blend: In a blender, combine the frozen cherries, milk, yogurt, cherry juice, vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup.
Process: Blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and nutrients.
Tips:
Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less honey or maple syrup.
Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients like chia seeds or protein powder for extra nutrition.