If you're not clued into the health benefits of turmeric yet, let us fill you in. Known for its vibrant golden hue, this ancient Indian spice boasts a powerful ingredient: curcumin. Studies have linked curcumin's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds to better memory, improved heart health, pain relief, and reduced cancer risk. On top of that, turmeric simply makes good-for-you foods, such as veggie-rich curries, stir fries, and soups, taste that much better. But don't limit its potential to dinner: You can sneak turmeric into your lattes, baked goods, and yes, even your smoothies for a flavorful kick, gorgeous color, and health benefits to boot. So, consider this your cue to load up on the spice in any way you can, starting with these delicious (and nutritious!) turmeric smoothies.
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Turmeric Twist Smoothie
DAVID MALOSH
This creamy smoothie is just as pleasing to the tastebuds as it is to the eye. Beyond its gorgeous color, mango and coconut milk offer a tropical base, ginger delivers a bit of zest, and hemp seeds pack fiber, protein, magnesium, and satiating healthy fats. Go ahead, picture yourself relaxing on the beach with this beauty in hand.
This turmeric smoothie combines banana, coconut oil, and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavor. The secret ingredient? Homemade hemp milk, which is easier to make than it sounds (promise!). The plant-based alternative to cow's milk still offers some protein, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fat—not a bad way to start your morning.
This smoothie packs mango, banana, and pineapple for natural sweetness, but maintains a spicy tang thanks to protein-packed Greek yogurt, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Fun fact: Research finds that pairing turmeric with black pepper increases absorption of curcumin, so you can reap max health benefits.
For an extra dose of antioxidants, load up on blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. This nutrient-rich smoothie doesn't stop there, though. Yogurt offers protein, probiotics, and vitamin D, oatmeal boosts the fiber, while spinach packs vitamin C and folate. Let's not forget turmeric and ginger, which give this smoothie a pleasant kick.
Loaded with vitamin C (hello, pineapple), potassium-rich bananas, and creamy coconut milk, this vibrant smoothie is guaranteed to brighten your morning. Tip: Use frozen fruit to give the drink its creamy texture, otherwise the consistency will resemble juice rather than a smoothie.
The color of this smoothie doesn't exactly scream turmeric, but you don't have to see it to take in the benefits. You can thank kale (sub in spinach if you have that on hand instead!) for its vibrant green hue—a veggie that's loaded with vitamins C, A, and K. Blended with almond milk, fiber-rich chia seeds, and sweet pineapple, you'll have your new go-to green drink.
Amp up your morning OJ and blend it into this creamy turmeric smoothie. You'll take in extra fiber from the mango, chia seeds, and carrot. Medjool dates lend some natural sweetness and a splash of vanilla infuses it with heartwarming flavor. You'll also get an extra dose of antioxidants in the form of maca powder, a trendy Peruvian root that you've no doubt encountered on your Instagram feed.
If you're looking for a sweet but citrusy start to your day, look no further. This delightfully refreshing smoothie packs in tropical fruits, plant-based milk, a whole orange for a vitamin C boost, and a heaping teaspoon of turmeric for good measure. Use more ice cubes for a creamier blend, or dial back and add extra milk for a thinner drink.
Don't let the electric purple hue deceive you: This smoothie boasts a tablespoon of turmeric, a splash of apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Offset the zing with antioxidant-rich blueberries, mango, and plant-based milk for a creamy smoothie that's almost too pretty to sip.
Is there anything more satisfying than the sweetness of a ripe peach? Chop up the fruit and blend it into this vibrant smoothie, which features turmeric, ginger, carrots, and plant-based milk. Fair warning: The recipe creator says this beverage is spicier than it looks.
If you're a fan of the sweet-and-sour combo, you'll love this turmeric smoothie from Minimalist Baker. Pineapple and banana give a sweet and tangy base, lemon offers a citrusy punch, while carrot packs in vitamin A (not to mention that gorgeous orange color). This smoothie is sure to perk up your tastebuds while doing your health a favor, too.
A creative way to get your coffee fix, this turmeric smoothie will perk you up and keep you feeling full all morning. Oats and chia seeds offer gut-filling fiber, instant coffee provides that much-needed caffeine, while turmeric and ginger give the smoothie a spicy kick. The best part is that you can totally customize this to fit your preferences, so feel free to sweeten it up with more honey and cinnamon if need be.
Going for a traditional banana shake? Take it up a notch with this sweet smoothie recipe (hello, vanilla and honey). In addition to turmeric, this blogger utilizes spicy cinnamon, zesty ginger, and hemp seeds (for added protein, fiber, and minerals) to amp up the flavor profile.
This recipe is as simple as it gets, but that doesn't make it any less delicious and refreshing. Utilizing just four ingredients, you can easily toss your fruit, milk, and turmeric into a blender for a healthy and satisfying drink on the go.
Alexis Jones is an assistant editor at Women's Health where she writes across several verticals on WomensHealthmag.com, including life, health, sex and love, relationships and fitness, while also contributing to the print magazine. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University, lives in Brooklyn, and proudly detests avocados.
Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brand’s digital editorial strategy. She’s spent the last five years interviewing top medical experts, interpreting peer-reviewed studies, and reporting on health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness trends for national brands like Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession.