Goji Pear Smoothie

My all-time favorite smoothie combination, and if you know me I'm not a huge smoothie fanatic. Often smoothies are full of cold, damp, raw ingredients, and can wreak havoc on the digestive system, especially in colder damper climates. But this combination is not to be overlooked. Ginger adds a nice warming and digestive-boosting component, and there’s no dairy or anything frozen in here to put a damper on digestion. The goji berries provide not only amazing health benefits but a fabulous flavor and color.

You can substitute almond milk for any milk you like, but I think almond milk has the best flavor combination. You should try out homemade almond milk, sweetened with dates, it is an incredible combination!

The Ingredients

• Goji Berries (Lycium, L. barbarum) - Recognized as Gou Qi Ji in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these berries boast remarkable properties that contribute to overall well-being by nourishing the Blood and Qi. These vibrant red berries are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which play a pivotal role in promoting blood health. The potent combination of iron, vitamin C, and other bioactive compounds in goji berries enhances the production of red blood cells and improves circulation. Moreover, these berries are celebrated for their ability to tonify the Liver, Lungs, and Kidneys and are known to benefit Jing (Essence), brighten the eyes, enrich Yin, moisten the Lungs, and promote longevity. From a biomedical perspective, they are known as a blood tonic, liver tonic, anti-fungal, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anticancer, antiradiation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging.

• Pears- In TCM, pears are regarded as a valuable fruit with numerous health benefits. Pears are recognized for their cooling and moistening properties, making them an ideal choice for addressing conditions associated with heat and dryness in the body. Pears are believed to nourish the lungs, promoting respiratory health and soothing conditions such as coughs and sore throats. Additionally, they are considered effective in balancing the body's internal moisture, helping to alleviate symptoms of dryness in the skin, throat, and respiratory passages. The fiber content in pears also aids in digestion and supports the body's natural detoxification processes.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)- Ginger, known as Sheng Jiang, is highly esteemed for its therapeutic properties and is considered a valuable herb for promoting overall health. Sheng Jiang is renowned for its warming nature, making it an essential ingredient in TCM to dispel cold and invigorate the body's internal yang energy. Ginger is particularly beneficial for the digestive system, as it helps to stimulate the appetite, alleviate nausea, and ease digestive discomfort. Its ability to promote perspiration makes it a go-to remedy for addressing exterior wind-cold conditions and expelling pathogens from the body. Ginger is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it a versatile herb for supporting the body's natural defenses. Learn more about gingers’ warming and therapeutic benefits here!

Goji Pear Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 ripe pear, diced

• 1/4 cup dried goji berries

• 1” fresh ginger, peeled

• 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)

• Optional- Honey
  

Procedure

• Combine the pear, goji berries, ginger, and almond milk in a blender.

• Blend on high speed until the ingredients are well combined, and the smoothie reaches a creamy consistency.

• Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or thickness by adding more almond milk if necessary.

• Pour the smoothie into a glass and, if desired, garnish with a few additional goji berries.

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