Mango smoothie anyone? Mango trees are abundant down here, and it is full-on mango season in Miami. Mangoes are rather high in sugar as far as fruit goes, so as much as I love it I don’t tend to eat loads.
However I’ve been gifted mangoes straight from the trees lately. These fresh-off-the-tree mangoes are especially sweet and delicious.
So when I got a special delivery of ripe mangoes fresh off my my friend’s tree yesterday, I knew it was time to make a mango smoothie!
Under the Mango Tree Sippin on a Mango Smoothie
Ok so I’ll admit I haven’t actually sat underneath any mango trees. But we have a huge tree and tropical rainforest-like garden surrounding our front porch, so I can pretend the mangoes in my smoothie came from the tree above.
Plus, there actually is a smoothie place within walking distance called Under the Mango Tree – and it is in fact delicious.
Honestly, I’m also fighting off a summer cold. As I lay awake in bed last night with congestion and a raw throat, I began thinking about my mango smoothie. Immediately what came to mind was mango, ginger, and kale, and voila here we go – a major smoothie win in my book.
As I’m fighting a cold I went generous on the ginger and it added a perfect little kick to balance the sweetness of the mango. No lies, this is probably one of the most delicious smoothies I’ve ever had.
Mango Nutrition Benefits – Immune-Boosting, Cancer-Protective, Brain-Power Fruit
Mangoes don’t just taste delicious – they are actually super nutritious. Mangos are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aside from being high in vitamins C, A, and folate, they also provide a solid dose of vitamins E and K as well as copper and potassium.
Even better – they are a great food for brain health. They provide a healthy dose of vitamin B6, which is essential for brain functioning. They also help with mood and healthy sleep patterns – yup I could use some more mango in my life!
The antioxidants in mangos – like beta-carotene – contribute a host of health benefits, including an immunity boost (precisely why I was craving the mango so much – the body knows what it needs!) and protection against cancer.
And while mangoes are high in sugar, research suggests that they can help lower blood sugar levels. They are also good for managing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, alleviating anemia, and boosting bone health. Phew!
Mango Ginger Kale Smoothie to Continue the Smoothie Kick
A quick peek at my latest posts makes it abundantly clear I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately. I go through phases with breakfast, but my traditional go-to breakfast has always been a smoothie. I just tended to make the same exact smoothie every day 🙂
So lately I’ve been changing things up a bit. And today we go mango with our smoothie!
Mangoes are obvi the key player in this mango smoothie, but there’s a few other nutritional powerhouses in play here. Kale packs in loads of vitamins and nutrients, while the ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
I also added a scoop of my vegan vanilla protein powder, homemade nut milk, and a ground flax seed blend to round out this breakfast smoothie. A plain protein powder will do, but I highly recommend vanilla for this smoothie – it rounds out the flavor profile so well!
Whenever possible, use organic ingredients and produce. But mangos are covered in a thick skin, so conventional is usually ok.
Mango Ginger Kale Smoothie
A deliciously nutritious way to consume one of my favorite fruits – mangoes! Ginger adds a kick and dose of anti-inflammatory power, while kale turns the dial way up on the nutrition factor.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango (fresh or frozen works)
- 1 cup kale
- 1-2 inch piece of ginger adjust to your taste preference!
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder preferably plant-based
- 1 cup nut milk of choice
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tbsp ground flax seed or chia
- 1 tsp vanilla if not using vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup ice if using fresh mango and you want a cold smoothie... I actually like mine room temp!
Instructions
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Place all the ingredients in a blender, blend up, and enjoy!
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