Anti-Inflammatory Raspberry & Spinach Smoothie

Nutrition Notes

Are Raspberries Good for You?

Like other berries, raspberries contain a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They’re one of the best berries for fiber, with 1 cup providing 8 grams. They’re also high in vitamin C. Eating raspberries may help relieve inflammation and support heart health and a healthy weight.

Is Coconut Milk Beverage Healthy?

Coconut milk is made from the meat of mature coconuts. While coconut is high in saturated fat, the type of saturated fat in coconuts is made of medium-chain triglycerides—and evidence is unclear regarding their effect on the body. In other words, they might not be as harmful as other types of saturated fats. Unlike cow’s milk, coconut milk does not offer much in the way of protein, so if you want more protein in your smoothie—and want to keep it plant-based—consider adding a scoop of vegan protein powder to your smoothie.

Is Spinach Healthy?

Spinach is a leafy green veggie that’s packed with nutrients. A 2-cup serving of spinach provides 16% of your daily vitamin C, 25% of your daily folate, 26% of your daily vitamin A and a whopping 200% of your daily vitamin K needs. The antioxidants and other nutrients in spinach can help calm inflammation and support eye, bone and skin health, as well as healthy blood pressure.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Use Fresh Raspberries Instead of Frozen?

Absolutely. However, your smoothie might not be as cold or thick if you use fresh raspberries instead of frozen ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Coconut Milk and Coconut Water?

Coconut milk is made by shredding the meat of a mature coconut, combining it with warm water and then straining it. The result is a creamy ingredient that can be used in curries, soups, sauces and marinades, and it’s often used as an alternative to dairy milk in baked goods and puddings, as well as breakfast fare such as pancakes and waffles. For this recipe you want to use coconut milk beverage from a carton (typically in the refrigerator near the other nondairy milks) rather than canned coconut milk, which is thicker and has a higher fat content.

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside the hollow of a young coconut. It is often used as a low-calorie, hydrating drink. It can be enjoyed as is or added to smoothies, cocktails and raw vegan desserts. Some people cook their rice with it. Be mindful of recipes that call for either coconut milk or coconut water because they’re not interchangeable. If you happen to use the wrong one, your recipe could suffer.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm