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This Vanilla Spice Adaptogenic Smoothie with Ashwagandha offers a rich vanilla flavour coupled with warming notes of cinnamon and allspice, making it a delicious way to take a dose of the healing herb.
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If you're not a fan of taking Ashwagandha powder on its own, this flavour-rich smoothie can help to make it more palatable. Plus, thanks to the cinnamon and allspice in this Vanilla Smoothie, it offers warming notes to balance out the cooling effects of the banana. So, it's a great smoothie for the cooler days of spring, autumn and even winter.
What is Ashwagandha Powder?
Ashwagandha powder is made from the root of an evergreen that grows in Asia and Africa. It has long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine and is most widely known for its powerful adaptogenic properties.
How do Adaptogens Work in the body?
Adaptogens help stabilize our stress response with properties that can help regulate and balance the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. When we encounter a stressor, these glands pump out certain hormones that allow our bodies to respond. This usually happens in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
The alarm stage activates our sympathetic nervous system and begins to pump out adrenaline. As long as we don't get stuck in the alarm response, we then enter the resistance stage, allowing us to combat our stressor.
The resistance stage can make us feel more energized, focused, and clear-minded.
The exhaustion stage hits last, needing to give the body some rest.
Basically, adaptogens help the body move into and remain in the resistance stage for longer periods of time.
They can also positively affect other aspects of our health, mainly due to the trickle-down effect of balancing our stress response. These can include improved immune function, mood, libido, and cognition, as well as reduced inflammation.
What Else Makes This Smoothie Healthy?
While the adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha gives this smoothie its main nutritional kick, it's also made with simple, whole-food ingredients that can offer even more benefits.
Health Benefits
Immune-Supporting. Cinnamon and allspice are not only warming but also offer many immune-supporting benefits. They contain antiviral and antibacterial properties that help keep those pesky cold and flu bugs at bay!
Heart Healthy. Thanks to potassium-rich bananas, stress-busting ashwagandha, and cholesterol-lowering vanilla, this Smoothie can also be beneficial to heart health.
Mood-Boosting. I mentioned above that Ashwagandha can have a positive effect on mood. But did you know vanilla is also a mood booster? Vanilla can increase neurotransmitter function, enhancing serotonin and dopamine production (our feel-good hormones).
Seasonal Benefits
Spring can be a great time to enjoy this smoothie's warming, immune-supporting and adaptogenic benefits during the damp and rainy season, as the weather changes from cold to warm.
Late summer and autumn are my favourite times to enjoy this spiced smoothie. With its warming fall flavours, immune-supporting properties, and adaptogenic properties, it's a delicious way to embrace the season's change.
Winter isn't usually a season you'll find me slurping back smoothies. However, sometimes you need a light pick-me-up. With the warming cinnamon, allspice, and Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties, it's one smoothie I may occasionally sip throughout winter.
How to Make a Vanilla Spice Smoothie with Ashwagandha
This Vanilla Spice Adaptogenic Smoothie is incredibly easy to make! As with most smoothies, it only takes a minute to whip up. Plus, it's made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Follow the steps below or watch the video.
What You Will Need
Equipment
- Blender to smoothly blend all the ingredients.
- Measuring spoons for accuracy.
Ingredients
- Banana gives this smoothie its thickness and natural sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract offers an uplifting flavour that helps to balance out the bitterness of Ashwagandha.
- Quality Ashwagandha powder provides the adaptogenic properties and an earthy flavour.
- Milk provides a creamy richness that helps the ingredients blend together. I like using homemade almond or tigernut for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom provide a sweet, earthy, warming blend of flavour that complements and balances the ashwagandha.
Step 1: Add Ingredients To Blender
To make a Vanilla Spice Adaptogenic Smoothie, place all the ingredients in a blender jug. For the smoothest blend, I find adding the milk first is best. Then break a banana in half or cut it into chunks and toss it in. Next, add the ashwagandha powder, ground cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom.
Step 2: Blend
Once all the ingredients have been added to the blender jug, blend them until smooth. This smoothie isn't ultra-thick, so it should only take 10 - 15 seconds in a powerful blender.
Once fully blended, pour the smoothie into your favourite smoothie cup, jar or travel tumbler to enjoy! You can top it with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an additional kick of flavour.
Subtitutions & Variations
Add a protein source like hemp hearts or a quality protein powder to make it a breakfast smoothie.
Make it thicker by adding yogurt. I like using homemade cashew yogurt to keep it dairy-free.
Use frozen banana for a cold and refreshing smoothie.
Add pear for additional flavour and thickness.
Vanilla powder can be used instead of extract.
My Top Tips
Don't overblend to prevent your smoothie from getting warm.
Use a ripe banana for the best flavour and no added sugar.
FAQs
For a 16oz smoothie, you really don't need more than ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you prefer less of a vanilla flavour, use ¼ teaspoon, and if you prefer a stronger vanilla flavour, up to 1 teaspoon can be added.
Although Ashwagandha has many benefits, it is technically considered an herb rather than a food. It is typically taken in supplemental form and is best consumed in smaller amounts and in moderation.
The frequency and duration of taking adaptogens depends on each individual. Some benefit from occasional use, while others can benefit from taking them in cycles or daily for a duration of time. In any case, they should not be taken for extended periods of time, and breaks should be taken from the daily use of adaptogens. This particular smoothie is best consumed as an occasional way to take ashwagandha.
It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine what is right for you regarding the use of herbal supplements.
Recipe Highlights
Warming. The cinnamon and allspice create a warming effect that's perfect for damp or cool days.
Immune-supporting. Between the aswagandha and antimicrobial properties of cinnamon and allspice, this smoothie can support the body's natural defence mechanisms.
Mood-boosting. This smoothie is full of uplifting spices and properties that can boost feel-good hormones.
Simple and quick. Made with just a handful of ingredients and requiring just a few minutes of time, this smoothie is easy to make.
More Nourishing Smoothies
If you make this Vanilla Spice Adaptogenic Smoothie, let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, make sure you're following along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Flipboard for more wildly nutritious recipes!
Vanilla Spice Adaptogenic Smoothie
Print RecipeEquipment
- Blender
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender jug. For the smoothest blend, I find adding the milk first is best. Then break a banana in half or cut it into chunks and toss it in. Next, add the ashwagandha powder, ground cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom.
- After all the ingredients have been added to the blender jug, blend them until smooth. This smoothie isn't ultra-thick, so it should only take 10 - 15 seconds in a powerful blender.
- Once fully blended, pour the smoothie into your favourite smoothie cup, jar or travel tumbler to enjoy! You can top it with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an additional kick of flavour.
Rate this Recipe & Share How it Turned Out!