You need to know about this bloat-busting pineapple smoothie, given how it’s one of our all-time favorites! Not only will it help fight bloating from a night of too much Mexican food or a visit from Aunt Flo (where did that name come from, anyway? but I digress), it will also make your skin oh-so-glowy and healthy-looking!
And, just as a bonus, this thing is absolutely delicious (hello, pineapple, ginger, and cucumber!) In fact, you’ll probably want to drink this on the regular, it’s that good.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Pineapple
Pineapple is a great natural source of fiber and contains an ample amount of an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down protein and aids in digestion. Also, since it’s naturally sweet, you don’t have to add any extra sweeteners or fruits to this smoothie. An easy win.
Cucumber
Next off, we have cucumber. We all know cucumbers are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since they are full of water, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a simple way to reduce major belly bloat and it adds a cooling effect to this drink. Cucumbers also contain high levels of caffeic acid, which contributes to reducing swelling and making you feel better.
Turmeric
Our next beauty-boosting, bloat-reducing ingredient is turmeric. Now I take turmeric every single morning, either by capsule form or in a smoothie. In fact, it is the number one thing I recommend to people when they ask how I keep my skin so clear and youthful.
Turmeric is full of antioxidants, and it’s been linked to increased brain activity and improved mental capacity and health. So if you’re feeling a little foggy or down, drink this smoothie! Easy peasy, turmeric squeezy.
Ginger
Ginger is essential in helping soothe and stimulate an active digestive tract. Even after eating too big of a meal, ginger can diminish the symptoms of indigestion, gas, stomach discomfort and bloating.
The same applies to nausea, also an renown side effect of overeating. It’s a bonus that it adds that extra zing of flavor that takes a smoothie from ‘meh’ to ‘oh yeah.’
Instructions
Cut the Pineapple:
Prepare the pineapple. You’ll need ½ of one fresh pineapple, peeled and cored.
Roughly chop the cucumber and ginger and measure out the turmeric.
Blend Ingredients:
Combine coconut water, pineapple, cucumber, ginger, turmeric, and ice in a blender. Blend on high for one minute until smooth.
Substitutions
Frozen Pineapple — Sub out frozen pineapple chunks if you don’t want to deal with cutting up fresh pineapple.
Creamy Coconut — Use coconut milk instead of coconut water and add shredded coconut for a rich and creamy texture.
Cancel Cucumber — Leave out the cucumber and try an even simpler tropical turmeric smoothie with pineapple.
Variations
Green Pineapple Power: Boost the nutritional content by adding a handful of spinach or kale to the mix. This is a great way to incorporate greens into your smoothie without altering the flavor significantly.
Mint Refresher — Throw in a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing and herby flavor.
Protein-Packed — Include a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make it a more substantial and satisfying post-workout snack.
To add more protein to your smoothie (and if dairy doesn’t cause digestive issues), try this recipe with Greek yogurt:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional, if not using frozen fruits)
- Honey or agave syrup to taste (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
Storage
If you have any leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add fresh ice cubes and re-blend when you’re ready to eat.
You can freeze any extra fresh pineapple into ice cubes or use it to make a skin-brightening pineapple face mask.
More Pineapple Smoothies
Are you convinced you need this smoothie in your life? Good, cause you do need it, and you’ll be sipping on one in no time! Grab the quick recipe below and enjoy the taste, as well as all the health benefits!
6-Ingredient Bloat-Busting Pineapple Smoothie
Bloating is no match for this tropical-inspired smoothie.
Servings: 2 smoothies
Cost: $5
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups coconut water
- ½ of one fresh pineapple peeled and cored
- ½ large cucumber
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Ice
Instructions
-
Combine coconut water, pineapple, cucumber, ginger, turmeric and ice in a blender. Blend on high for one minute until smooth.
-
Pour into a glass and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
If you have any left over, store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add fresh ice cubes and re-blend when ready to eat.
Photos by Ana-Maria Stanciu
