Herbs and spices add flavor to foods, and are often a great way to reduce the salt you use in cooking. However, some spices may also provide additional benefits to your health. Many contain “phytochemicals”, potentially having some added health benefits.

General Mills occasionally sends me some samples of their new cereals. They tested using natural ingredients and spices to provide color (in place of artificial colors). They sent me a jar of turmeric and I’ve been looking for new ways to use it ever since. I’ve added it to chicken dishes, and soups and stews. But today I thought I’d add some to a smoothie!

Turmeric comes from the turmeric plant, and is often used in Asian cooking (curry). It has a bright orange color and may have beneficial properties that can help ease an irritable bowel, reduce inflammation, or tame a headache. It seems to be trending, and since I had a jar in my pantry, I figured I’d add some to a smoothie.

Inulin, which is sourced from chicory root, is a functional prebiotic fiber, that may also help support gut health. It’s sometimes used as a fat replacer, in foods such as yogurt or pudding. This allows for a lower calorie product (great for middle aged women and men), that also has the benefit of additional fiber.

This smoothie recipe includes both turmeric, and Dannon Triple Zero® yogurt (which contains chicory root fiber). And of course, I wouldn’t share it if is wasn’t delicious! Not to mention that it’s filling, and only 160 calories!

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STRAWBERRY SALTED CARAMEL SMOOTHIE

I created this delicious smoothie as a low calorie option to add protein and calcium to my diet. Recipe by Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN www.rustnutrition.com
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Author Rosanne Rust MS RDN, www.rustnutrition.com

Ingredients

  • 5-6 ripe strawberries
  • 5.3 ounce container of Dannon® Triple Zero Salted Caramel Yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2-3 ice cubes
  • 3 TB water

Instructions

  • Whirl all ingredients in a blender or juicer until completely smooth. Makes one 160 calorie serving (with 15 grams protein).

Notes

Disclosure: General Mills sent me a jar of turmeric as a gift when they sent me samples of the new cereals using it as a natural coloring. I also recently attended an educational session sponsored by Beneo.