Cherries have some amazing health properties and taste great in smoothies. Since they are not available year-round, I often buy them frozen and use in different variations of this cherry smoothie recipe.
By many, they are considered a “super-fruit”, packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins which aid in the reduction of heart disease and cancer. They are rich in vitamins C, E, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber, and an excellent source of beta carotene (vitamin A). In fact they contain 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries and strawberries.
You may not know that (I didn’t), but cherries are one of the few food sources that contain melatonin, an antioxidant that helps regulate heart rhythms and the body’s sleep cycles. They are also often referred to as “brain food”, aiding in brain health and in the prevention of memory loss.
Because of their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, cherries are said to reduce pain and joint soreness for runners and athletes after workouts.
Pomegranates add a delicious flavor and a big dose of antioxidants to smoothies.
Both pomegranates and cherries contain powerful cancer fighting antioxidants. Anthocyanins are the antioxidant that give them their red color. It is this antioxidant that studies have shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with symptoms of arthritis.
I didn’t add any greens to the smoothie initially, because I just came back from a trip and didn’t have any fresh greens on hand. After I tried it (and took the picture), I added 2 cups kale to make it into a green smoothie. The cherry and pomegranate flavors blended with banana were sufficient enough to mask the greens, but you may have it without the greens, for a change, too.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice or 1/2 fresh pomegranate
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups chard or other leafy green (optional)
- 1 cup water (optional if needed) (you may substitute all or part of the water with some almond milk for more creamy texture)
Instructions
- Start by adding the liquid to your blender (I use a Vitamix), followed by the soft fruit. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until the smoothie is creamy.
- You may juice the pomegranate, by emptying the seeds in a strainer and smashing them with a spoon. Pomegranate juice stains, so be careful!
- If you have a high powered blender, you don’t need to juice the pomegranate. Just cut it in half and scoop the seeds into the blender.
Beautiful photo of cherries. I didn’t take it – I used frozen cherries that look very photogenic…
Cherry Pomegranate Smoothie – all gone!
For all my blending recipes I use Vitamix. If you don’t already own a VitaMix, I strongly encourage you to check out what this machine is capable of! For more information about VitaMix you can go directly to the VitaMix website. You may also want to read my post about the Best Blender.
I LOVE my VitaMix and highly recommend investing in one if you are ready to make serious changes to your diet. I have had mine for almost 5 years and use it daily!
If you decide to purchase Vitamix – be sure to use Promotional Code 06-004554 to get free shipping.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions?
If you have a favorite recipe, why not submit it here in the comment section of this smoothie recipes blog for others to enjoy too!
I also welcome any comments, questions and suggestions. Thanks!
This is/was delicious! Thanks for the recipe! And that it is just fruit & veggies! Thank you!!
Oh! I used spinach instead of kale, as I had that on hand…and it is my preferred in smoothies. Yet I look forward to trying it with the kale recommendation. Thanks again!
Can I edit/delete that comment? Chard. Chard, was meant. Sheesh. 🤦♀️😊