Spiced Mango and Bitter Melon Smoothie

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Skill Level
Preparation Time 10 minutes Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 Cost Per Serving $2.38
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Ingredients

2 cupsFresh or Frozen Mango
1/2 cupBitter Melon, seeds removed and cubed
1/2 tspGround Cardamom
1/2 tspCayenne Pepper (optional)
1/2 cupPlain Yogurt
1 cupWater or Almond Milk

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth

Nutrition

  • In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), foods are classified as having heating or cooling properties, which have effects on balancing "yin" and "yang". For example, bitter melon is said to help cool down the body and provide relief from summer heat. Both Eastern and Western nutrition agree the best way to get a balance of "yin/yang", heating/cooling foods, and overall nutrients for good health, is to choose a variety of foods.
  • Chili contains a plant nutrient called capsaicin that helps lower inflammation, particularly in the joints. Capsaicin creams have been shown to reduce pain from osteorarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In TCM, chili is believed to warm the body and the joints and is also used to help manage arthritis.
  • In TCM, no foods are completely off limits and diets are individualized. This philosophy is echoed by dietitians around the world who promote a healthy, balanced way of eating where "all foods fit" and that meets the needs of each person.