Smoothies are definitely a health food trend worth sticking around – they’re convenient, versatile, and you can pack a good amount of nutrients in just one drink. But let’s forget about breakfast or post-workout smoothies for a moment and focus on a different kind of smoothie: a sleepy time, pain-relieving smoothie. Instead of caving to unhealthy snack cravings before bedtime, why not reach for a delicious smoothie crafted with ingredients to help improve your sleep (and your overall health)?
Tart Cherry: The Natural Sleep Aid and Pain Reliever
One of the key ingredients in our sleepy time smoothie is tart cherry juice. Tart cherries are a fantastic natural sleep aid. In fact, drinking tart cherry juice in the evening has been shown to significantly improve sleep quality and duration. Moreover, tart cherries have high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate muscle soreness and joint pain.
Tart cherry juice has even been found to be as effective in reducing inflammation as over-the-counter pain medication, without the side effects. These inflammation-fighting properties also make tart cherries a powerful weapon against arthritis.
Considering that your body’s restorative processes occur when you’re asleep, it’s no wonder why tart cherry juice is often called the miraculous juice that helps your body heal itself. But not everyone enjoys the taste of tart cherry juice, which is why incorporating it into a tasty smoothie is a great idea.
Sleepy Time, Pain-Relieving Smoothie Recipe
This delicious smoothie serves two purposes – a healthier snack for after supper and a natural sleep aid that will have you sleeping like a baby.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup tart cherry juice
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
- ½ cup ice (if you like it extra frosty)
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients into your blender and blend to your desired consistency.
Additional Sleep-Enhancing, Pain-Relieving Ingredients
If you want to take your sleepy time smoothie up a notch, consider adding in some of these additional sleep-enhancing, pain-relieving ingredients:
Banana: Bananas are a natural source of melatonin and serotonin, two hormones that are essential for a good night’s sleep. They also contain magnesium and potassium, which are known to relax muscles and promote a restful slumber.
Ginger: Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent addition to combat muscle soreness and joint pain. It also helps in digestion and has a calming effect on the body, which can be beneficial for sleep.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It’s most effective when combined with black pepper, as the compound piperine in black pepper helps increase the bioavailability of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a soothing spice that helps to regulate blood sugar levels and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It’s a great addition to help induce sleepiness and promote relaxation.
Protein Powder: Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder can help your body repair and rebuild muscle tissue as you sleep. Look for a high-quality protein powder that’s low in sugar and additives to keep your smoothie as healthy as possible.
Final Thoughts
This sleepy time, pain-relieving smoothie is not only delicious and satisfying, but it’s loaded with natural ingredients that can help you get better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. With tart cherry juice as the star ingredient, this smoothie is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthier bedtime snack alternative. And by adding in more sleep-enhancing, pain-relieving ingredients, you can create a personalized smoothie recipe that will have you dreaming sweetly in no time.
