Recipe
Super Papaya SmoothieStep aside, celery. Hold up, goji. Wait your turn, kale. Let's make some room for… papaya?
The sweet, tubby fruit may not have the buzz factor of some other superfoods, but it's worth a second look nonetheless. Papayas have a ton of inflammation-fighting antioxidants—which a 2013 study showed are more readily absorbed in the body than from other fruits and vegetables—help aid digestion, are heart healthy and an amazing source of potassium, iron, zinc, folate and vitamins C, A, E and B-6. They promote healthy skin, too. We love the tropical treat added to a salad, eaten fresh on its own or as the key ingredient in a juice or smoothie. Here's a recipe for the latter—with bonus feel-good carrot, orange and ginger.
Photographed by Laura López/@lauraponts
1 cup diced ripe papaya (6 ounces)
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped (1 1/2 to 2 ounces)
2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp pistachios
2 low-fat coconut milk ice cubes (3 tablespoons low-fat coconut milk)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp honey or agave nectar
1 slice ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
6 toasted Hazelnuts
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for a full minute. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
