Are you on a journey to heal your gut, relieve constipation and maintain healthy digestion? Then this Healthy Papaya Smoothie for constipation is perfect to incorporate in your diet.
Being constipated isn’t fun, and unfortunately I know this from personal experience. Over the years I’ve discovered the kinds of foods which support digestion and elimination, and nourish the gut microbiome.
It has been shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent constipation. That being said, there are certain fruits which support elimination on a deeper level, and I’ve included some of them in this recipe.
With only 5 simple ingredients, this smoothie is very easy to make and is ideal to have for/before breakfast.
The ingredients in this Smoothie for Constipation
Papaya
Note: Even though papayas are on the Clean 15 List, if you live in America or China, it’s crucial you purchase organic papayas. These countries are producing genetically modified papayas. GMO foods can have serious adverse consequences on your health.
Banana
Bananas are high in both soluble and insoluble fibre and are made up of 75% water. This combination is great for digestive health. There is conflicting information about the affects of green bananas on constipation. I would personally recommend eating bananas when they are properly ripe (yellow with brown spots) to receive their full benefits and nutritional value.
Ginger
Ginger is well known for relieving gastrointestinal disorders including constipation. A natural component of ginger root, gingerol, improves gastrointestinal motility and encourages efficient digestion. This study shows that ginger is a natural and safe way to nurture the gut microbiome and relieve occasional constipation.
Turmeric
Turmeric is known for containing a powerful polyphenol, curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tumeric’s anti-inflammatory compound has been shown to regulate the gut microbiome and improve symptoms of IBS, including constipation.
Lemon or Lime
Lemons help stimulate bowel movements and soften stools by increasing water content inside the intestines. They do this because they are high in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant compound that pulls water into the gut.
Citrus fruits like lemons also prevent constipation by stimulating the colon.
You’re welcome to add other ingredients if you like. Here are some ideas:
- Baby spinach for added minerals and nutrition.
- Hemp seeds for a dose of healthy fats and protein.
What does this Smoothie for Constipation taste like?
Some people I’ve spoken to have admitted they don’t enjoy the taste or texture of papaya. I’ve always firmly believed that those who don’t like papaya, simply haven’t tasted a high quality, properly ripened one. They are absolutely delicious!
Nevertheless, if you’re one of these people, don’t let your past experiences of eating papaya negate you from trying this recipe. Why? Not only is it good for you, but the texture of the smoothie isn’t anything like eating a papaya straight.
When you blend papaya up in a smoothie, it becomes extremely smooth and creamy, exactly like a mango smoothie. In fact, mango would be a great substitute (though not as beneficial) if you don’t want to use papaya, or can’t find any. This smoothie has a rich, creamy texture, tropical flavour and a slight zing from the lime and ginger.
How to make this Smoothie for Constipation
Step 1: Add the water to your blender.
Step 2: Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
This smoothie tastes best when you use frozen bananas. It gives it a much creamier texture and makes the smoothie nice a cold. Depending how thick you like your smoothies, you may decide to add extra water (I like ’em thick!)
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes:
Healthy Papaya Smoothie for Constipation Relief
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen bananas
- 1/2 medium papaya
- 2 dates
- 1 small slice ginger
- 1 pinch turmeric powder
- 1 squeeze lime
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
