Now it officially feels like summer. The 4th of July has arrived, and the farmers markets are chock-full of delicious produce. It's melon season, which means it's high time for a watermelon smoothie!
Watermelon is full of lycopene. You've probably heard of lycopene before - it's a carotenoid phytonutrient found in red fruits and veggies like tomatoes and watermelon - and it's a potent antioxidant.
Lycopene has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it's refreshing and delicious.
Coconut Water Smoothie Recipe with Watermelon
This watermelon smoothie also contains pineapple, which is high in vitamin C, bromelain, and can help with bloating and digestion thanks to a plethora of digestive enzymes. It's loaded with beneficial nutrients and is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Last but not least, studies show that children who ate pineapples had a significantly lower risk of both viral and bacterial infections. They also had close to four times more disease-fighting white blood cells (granulocytes) than other groups. So, load up on as much pineapple as you like!
I added mango for a good hit of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Mangoes are a low-calorie fruit that is high in vitamins A and C as well as folate, B6, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin E. Mangoes are also a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals like gallotannins and mangiferin that are said to have cancer fighting properties.
Because mangoes aren't insanely sweet, they're a great addition to this smoothie because they don't send the sweetness through the roof. They also add more natural sweetness to this smoothie and give it a creamier consistency.
Watermelon is great for rehydrating, but I prefer coconut water even more, especially if you've been out in the humid summer heat. Coconut water contains moderate amounts of potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
And it's helpful at replenishing electrolytes lost from sweat. It's so good for the blood that rumor has it it was used to rehydrate soldiers during World War II when the plasma needed for transfusions was scarce. Although, take that with a grain of salt!
Because the smoothie uses coconut water, which is naturally sweet, and a laundry list of high-sugar fruits, it's naturally going to be very, very sweet. You can think of it more as a dessert smoothie with health benefits, if you like. (P.S., it also makes pretty fantastic popsicles.)
I'll often add a pinch of cinnamon on top to help prevent blood sugar spikes and the resulting sugar crash. And I definitely wouldn't drink this in the morning without a bit of protein and fiber to go along with it.
What's your favorite summer cool-down drink?
Hydrating Tropical Dessert Smoothie
Equipment
- High-speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut water
- 4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
- 2 cups cubed fresh or frozen pineapple
- 2 cups cubed fresh or frozen mango
- Ice if needed
Instructions
- Place everything in blender and puree until smooth. Drink immediately, or store in fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
Photos by Ana-Maria Stanciu
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Emily Katie says
Thanks for sharing recipe! will try !
Sylv says
I will try it, loves natural fruit drink.
Rebecca @ Best Smoothie Blender says
Yummy! This tropical smoothie is really Great! This looks delicious and I Like it! thanks for share…
Misha says
I have an allergy to coconut but this looks too good. Would this work with regular water?
Donna says
This sounds way too yummy! I have pineapple & coconut water. Now all I need is some watermelon and mango, and we're in business!
dina says
great healthy smoothie!
Ericka Eaton says
for someone who can't have dairy, this sounds amazing!!!!!!