Looking to kickstart your day with a burst of flavor and a dose of nutrition? I love this Cherry Banana Spinach Smoothie recipe! It doesn’t require any sugar and it is super healthy and delicious. You can even make ice pops with the left overs and have a snack or dessert for the rest of the week available at home. Keep reading to learn why it’s so nutritious, then print out the recipe card for later!

Cherry Banana Spinach Smoothie Recipe

This vibrant concoction is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with the goodness of sweet cherries, creamy bananas, and nutrient-rich spinach, this smoothie is a delightful blend of health and indulgence. Join me on a journey to create a refreshing and nourishing smoothie that will have you saying, “Cheers to a vibrant and energized day!” Let’s check out some of the health benefits of the three main ingredients in this Cherry Banana Spinach Smoothie.

Health Benefits of Cherries

Did you know cherries can make you sleep better? They are one of the few natural foods to contain melatonin, the chemical that helps control our body’s internal clock, says Keri Gans, a registered dietician in New York City and author of The Small Change Diet. Produced naturally by the body in small amounts, melatonin plays a role in inducing sleepiness at night and wakefulness during the day. Montmorency tart cherries are the best source of melatonin. Drinking cherry juice will help you relax and sleep better!

Here are a few more amazing benefits of these tasty little fruits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries are loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and quercetin, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The anthocyanins not only provides the vibrant red color to cherries but also contributes to their anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation and related conditions.
Joint Health: The anti-inflammatory properties may help ease conditions like arthritis by reducing joint pain and inflammation.
Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in cherries all contribute to heart health. They may help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and promote overall cardiovascular well-being.
Weight Management: With relatively low calories and a good amount of fiber, cherries can be a satisfying and healthy snack, supporting weight management and a balanced diet.
Blood Sugar Regulation: The fiber content may help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a favorable choice for those looking to manage or prevent diabetes.
Brain Health: Research suggests that the antioxidants in cherries may have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting brain health and reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Vitamin C Boost: Cherries provide a healthy dose of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system, promotes skin health, and acts as an antioxidant.

Spinach Health Benefits

Adding spinach is a great way to incorporate some vegetables in your diet and it won’t change the taste of the smoothie! If you just started making green smoothies I recommend you try spinach. Spinach is also considered one of the world’s healthiest vegetables and comes out at the top of our ranking list for nutrient richness.

We all know that Popeye made himself super strong by eating spinach, but you may be surprised to learn that he may also have been helping to protect himself against inflammatory problems, oxidative stress-related problems, cardiovascular problems, bone problems, and cancers at the same time. Here are just a few of the top health benefits of spinach:

Nutrient-Rich Superfood: Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron, and potassium.
Supports Bone Health: The vitamin K and calcium helps you maintain strong and healthy bones. Vitamin K is crucial for proper bone mineralization.
Heart Health: The high levels of potassium may help regulate blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.
Antioxidant Properties: Spinach contains various antioxidants, including beta-carotene and lutein, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds like kaempferol found in spinach have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the body and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: The fiber content in spinach aids in digestion, supports a healthy gut, and may help prevent constipation.
Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that compounds in this superfood may contribute to better blood sugar control, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage blood sugar levels.
Vision Protection: Lutein and zeaxanthin, present in spinach, are known to benefit eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and maintaining overall vision.
Immune System Support: The combination of vitamins A and C boosts the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.
Cancer Prevention: Certain compounds in spinach, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, have been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancers.

Benefits of Bananas

Adding a banana to your smoothies will make them sweet enough that you won’t need to add any sugar or honey. Bananas are a good source of both vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Creamy, rich, and sweet, bananas are a favorite food for everyone from infants to adults. Bananas combat depression, make you smarter, cure hangovers, relieve morning sickness, protect against kidney cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and blindness! Let’s take a closer look:

Rich in Essential Nutrients: They are a good source of essential nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health.
Heart and Kidney Health: The high potassium content supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Potassium is also essential for kidney health, as it helps maintain proper fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.
Digestive Health: Bananas contain dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. The soluble fiber in bananas may also aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
Energy Boost: Natural sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, provide a quick and sustained energy boost, making bananas an excellent choice for a pre-workout snack.
Muscle Function and Recovery: The potassium and vitamin B6 play a role in muscle function and recovery after physical activity, helping to prevent cramps and support overall muscle health.
Bone Health: The presence of nutrients like potassium and magnesium supports bone health and may contribute to preventing the development of conditions like osteoporosis.

Mood Booster: Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that gets converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Eating bananas may contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness.
Rich in Antioxidants: Bananas contain several antioxidants, including dopamine and catechins, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Natural Prebiotic: Bananas contain prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This supports a healthy gut microbiome and overall digestive well-being.

Make it even healthier with these optional ingredients:

Add your favorite superfoods, like a tablespoon of chia seeds for added protein and health benefits.
Make it into an anti-reflux smoothie by adding a bit of Aloe Vera or Ginger.
Raw honey for added sweetness AND to help soothe a sore throat.

You can also make ice pops with this recipe. Ice Pops are also great when a child has a cold. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free and full of nutrients to fight viruses and infections! For more ice pops ideas please see Great Snack Idea: Ice Pops