You might think of juices as warm drinks, best enjoyed in the heat of summer or the warmth of spring. But you can—and I recommend—enjoy healthy juices year-round! Juices made with warm foods, like nutmeg and cherries, can help keep you warm and cozy even in the dead of winter.
This delicious warm nutmeg and cherry smoothie is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and of course, all the cherry flavor you crave. Nutmeg adds an interesting twist to this delicious cherry smoothie, adding a wonderful warm, nutty flavor to your healthy smoothie.
Are you ready to make your own juice? You can skip ahead and go straight to the new recipe. Nutmeg and cherry juice recipe.
Health benefits of cherries
Oh my goodness, I love cherries. I’m always so happy when I see organic cherries in season for the first time at the market. Whether you prefer sweet or tart cherries, they’re both delicious, nutritious, and great for you!
Cherries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Fiber helps maintain regular digestion, and vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system. Potassium helps maintain many vital body processes, such as regulating blood pressure and maintaining healthy nerve function.
Cherries are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect your body from oxidative stress, which can make you sick and even cause premature aging! They’re also a great source of polyphenols — plant compounds that protect your body’s cells and may help protect you from health problems like heart disease and diabetes. (1)
So all these health benefits are actually the cherry on top of this delicious stone fruit! 🙂
Can’t sleep? Try cherries.
All cherries, especially tart cherries, contain melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates your sleep cycle.
Studies have shown that drinking tart cherry juice can help improve your sleep quality. One study in the European Journal of Nutrition found that participants who drank dark tart cherry juice for 7 days experienced increased melatonin levels, improved sleep quality, and slept longer than those who took a placebo. (2)
It is important to note here that these studies used concentrated cherry products rather than fresh cherries, so it is not known whether they have the same effect.
But I never need a specific reason to enjoy eating more cherries! So, if you have trouble sleeping, adding more cherries to your diet certainly won’t hurt.
Nutritious and delicious nutmeg
Nutmeg is usually sold as a ground spice, but you can also find it as a whole seed with other spices at your local grocery store. Nutmeg is one of many warming spices that can warm you from the inside out on a cold winter day.
Not only is it comforting, delicious, and warming, eating nutmeg can provide your body with a number of wonderful benefits.
Among the benefits of nutmeg are the following:
- High levels of antioxidants to help your body fight harmful free radicals.
- Compounds called monoterpenes that fight inflammation in the body.
- Antibacterial properties may help protect you from harmful bacteria like E. coli, or those that can harm your dental health.
- Nutmeg extract may help boost your libido (although more research is needed to see how).
Three cheers for cherries!
Cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying delicious, healthy smoothies all year long. With this warm nutmeg and cherry smoothie recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of the season, even if Jack Frost is stinging your nose.
If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram So I can see your unique creativity! If there are cherry lovers in your family or friend groups, don’t forget to share this recipe on Pinterest also. 🙂
With love and joy on the holiday,
Warm Cherry Nutmeg Juice Recipe
- 1 cup Cherry (Frozen cherries can be used if necessary)
- ½ cup Coconut water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 banana (You can use frozen bananas for a thicker smoothie.)
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- A drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener
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Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! I love using Vitamix Mixer for this purpose.
The most magical cherry recipes
Cherries have a sweet, comforting flavor that will help you feel great inside and out. Check out five more of my favorite recipes that put this amazing stone fruit in the spotlight!
Citations
- Tart cherries may help reduce factors linked to heart disease and diabetes. Science DailyUniversity of Michigan Health System, April 10, 2008, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114647.htm.
- Howtson, Glenn, et al. “Effect of Tart Cherry (Prunus Cerasus) Juice on Melatonin Levels and Improved Sleep Quality.” US National Library of MedicineEuropean Journal of Nutrition, 30 October 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22038497/.
