This healthy smoothie is not only delicious--it also boosts your daily dose of anti-inflammatory foods. It starts with a base of creamy gut-friendly kefir and includes cherries, which can lower the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Heart-healthy fats in avocado, almond butter and chia seeds deliver additional anti-inflammatory compounds to the body, while spinach offers a mix of antioxidants that sweep up harmful free radicals. Fresh ginger adds zing, plus a compound called gingerol, which preliminary studies suggest may improve inflammatory markers of heart disease if consumed daily.

ingredients

• 1 cup plain low-fat kefir

• 1 cup frozen cherries

• ½ cup baby spinach leaves

• ¼ cup mashed ripe avocado

• 1 tablespoon salted almond butter

• 1 (1/2 inch) piece peeled ginger

• 1 teaspoon chia seeds, plus more for garnish