Banana Smoothie with Lime and Cardamom (2024)

How to Make Banana Smoothie with Lime and Cardamom

How Does This Ayurvedic Recipe Improve Wellness?

Summer time has arrived, and with all the fun comes sweltering heat as well. Fresh, ripe fruit like bananas are the earth's pure nectar that will keep you cool & replenish your fluids on a hot day, refreshing and energizing your entire body. Bananas and coconut water are both electrolyte-rich and can prevent summer dehydration and exhaustion. A perfect afternoon snack or morning treat.

Replenish Energy & Quench Your Thirst

You have spent a long hot afternoon tending your garden or chasing the kids and you're feeling parched. Nothing sounds more appealing than a cool thirst-quencher and this banana smoothie with lime and cardamom will do just the trick. The lime in this recipe is an instant lift. Lime's cool, sour, and juicy qualities stimulate both salivary and digestive secretions, which help to restore fluids, providing you with that overall satisfied, refreshed and cleansed feeling.

Sometimes, no matter how much water you drink, your body still feels thirsty. Simple water lacks the electrolytes your body needs to rehydrate. Without electrolytes, your kidneys simply can't hold onto your water. Instead, your vital fluids are quickly lost in your urine. Often, the best remedy for dehydration is a revitalizing balance of electrolytes and water.

Bananas are the ideal delight on a hot summer afternoon for restoring electrolytes. If you are feeling a little sluggish, banana's natural sugars will restore your energy levels as well. Coconut's amazing ability to rehydrate you was recognized in WWII, where coconut water was actually used for blood transfusions.

Calm Your Tummy

With its creamy, moist, sticky and soft texture, bananas have long been recommended to soothe intestinal irritation. Summer heat depletes protective mucus in the GI and overstimulates bile production in the liver, irritating your intestines. Soothe your discomfort and pacify excess heat with the unctuous banana. Bananas help to stimulate mucous production in your gut, which has an anti-acid and soothing effect on your stomach. Due to its sour and alkaline qualities (acidic in taste yet alkaline in effect), limes balance blood PH level, cooling your hot summer blood and relaxing the eyes. Lime is also considered a blood purifier.

Bananas are heavier and harder to digest than most other ripe fruits. When spiced up with lime and cardamom, two natural digestive aids, this super fruit is lighter and easier to digest. Stimulating cardamom also adds a delicious flavor element to this smoothie and is paired beautifully with banana and lime. Cardamom's aromatic perfume opens your pores, encouraging you to sweat, your body's natural way of keeping cool.

Feed Your Muscles

Do you ever feel tight cramps in the back of your legs, often called "charlie horses?" Muscle cramps are a common sign of low potassium, electrolyte, and hydration levels. If your muscles are weak, tired, or fatigued on a hot summer day, consider muscle nourishing foods that restore your electrolytes like banana. Muscles depend on electrolytes for contraction as well as relaxation. Electrolytes, especially sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, help your muscles function at optimal levels. Bananas are rich in potassium, plus their nourishing natural sugars fuel the strength your muscles need to help you work and play. So peel yourself a ripe banana, drop one in a smoothie, pull up a beach chair, and enjoy!

Body-licious

Banana's beauty benefits are varied and bananas are considered one of nature's natural moisturizers. They impart luster on skin and hair, and whether enjoyed as a culinary delight or used directly on your body (yes, even the banana peel), you will experience soft, smooth and glowing skin.

A great summertime drink!

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	EASY ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY HEAVY ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY COLD ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded. Learn More	PACIFIES AGGRAVATES
HERBAL ACTIONS (see all)	Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Banana Smoothie with Lime and Cardamom Experiences are Personal Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition. Digestion: Quenches Thirst QUENCHES-THIRST An herb or substance that relieves thirst. SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS , Stimulates Peristalsis STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS An herb that promotes involuntary smooth muscle contractions to facilitate the movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-PERISTALSIS' FOODS / HERBS , Antacid ANTACID Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular. SEE ALL 'ANTACID' FOODS / HERBS , Appetizer APPETIZER Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat. SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS , Carminative CARMINATIVE Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines. SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS Mind, Stress & Sleep: Nerve Relaxant Grounding NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts. SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS , Brain Tonic BRAIN-TONIC An herb that strengthens the brain and thereby enhances memory or other cognitive functions and improves mental stamina or stability. SEE ALL 'BRAIN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS Energy Vitality: Satisfies Stomach SATISFIES-STOMACH Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach. SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS , Stimulates Energy STIMULATES-ENERGY This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs. SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS , Nutritive NUTRITIVE An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS Skin Care & Beauty: Antipruritic ANTIPRURITIC Antipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching, often associated with skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy rashes). SEE ALL 'ANTIPRURITIC' FOODS / HERBS , Demulcent DEMULCENT Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane. SEE ALL 'DEMULCENT' FOODS / HERBS Heart & Circulation: Refrigerant REFRIGERANT An herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions. SEE ALL 'REFRIGERANT' FOODS / HERBS , Rebuilds Fluids REBUILDS-FLUIDS Herbs or substances that create moisture in the body and increase fluids. SEE ALL 'REBUILDS-FLUIDS' FOODS / HERBS , Rebuild Electrolytes REBUILD-ELECTROLYTES Substances that increase your electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help you retain water, keep your palate moist, and truly quench your thirst. SEE ALL 'REBUILD-ELECTROLYTES' FOODS / HERBS Liver & Gallbladder: Livotonic LIVOTONIC An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene. SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS Strength, Muscle Health: Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS Constituents: Potassium, Soluble Fiber, Vitamin C, Carbohydrate, Fats, Aromatase Inhibitor AROMATASE-INHIBITOR Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen. SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS , Flavonoids FLAVONOIDS Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect. SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

Eat Well for Life With Ayurveda: Balance Your Dosha

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Banana Smoothie With Lime And Cardamom'

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(4.83 out of 5 stars) 18 ratings, 1371 likes

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This is a simple and simply excellent recipe. I add a little fresh made almond milk to mine and like it heavy on the cardamom.

No more liquid needed....give it a try!

didn't need any extra liquid, though I added a couple ice cubes to the blender for fun.

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Kathy Parry, Chapel hill, NC

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06-19-13

(Reply)

I went right to the kitchen and made this wonderful smoothie. Funny I was thinking about lime and banana a few days ago. They work well together. Delightful!

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Sally, St. louis, MO

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06-19-13

(Reply)

I went right to the kitchen and made this wonderful smoothie. Funny I was thinking about lime and banana a few days ago. They work well together. Delightful!It was too thick to blend so I added coconut water until it moved. I will put more lime and cardamom.

I liked it with the juice of 1 whole lime.

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Sally, St. louis, MO

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06-19-13

(Reply)

This is great very refreshing and feeling.Thanks.

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Almaz G Teklu, Berkeley, CA

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06-20-13

(Reply)

I made this and added some almond milk. Deliciousness! Two bananas, one whole lime, cardamon, and almond milk.

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wtronrud, Jackson heights, NY

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06-20-13

(Reply)

A fantastic ulcer remedy for dry Vata-Pittas! It's easy to make a half portion for a light snack.

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Alisa Turner, Oxford, MS

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05-25-14

(Reply)

What does 1//3 whole lime mean? Juice of? Juice and Pulp of? Do you mean to try to peel the lime and mix it in? i"m never quite sure what to do!

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Sue Simning-Hoeft, Random lake, WI

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06-25-15

(Reply)

I understand that it is very harmful to the body to mix bananas with milk. Would it also be harmful to make this recipe with coconut milk instead of water?

1/3 lime means the juice of 1/3 of the lime, but you can feel free to add the pulp too!

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Kimberly Kubicke, Asbury park, NJ

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01-25-16

(Reply)

Coconut milk is much heavier than coconut water and would not make a great combination with bananas because they are light and digest quickly.

So easy to make. Delicious. Light. Made it twice within 3 days. Great way to use up bananas. Love all the goodness in this smoothie. Thank you!

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06-30-16

(Reply)

Adding ice would not be advised generally, unless Pitta is very high.

Love this smoothie! My 4 year old helps me make it and also enjoys it. Great for a warm summer day! All the flavors work beautifully together.

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Lindsay Spencer, Beaverton, OR

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06-14-19

(Reply)

This recipe is so much more delicious than it sounds. It is outstanding in its ability to hydrate. Plus it is simple and easy to create. This smoothie is must-try

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Larissa Demalteris, Golden, CO

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05-21-20

(Reply)

Very delicious!

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Diane, RI

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08-02-22

(Reply)