Ginger Citrus Smoothie is a delightful way to get your whole day's worth of Vitamin C. It's also a delicious way to start that beautiful day.

Vitamin C, The Super Vitamin

Everyone knows that oranges, grapefruit, clementines, lemons, and limes are top sources of Vitamin C.

But, do you know what that sunny vitamin does for us nutritionally? Vitamin C, despite popular belief, has not scientifically been proven to keep the common cold at bay, in itself.

However, it is a scientific fact, that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants boost our immune systems and strengthen our body's natural defenses to viruses as well as chronic diseases, like heart disease.

About Citrus

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes, are what most people think about when it comes to citrus fruits. However, there are many different citrus fruits beyond these. Try tangerines, clementines, kumquats, pummelo., or ugli.

There are also many hybrids of the separate citrus fruits. Think of the many orange varieties, (blood oranges, mandarins, or cara cara), pink and white grapefruits, key limes, Meyer lemons, and so many others. Here is a great guide to them all and how to use them: Know Your Citrus

Citrus comes into season in North America exactly when we all need a shot of brightness, freshness, and sunshine, during the winter months, from November through April, with the peak of sweetness, in my experience, in January.

Add Some Ginger to your smoothie

Citrus and ginger are beautiful flavour mates and this smoothie takes advantage of that. Ginger, also an antioxidant and immune-boosting food, is thought to be beneficial for nausea, stomach upsets, and also for cold and flu relief.

Spice Up Your Smoothie: A Little Hit of Cayenne

Cayenne Pepper adds a kick to everything, including this delicious smoothie. Cayenne is an interesting and healthy ingredient. Check out the benefits of more cayenne in your diet here. You can leave the cayenne out, but the amount in this recipe will barely register. On the other hand, you could ramp it up and add a little more spice to your life.

Why? There are lots of health benefits to adding a little heat to what you eat. If you want more info, check out 8 Benefits of Cayenne Pepper.

About this Ginger Infused Citrus Smoothie

I'm celebrating citrus here, so this recipe has oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. But, use whatever citrus that you have on hand. What I love about this smoothie, is how it froths up, with a delicious, foamy top. Enjoy it with all of its pulp, or, strain it out.

Smoothies are a convenient and healthy for meals on the go, or just when you're looking for an energy boost. And there are endless flavor variations. (Try a Mango Pineapple Smoothie or a Kiwi Banana Smoothie.

Looking for more citrus deliciousness? Check out Beet Salad with Grapefruit, or Salmon, Spinach, Mandarin Orange Salad