The flax seeds in this feed bifidobacteria in the gut which can help to reduce inflammation in the body - think of any condition with an "itis" on the end and you'll know what I mean. Eg arthritis, cystitis, bronchitis etc. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain which also have anti-inflammatory powers, as does ginger which is a cox-2 inhibitor - meaning it has a similar mechanism of action to Nurofen. This pain-busting shake is also a brilliant daily housekeeper of gut health, hormones, and healthy stool movements. I make various versions of it for breakfast.

To make it you'll need:

• 1 American cup of washed spinach leaves (use a mug if you don’t have an American cup measurer)

• 1 cup of pineapple or a frozen tropical mix which includes pineapple

• 2 cm (or about 1 inch) of peeled ginger

• 2 tablespoons of flax seeds (ground or still as seeds grind down in a powerful blender)

• 100ml of water (about 1/8 of a pint)

Put the ingredients together in a powerful blender and pulse till smooth. Drink straight away before the ingredients separate.
​Frozen fruits are convenient, cheaper than fresh, and create a cold shake rather than a room temperature one which happens with hot motors on powerful blenders.