A smoothie can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on what you put in the blender. Mixtures whipped with sweeteners, sweet flavoured yogurt, or even excessive amounts of fruit could have a sugar content close to that of a bowl of ice cream! A healthy smoothie need not be pungent or bitter; with the right combination of healthy ingredients in liquid form, it’s quite easy to get addicted to these delicious concoctions! Below are the best and healthy ingredients to add to your smoothie:
AVOCADO
Avocados are one of the healthiest sources of fat you can get, and when you add some of the ripe, buttery meat to your smoothie, it takes on a smooth and creamy texture when blended well. Its healthy fats and high fibre content will keep your heart healthy, make your skin glow and keep you full. And with about 20 different vitamins and minerals to offer, you can be sure you’re doing your body a real favour.
COCONUT OIL
If you are exercising for weight loss then coconut oil will be an important ingredient for you. The fatty acids in this superfood fight body fat by converting into energy that boosts metabolism as opposed to animal derived saturated fats that add body fat. Use one tablespoon of coconut oil in your green smoothie for breakfast and you should notice less of yourself in the mirror in no time.
BANANA POWDER
If you want the potassium of bananas without the bulk of adding them whole, try using banana powder instead. It’s made from dried bananas finely milled, and its potassium can act like a natural energy drink after a tough workout.
SPIRULINA
Of course, superfoods aren’t always made from glamorous plants. Sometimes they are made from pond algae, like Spirulina. Though its taste may be subpar, its high content of everything nutritious makes up for it. Spirulina’s top two ingredients are protein and omega fatty acids. Use anywhere from one to two teaspoons of spirulina in your daily smoothie.
UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER
There’s no better way to turn your smoothie into a decadent, chocolatey dessert than by incorporating cocoa powder into it. Without all the extra sugar and fat, cocoa in its purest form is one of the best sources of antioxidants and a great source of iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc. It also helps lower blood pressure and can act as both an appetite suppressant as well as a weapon to fight cravings.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They are loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain. Chia seeds reduce food cravings, help you stay hydrated, lower blood pressure & are rich in Omega-3. Chia seeds are packed with nutrition and have so many health benefits like being a rich source of healthy fats, dietary fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
GOJI BERRIES
Perhaps one of the tastiest top ten treats, goji berries are known for their healing strength. The nutrients included in these berries are antioxidants and amino acids, but the real strength lies within their more than 20 vitamins and minerals. These precious nutrients have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to strengthen eyesight, fight against viruses, balance hormones, and even to assist with the longevity of life. Not feeling the best? Sweeten things up with 1/2 cup of these berries in your smoothie!
OATS
Oats contain more fibre than any other type of grain and are rich in a certain type of fibre called beta-glucen, which is known to help stabilize blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. This is one nutrient-dense carbohydrate that’s also low on the glycemic index and great for the gluten-friendly crowd. It’s also just a nice switch up from having a bowl of oatmeal every morning when you add it to your smoothie instead.
FLAX SEEDS
Ground flax seeds add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to just about any smoothie recipe. Flaxseed is a rich store of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and lignan–a powerful antioxidant.
PLAIN YOGHURT
Another way to add a big protein boost to your smoothie, with the added bonus of extra calcium, is with plain yogurt. It also contains probiotics, which can help support good digestive health. Plain is best because it doesn’t have any added sugar or artificial flavoring. (You decide for yourself if you want fat-free or full fat!) Like avocado, it also creates an irresistible creamy texture in your smoothie.