The question is often asked: “Are smoothies healthy?” Well the answer is: “It depends on how you make them”. Smoothies can be whatever you want them to be, from sugar-laden fat bombs to nutritious, health-troubleshooting gems. Yes, smoothies can be tailored to help treat various health issues, such as arthritis, gout, IBS, menstrual cramps, insomnia and the common cold.
Healthy smoothie recipes can also be customized to fit various diets, for detoxing and cleansing, to boost energy, reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
To make a smoothie that is nutritionally dense and packed with vitamins and minerals, you don’t need fancy ingredients. In fact the healthiest smoothie can be made with affordable ingredients you are already likely to have in your fridge, such as vegetables, greens and commonly used fruits. These antioxidant powerhouses form the basis of these smoothies.
By switching and changing around ingredients, smoothies can be low fat, low sugar, high fiber or high protein. When prepared with the right ingredients they provide your daily dose of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
But first you need to know which ingredients to use. Here is an easy list that will help you create your own wellness drinks:
Dark leafy greens
Chopped celery
Cucumber
Pureed pumpkin
Frozen berries
Cherries
Banana
Mango
Dark leafy greens
Celery
Cucumber
Frozen berries
Avocado
Apple
Apricots, peaches
Dark leafy greens
Celery
Cucumber
Pureed pumpkin
Frozen berries
Avocado
Apple
Stone fruits such as apricots, peaches
Dark leafy greens
Shelled edamame (green soybeans)
Silken tofu
Greek yogurt
Beans
Nut butter
Cottage cheese
Ingredients
2/3 cup frozen cherries (pitted)
1 cup frozen raspberries
½ cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon flaxseeds
1 – 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
How to Make
Combine all ingredients in a blender, a blend until smooth.
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup baby spinach leaves
½ frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
½ cup frozen blackberries
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 ½ cups almond milk
1 tablespoon flaxseeds
1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger
1 pitted Medjool date
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make
Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend until thick and creamy.
Serves 2
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