Did it ever happen to you that a few days in a row you binged on foods that are higher in sugar and carbs and just couldn’t stop? It’s something we all experienced, especially in the holiday seasons.
After such an experience, there is no better way to clean your body and get back on track with healthy eating than by making and having a green smoothie.
There are various ways you can make a green smoothie, but in this article we will share with you our favorite recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings while also nourishing the body with minerals and vitamins. On top of that, you will learn about seven different health benefits you will get from eating green smoothies.
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Green Smoothie
A green smoothie is a quick and easy way to put a bunch of fruits and vegetables into your body. There is no such thing as a “traditional green smoothie recipe.” Still, every green smoothie should have the following components:
- Greens. The absolutely necessary component of every green smoothie is at least one leafy vegetable like spinach, kale, chard, collards, and dandelion greens. You can play around and switch the greens depending on the season and your preferences.
- Fruits. The second ingredient in every green smoothie is fresh (or frozen) fruit. Usual choices for green smoothies are fruits like bananas, mangos, avocados, or papayas because they add extra creaminess and richness to the smoothie. Again, you can choose whatever fruits you enjoy or have on hand.
- Liquid base. Green smoothies are most commonly dairy-free with a base of water or plant-based milk.
- Source of protein. To make the green smoothie complete, you need to add some sort of protein—chia seeds, peanut or almond butter, or protein powder.
You can experiment and mix and match different fruits and vegetables to find your perfect combination. As long as you have all the elements—you are good to go.
Green Smoothie Recipe
For our favorite green smoothie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 avocado
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced cucumber (with skin still on)
- 3 handfuls fresh parsley
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 8 tbsp protein powder.
And the only kitchen appliance you need for this recipe is any type of blender. Once you’ve peeled and prepared your fruits and veggies, you throw them in the blender and mix until smooth.
That’s it!
In a few minutes, you have breakfast or a snack that is dense in nutrients and amazing for your entire well-being.
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of having a green smoothie.
Green Smoothie Benefits
- Detoxification. Unlike juices, green smoothies have all the fiber from fruits and vegetables because we use whole produce. Studies have shown that eating fiber helps our body eliminate deadly toxins and waste materials.
- Immunity boost. Immunity is the state of resistance to a particular pathogens and infectious disease. Fruits and vegetables we use in smoothies are packed with vitamins and minerals which help our immune system beat symptoms of common ailments like cold and flu more effectively.
- Better digestion. Green smoothies will make our tummies happy. Since they are so rich in fiber, they can aid in digestion. If you have issues with heartburn or acid reflux, green smoothie is a must in your diet.
- Glowy and healthy skin. Many people try treating their skin problems externally—with face serums, acne treatments, moisturizers, etc. while actually their problem is inside. Don’t get us wrong, we all should have a skin routine, but we also must ensure that our body is nurtured and healthy inside. Fruits and vegetables like blueberries and spinach used in smoothies are considered the best anti-aging foods. On top of that, vitamins and minerals from green smoothies will help with skin hydration and clearing up acne.
- Improve bone health. The nutrients needed for bone health are found in dark green leafy vegetables you can easily implement to your diet by adding them to smoothies. By providing your daily needs for calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K, smoothies with spinach, green vegetables, and citrus fruits as main ingredients can strengthen your bones and significantly lower the risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Chronic disease prevention. Green smoothies are loaded with beneficial antioxidants and phytonutrients which protect your body from a wide range of chronic diseases. By eating green smoothies, you intake a significant amount of phytonutrients like polyphenols, quercetin, magnesium, healthy fats, etc. which help lower LDL cholesterol and boost HDL cholesterol.
- Increased energy. Green smoothies are an excellent way to add a variety of nutrients to your diet, which can boost energy and lessen fatigue. Next time you feel tired and sleepy in the morning, make a green smoothie instead of coffee.
Final Word
Green smoothies provide a delicious and convenient way to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, ensuring you meet your daily nutritional requirements. Start with the recipe from above, and then feel free to experiment and try different variations of fruits and vegetables to keep making and eating green smoothies fun and exciting.
We hope this article helped you understand the different benefits of drinking green smoothies and learn how to create your own.
Green cheers!
