Smoothies are a great way to get your daily serving of fruits and vegetables. They’re also very easy to make, which means you can whip one up before running out the door in the morning or after work. In addition, smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that offer benefits for both your health and wellness. You may even choose to drink them as meal replacements if you’re looking for ways to lose weight or cut back on calories.
Why Are Smoothies So Beneficial?
A smoothie is a blended drink that may or may not contain fruit, nut milk, ice cream, etc. The point of them is to take whole food ingredients and combine them into one large cup filled with goodness. They are typically very nutrition-packed, which means you’re getting the best from each ingredient when it’s been broken down this way. Not only do they pack more fiber than juice, but they also add healthy fats like avocado or nuts and seeds for satiating power. In addition to being nutrient-dense, think about what else gets broken down during processing? For example, vitamins A through E (as well K) aren’t easily absorbed when not chewing. Still, these vitamins and more get absorbed when we process whole foods in a smoothie.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients showed that smoothies are a great source of nutrition and provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your physical and mental health. In addition, the study found that people who drank smoothies regularly had better overall health and were less likely to suffer from chronic diseases like heart disease or cancer. Researchers also noted that participants who drank smoothies reported improved moods and overall well-being.
Source Of Fiber
Smoothies are a great source of fiber. For example, one cup of spinach provides about four grams of fiber, which is 16 percent of the daily recommended intake for women and 13 percent for men. Fiber helps keep you regular, prevents constipation, and can reduce the risk of other diseases like heart disease and cancer. Smoothies are also low in calories and can help you lose weight or maintain your current weight if used as meal replacements.
High In Antioxidant
Smoothies are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that damage cells, leading to inflammation, premature aging, and even cancer. Some fruits and vegetables that are commonly used in smoothies, like blueberries, strawberries, and kale, are high in antioxidants.
Mood Improver
Smoothies can help improve your mood. The B vitamins found in many fruits and vegetables used to make smoothies play a role in the production of serotonin, which is known as the “happy hormone.” A deficiency in specific B vitamins can lead to depression and other mood disorders.
Essential Nutrients
Smoothies provide essential nutrients for both your physical and mental health. They’re a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack between meals. Add some fruit, yogurt, ice, and water to a blender and give it a try. You may be surprised at how good they taste.
Powerhouse Combos
Smoothies are a nutritional powerhouse and can act as a meal independently. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients. Smoothies also provide a good amount of protein and healthy fats, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Some great combinations to try include:
- Berry smoothie: blend together fresh or frozen berries, banana, yogurt, and almond milk
- Green smoothie: mix spinach or kale with apple, banana, pear, and orange juice
- Creamy avocado smoothie: combine avocado, banana, yogurt, and almond milk or coconut water for a delicious creaminess
When making your smoothies at home, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and organic when possible, like Organic Almond Butter. This will help to ensure that you are getting the most nutrients possible from your drink.
