Drinking smoothies have become hugely popular lately, largely due to the healthy ingredients usually found in them, such as fruits, vegetables, and purified water. Generally, what makes smoothies so enjoyable is the whole “drink one, get healthy” factor. But adding the right extras to what is already good can make a smoothie even more fulfilling and healthy.
Keep in mind that smoothies are fast, easy, and convenient, but if the proper ingredients are not used, then you could be missing out on some of the essential vitamins and minerals your body requires to perform daily activities. Hence, make sure that you have added goodness of greens in your drink.
Fruit
I wonder if there is anybody on this planet who does not like fruits. They come in every size, shape, colour, and taste. Hence, they can be included in any recipe. At least, I do so! They are one of my favourite ingredients to add to my smoothies, which you too can include in your next drink. Wondering why you should do that? Fruit contains antioxidants, which help ward off free radicals, which are the chemicals that cause aging and disease in the body.
Veggies
Vegetables are good for human health, which is why mothers across the globe have been trying to feed their babies some greens, be it broccoli or cabbage. The best part is that they can be blended into any recipe. Most importantly, they can be used in smoothies. Having said that, you might be surprised to learn that one vegetable, in particular, is well-suited for smoothies-the cucumber. It is low in calories, high in water and fibre, packed with nutrients, and can be added in plenty of ways to the drink. Nevertheless, one of the downsides to the cucumber is that, when used in smoothies, it tends to have a very weak flavour that gets lost in the mix.
Protein
Protein is one that you should include in your next smoothie. One way to do so is by adding Protein Powders to it. It could be an excellent addition to this already made drink as it tastes great and, at the same time, can provide you with the strength you need.
Liquids
Liquids in a blender can make a smoothie “creamier,” but they can also add a lot of unnecessary calories, sugar, and fat. Since smoothies with liquids are such a big part of your diet, it’s important to ensure that you use healthy liquid components that are packed with nutrients and vitamins.
Spices, extracts, and powders
Smoothies today have become one of the most versatile meals or snacks you can consume because you can put anything in a blender, be it spices, extracts, powders, or syrups. It could leave you with a delicious, healthy, nutrient-dense meal or snack.
Spirulina
Smoothies are a great way to get a variety of nutrients into our diets, and they are one of the best ways to enjoy Spirulina, a natural supplement derived from algae. Spirulina is a blue-green alga high in protein and antioxidants. Its unique properties and health benefits make it a great addition to your diet.
Types of smoothie recipes to try
Smoothies taste great, are full of healthy ingredients, and are easy to make. But due to the myriad of choices available to you, it can be easy to get confused. That is why I have curated a list of the best smoothie types that you can give a try.
Sweet banana smoothie
Bananas are probably one of the first ingredients people think of when they think about smoothies. After all, bananas are soft, sweet, and yummy. But you might not realize that bananas are jam-packed with nutrients and good for you. The best part is that any banana smoothie recipe is loaded with protein, fibre, and antioxidants, which will help keep you energized and focused throughout the morning.
Refreshing peach-orange smoothie
The recipe for this refreshing peach-orange smoothie comes from one of my favourite websites—Betty Crocker—and offers a welcome break from the usual chocolate and berry smoothies. (Okay, so I love chocolate smoothies, too.) The secret ingredient to this smoothie is the orange zest, which adds an extra dimension of flavour (perks up the fruit) and makes it smell wonderful. This smoothie is lightly creamy and delicious, and it’s perfect for summer.
Mango strawberry sweetheart smoothie
Most people tend to forget that strawberry-mango sweetheart smoothies are also delicious and a lot more fun to eat. This tasty smoothie recipe is packed with strawberries, fruit purée, pureed mango, milk, yogurt, and ice. It’s sweet enough but not too sweet, and the strawberries and fruit purée complement the mango perfectly.
As said earlier, smoothies are insanely popular right now. They’re accessible, they’re versatile, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. Yet, many smoothie lovers don’t have a clue about the ideal ingredients to include in their smoothies. While a smoothie can be deemed healthy or unhealthy depending on what you include, there are a few staples that should always be included for optimal health benefits.