When I first started drinking green juices and green smoothies over eight years ago, I felt very much on my own. Fast forward to today and more and more people are becoming aware, so much so, that when I was in NYC recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see many cafes offering green smoothies!
If you’re into green smoothies, here’s a useful summary from Taylor P on the benefits as well as a couple of recipes.
‘Smoothies have steadfastly become a healthy alternative to sugary desserts like milkshakes. Even though smoothies typically contain high sugar content, super food drinks provide fitness enthusiasts with a delightful post-workout treat that supplies working muscles with sufficient nutrients. The average smoothie is a blended mixture of fruits, yogurt, milk and ice. However, green smoothies feature the added benefit of raw vegetables, which effectively supplement a healthy diet.
1. Excellent Source Of Nutrients
A lot of people aren’t able to consume sufficient servings of fruits and vegetables on a frequent basis when living an active, on-the-go lifestyle. Green smoothies made from whole foods are an excellent source of several important nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, B and C and protein.
2. Boosts Immune System
Green smoothies are rich in antioxidants and enzymes, which help boost the function of your immune system. New York Daily News dubs green smoothies a “healthy and delicious way to get an energy boost” because of the nutrients they contain.
3. Natural Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is an ongoing dilemma for those who struggle to eat right in a fast food-consumed society. Green smoothies ultimately improve digestive efficiency, which can reduce food cravings and prompt natural weight loss.
4. One Smoothie Can Satisfy Recommended Vegetable & Fruits Servings
The combination of organic fruit and raw vegetables in green smoothies help supplement nutrient-deprived diets. A green smoothie packed with nutritional elements can satisfy the daily recommendation of five servings of fruits and vegetables.
5. Relatively Inexpensive To Make
Green smoothies are relatively inexpensive and easy to make. All you need is a blender, fresh fruits, raw vegetables and a palatable recipe to enjoy the nutritional benefits of green smoothies.
Green Smoothie Recipes
Raw Family showcases numerous green smoothie recipes that can help both beginners and super food junkies acquire a quick fix for better health.
The “Rocket Fuel Smoothie”-
1 banana
1 orange
1 granny Smith Apple
1 stick celery with leaves left on or 1 bunch parsley
1 carrot
1/2 centimetre fresh ginger
10 ice cubes
1 cup water (if needed)
“Green Smoothie Monster”
4 leaves of kale with stems removed
4 leaves of chard with stems removed
half a bunch of fresh parsley
1 leaf of aloe vera
half a bunch of dandelion greens
3 pears
1 banana
3 cups of water
“Glowing Green Smoothie”
2 cups very cold, filtered water
7 cups chopped spinach (about a medium bunch)
6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 1 small head)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 pear, cored and chopped
1 banana
2 tbs. fresh lemon juice’
via Top 5 Reasons to Drink Green Smoothies + Recipes.
