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The world is a busy place. People often skip sitting down to lunch or dinner and eat on the run. Drive-throughs have become the kitchen and the dashboard of a car, the dining room table. It’s led to a malnourished, overweight population. To accommodate a busy lifestyle and focus on health, smoothies made with superfoods have become popular. What constitutes a superfood? There’s no official definition, but it’s generally accepted that a superfood contains an extraordinary amount of nutrition. Beets, kale and avocados are just three, but there are many more.
Superfoods contain more than just vitamins and minerals, like blueberries.
They contain phytonutrients, healthy fat and enzymes, too. Many of these have multiple nutrients that work in synergy with the other nutrients to enhance each other’s benefits, providing more than you’d get taking each individually at different times. Blueberries have anthocyanin which is beneficial for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, viral infections, high blood pressure, and more. The nutrients work in synergy to make blueberries a superfood. Blueberries make a great addition to a smoothie providing more flavor and health benefits. Blueberries also work in synergy with other foods, like walnuts. A combination of blueberries and walnuts in smoothies can boost brain power.
For a creamier texture, try Greek yogurt or if you’re vegan, avocado.
You’ll get protein and healthy fat to fill you up when you add yogurt, plus creamy goodness and probiotics to aid in digestion. It contains calcium, B12, riboflavin and other B vitamins, plus phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and if it’s fortified, vitamin D. If you want a change of pace, but still want a creamy smoothie or are vegan, avocados can also provide that texture, and is also nutrient dense. Avocados are a good source of healthy fat—monounsaturated and omega-3. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels and is high in vitamins B6, C, E and K. It also contains niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, folate, and beta-carotene.
Spice up your smoothie.
Herbs and spices add flavor and nutrition, but without adding additional calories. Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and holy basil can boost the health benefits, too. Turmeric has a barely noticeable flavor, but it helps reduce inflammation. Cinnamon adds flavor and can help regulate blood sugar levels, provide heart-healthy benefits and is anti-inflammatory.
- Beets have high nutritional content and add sweetness, especially when steamed or roasted. Combine a beet with strawberries, kale, a half banana, almond butter a bit of water, and some vanilla for a delicious smoothie packed with nutrition.
- Treat yourself to an indulgence with chocolate. Cacao powder and its products dark chocolate and cocoa powder have antioxidants and caffeine. Combine them with nuts and fruit for a smoothie that’s perfect for the morning.
- Green tea and lemon work in synergy. The vitamin C in lemon boosts the ability of the body to absorb the antioxidants of the tea. Adding both to a smoothie can boost your immune system. Powdered matcha—powdered green tea—can also be used.
- Most people don’t think about adding yeast to their smoothies, but nutritional yeast can add the flavor of cheese that’s perfect for green smoothies. It’s high in B12 and riboflavin.
For more information, contact us today at Thrive Sauna Studio