In this article we will look at 7 green smoothies but first lets look at the best greens that you can use in your smoothie
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Best Greens You Should Use
Not all green vegetables and fruits are created equal. When making a green smoothie, it’s best to use vegetables that have the most nutrients to pack a punch. I mean, You want to get the best benefits from your smoothies.
Let’s look at some of the best greens (in no particular order) that you can use to whip up those awesome smoothies.
Spinach
Yup! Popeye was right. This truly is a fantastic green that is full of goodness. It is low in calories yet contains protein, iron, vitamins and minerals. Spinach has been shown to lower the risk of cancer, strengthens bones, reduces the risk of asthma and other infections, lowers blood pressure and aids in glucose control for diabetics.
Kale
Similar to spinach, kale is splendid for nourishing the body. In fact, kale contains more nutrients than spinach. It maintains healthy skin, strong bones, improves digestion and prevents the onset of many health problems.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It is fantastic for combating the effects of a poor diet. Our diets are rich in omega-6 fatty acids and this has thrown the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids out of whack. Our foods have become packed with estrogen, resulting in more men suffering from gynecomastia and other issues.
Broccoli mitigates the negative effects of estrogen. It’s also rich in fiber and sulforaphane. This sulphur compound prevents cancers such as lung and colon cancer. Broccoli is definitely a vegetable that you should include in your smoothies often.
It does have a strong taste. So, start by using small amounts till you develop an acquired taste for it and are able to drink it without forcing yourself to.
Collards
Collards are rich in vitamin K that promotes good bone health. They reduce the risks of developing colorectal, prostate and lung cancer. They also help diabetes sufferers maintain a stable blood glucose level.
An additional benefit of collard greens is that they contain choline. Choline helps with learning, memory, muscle movement and also promotes good sleep. Something which many people sorely need.
Cabbage
Cabbage is extremely low in calories but is high in fiber, protein, vitamin C and antioxidants. One cup of cabbage contains almost 50% of the average adult’s daily vitamin C requirements.
It also contains manganese, potassium, calcium, folate, thiamine and vitamin B6. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, etc. can also be found in cabbage.
You can reduce the risks of getting cancer, enhance your immunity, prevent cardiovascular disease and improve digestion by consuming cabbage.
Celery
Just like the vegetables mentioned earlier, celery is rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can prevent cancer and helps to lower one’s blood pressure. One point to note is that some people are severely allergic to celery. Make sure you are not allergic to celery before consuming it.
Dandelion Greens
Rich in vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6 and potassium. Also contains copper, folate, thiamine and phosphorous. Helps to good heart health and stabilise blood pressure levels.
Wheatgrass
An excellent vegetable that is rich in many vitamins and nutrients. Prevents a whole host of health problems and also has healing properties.
Lettuce
Fantastic for helping with weight loss. It is low in calories and reduces appetite. It contains many beneficial vitamins such as potassium, biotin, copper, calcium, panthothenic acid, chromium and magnesium.
Other beneficial greens you might want to look at:
Parsley
Chard
Pak Choi/Bok Choy
The best time to drink a smoothie will be upon waking. The second best time to drink a smoothie will be after a workout session. Do make regular exercise a part of your lifestyle and finish it off with a tall, cold glass of green juice.
If you can’t drink your smoothies during these times, then any other time will do just fine. What really matters is that you are making and drinking the green smoothies. Implementation is half the battle won. You do not have to be perfect when you start. Just start and then aim to improve as you progress.
Below, you will find 7 green smoothie recipes. All recipes serve 1 person. You can drink them at any time of the day. These are tasty, nutritious recipes. Make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients before making them.
Recipe 1: Orange Spinach Surprise
Ingredients:
1 peeled orange
1/2 peeled banana
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup water
1 tsp flaxseed
Ice cubes
Directions:
Add all the ingredients into the blender and ice cubes as required. Blend till you get the desired consistency. Pour into a glass and drink away.
Recipe 2: Green Avocado Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 avocado, diced
1 cup (2 handfuls) fresh spinach
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 frozen, sliced banana
Directions:
Blend all the ingredients to desired consistency and serve chilled
Recipe 3: Green Detox Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup organic kale
1/2 cup parsley
1 cup cucumber
1/2 cup pineapple
1 lemon
1/2 avocado
1 cup unsweetened green tea
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
Directions:
Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the blender.
Add the rest of the ingredients and blend to desired consistency
Recipe 4: Romaine Lettuce Smoothie
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 chopped apple
1 cup organic, chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup spinach
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 frozen, sliced banana
1 chopped pear
Directions:
Add lettuce, spinach and water and blend till you get a smooth mix. Add rest of the ingredients except the banana into blender.
Blend till required consistency. Add in banana and blend till the beverage is smooth. Pour and drink.
Recipe 5: Kale Kissed by Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients:
2 large kale leaves
1/2 bunch of parsley
1/2 cup cucumber
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 apple
1 cup celery
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoons grated ginger
Directions:
Place all ingredients into blender and blend till desired consistency.
Recipe 6: Kool Kiwi Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach
1 cup strawberries
1 cup cucumber
1 tsp hemp seeds (optional)
1 sliced, frozen banana
1 cup kiwi fruit
1 cup water
Directions:
Add all ingredients into blender and blend to desired consistency. Best served chilled.
Recipe 7: Tropical Smoothie Dream
Ingredients:
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 cup cucumber
1/2 banana sliced & frozen
1 stalks celery
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup peaches
1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 cup coconut water cucumber
Directions:
Blend all the ingredients in blender till desired consistency is achieved, and serve chilled.
