Top 10 Smoothie Nutrition Boosters
There are three big reasons why I love smoothies. First and foremost, they’re easy to make – in less than five minutes you can have a healthy breakfast or snack. They’re also portable – you can easily take one with you to work or to run errands. And last but not least, they can pack in a LOT of nutrition.
We all like value, right? We look for the best deals and bargains because we want to make sure we’re getting the best bang for our buck, so to speak. Well, why should smoothies be any different? If you’re going to take the time to make a smoothie, don’t you want it to be packed with the most nutrition possible?
Try these top 10 nutrition boosters in your next smoothie for the bestblend for your buck!
1. Baby spinach
What It Adds: Fiber, vitamins A and C, folate, iron and magnesium
Why It’s Important: Dark, leafy greens like baby spinach help keep you full, provide you with chronic disease-fighting antioxidants, and pack in a vegetarian-friendly source of iron.
Perfect Pairings: Tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, orange and banana will mask the taste of the spinach.
2. Avocados
What It Adds: Monounsaturated (good) fat, fiber, potassium, vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid
Why It’s Important: Good fats contribute to satiety and energy and help increase absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K.
Perfect Pairings: Just about any fruit! Add ½ avocado with your frozen fruit of choice to add creaminess to your smoothie.
3. Flax
What It Adds: Fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (a type of antioxidant)
Why It’s Important: Omega-3s help keep your heart healthy and fiber helps keep your digestive system regular.
Perfect Pairings: Anything! Flaxseed should blend seamlessly with any flavor combo.
4. Hemp
What It Adds: Protein, fiber, omega-3s, magnesium and vitamin E
Why It’s Important: Great source of omega-3s and complete protein (all 9 essential amino acids) for vegetarians.
Perfect Pairings: Like flaxseed, hemp seeds will blend with just about anything!
BY Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT