Top 5 Reasons why Green Smoothies are the Food of the Future

Bloggel January 12, 2015
Green smoothies are not just packed with super foods, they ARE a superfood. If there is an easier way to get all your vitamins, minerals and fibre in one quick fix we want to know about it.
It’s no wonder that green smoothies are so popular right now -they are the perfect fast food – quick, delicious and packed with nutrient-rich foods. Here’s our guide to making your own smoothies and tips on how you can make them even healthier.YELS0070_standard
While they might look like a witch’s brew, green smoothies taste amazing. Although the green taste might take a little getting used to, there’s no doubt that you’ll soon become addicted to the feeling of energy and wellness they give you.
If you need a reason to try a green smoothie, here are five:
  • Green smoothies are packed full of energy-rich foods to help you get-up-and-go in the morning and keep going in the afternoon.
  • By adding healthy fats and protein into your shake they’ll keep you full and so help you lose weight naturally.
  • Leafy greens are packed full of vitamins A and C, and immunity-boosting antioxidants to help keep your immune system strong.
  • Unlike juice, smoothies are full of fibre.
  • Not only are they fast to prepare – they are easy to drink on the go.

Making smoothies at home

A green smoothie is not just a glass of spinach. The perfect green smoothie recipe will include plenty of fruit to add sweetness and taste. In fact, the ideal ratio is about 60% fruit to 40% leafy greens. Here’s our base recipe for making delicious smoothies. Feel free to experiment with flavours, depending on what fruits and vegetables are in season.

Tips:

  • If you want a cold smoothie, use frozen fruit – store peeled bananas in a ziplock bag in the freezer for easy chilling.
  • Blend the smoothie twice – first the liquid and the greens, and then add your fruit and blend again. This will ensure that it is well blended, with no straggly leafy strands.
  • Don’t use too many flavours in your smoothie – keep to two or three fruits to allow the natural flavours to stay distinct.

Easy green smoothie base recipe

2 cups leafy greens + 2 cups liquid base + 3 cups fruit

Greens

Choose from spinach, kale, silver beet, romaine lettuce, bok choy, dandelion, parsley, coriander, mint – or any other leafy greens available from your green grocer. Another option is to use powdered greens such as spirulina.

Liquids

Choose from water, coconut water, coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, green tea or freshly squeezed juice (but use less fruit to balance out the sugar content).

Fruit

Choose from banana, mango, berries, orange, avocado, peach, pear, apple, pineapple, grapes.

Tropical Green Smoothie

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup pineapple
  • 1 cup mango
  • 2 bananas
  • Method: Blend spinach and water until smooth. Next, add the remaining fruits and blend again.

Creamy Green Smoothie

  • 2 cups kale, fresh
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 bananas
  • 1/4 avocado
  • Method: Blend kale and water until smooth. Next add the remaining fruits and blend again.

Pineapple Crush Smoothie

  • 2 cups spinach, fresh
  • 2 cups coconut water
  • 2 cups pineapple
  • 1 avocado
  • Method: Blend spinach and coconut water until smooth. Next add the remaining fruits and blend again.

How to make your smoothie super

Although green smoothies are already jam packed with amazing health-giving benefits, you can boost their health-giving properties with the addition of a few of these superfoods. It’s an easy way to get some of these amazing nutrients into your body.

Chia seeds

These super-seeds are high in healthy fatty acids that increase brain function and fight cholesterol. They are packed with protein, fibre, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, calcium and antioxidants. Add up to 3 tbsps. to your smoothie for a thick consistency and a sweet flavour.

Coconut oil

The healthy fatty acids in coconut oil are quickly converted into energy, boost your metabolism and so can help burn fat. Add 1 tbsp. to keep you feeling full and help you lose weight.

Flax seed powder

An excellent source of fibre and fatty acids, flax seed powder eliminates toxins from your system, and benefits the cardiovascular and immune system, brain and joint function plus healthy skin.

Goji berries

These popular berries are packed full of more than 20 vitamins and minerals, anti-oxidants and amino acids.

Spirulina

Packed with four times more protein than meat, high in vitamins and minerals and high in healthy fatty acids.

Cacao powder

Packed with antioxidants to boost immmune system and help with colds and flu, plus boasts a delicious chocolatey flavour.

Avocado

Containing almost 20 vitamins, minerals, heart healthy fats and plant compounds to boost your smoothie and make it extra creamy.

Hemp Protein

High in protein and fibre to help build and repair muscles.

Camu Powder

Packed with 60% more vitamin C than an orange, it boosts your immunity and helps to keep skin healthy.

Acai Powder

Loaded with antioxidants to boost your energy level, the protein and fibre will help keep you feeling full to help with weight loss. Adds a creamy consistency to smoothies.