Investing in a blender could change your health, one bright green smoothie at a time. Provided you choose the right ingredients, smoothies help to increase your intake of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fibre. Your smoothie can be as inventive or as simple as you like, but to reap the health benefits you may have been hearing about, you need to make sure you have a list of the best smoothie ingredients. Nutritionist and Herbalist Stephanie Berglin discusses what ingredients are best to put in the blender.
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The Super Antioxidant
A super antioxidant smoothie is ideal for consuming powerful antioxidants in one tasty hit! Foods high in antioxidants help keep the free radicals that roam our body in check.
Spirulina is a plant protein and one of nature’s original superfoods. Spirulina is a nutritious algae that is high in protein and with an abundance of vitamins and minerals such iron and B vitamins.
Kale is a great addition to a smoothie with its antioxidant properties. Kale is low in calories and rich in iron, fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Avocado contains good fats as well as a great source of fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Kakadu plum is a native Australian ingredient that has long been known to the Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land. Kakadu plum is a good source of antioxidants as it has a high concentration of vitamin C; possibly the highest known of any fruit.
Best Smoothie Ingredients:
Small bunch of chopped kale
Half an avocado
1 tsp spirulina
1-2 tsp of BioCeuticals PhytoOrganic Essentials
1 cup of coconut water
Frozen banana or mango
Cheeky Protein
Protein smoothies are a great way to boost your energy levels after a workout or to help keep your blood-sugar levels balanced throughout the day.
Natural yoghurt is a good source of probiotics, which play host to a healthy gut and help to protect your immune system.
Almonds or walnuts contain essential fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Adding them to your smoothie will give your smoothie a protein kick.
Quinoa sprout powder contains antioxidant phytonutrients in concentrated amounts. Quinoa is high in protein and is regarded as a complete protein source of all essential amino acids including lysine and isoleucine. It is also a source of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, folate, phosphorus and particularly high in manganese.
Broccoli sprouts are the richest known source of the antioxidant sulforaphane, and involved in the phases of liver detoxification.
Chia seeds are a superfood high in fibre to assist with digestion. It is jam-packed with omega-3, protein, antioxidants and vitamin C. Chia seeds are also a good source of protein to help you stay fuller for longer.
Best Smoothie Ingredients:
2 tbsp of natural yoghurt
100mL milk or lactose-free alternative (almond, soy or rice)
1 tbsp raw cacao
8-10 nuts (almonds/walnuts/hazelnuts)
1-2 tsp BioCeuticals PhytoOrganic Essentials
2-3 dates, chopped
1 tbsp chia seeds
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Berry Beautiful
Packed with anti-ageing antioxidants, this berry smoothie is not only super tasty, but it’s a great pick-me-up for when you need a burst of energy.
Acai berry contains several natural antioxidants and has more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberry.
Blackberries/strawberries/blueberries/raspberries contain an abundance of vitamin C, antioxidants and fibre.
Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
Almond milk is a great replacement for those who want to eliminate dairy from their diet. It is also low in fat and serves as a good source of vitamin E and antioxidants.
Flaxseeds (linseeds) contain essential fatty acids, high in omega-3 and fibre.
Best Smoothie Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk
1-2 tsp BioCeuticals PhytoOrganic Essentials
1-2 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup mixed berries
1 tbsp ground flaxseeds (or LSA mix)
Always speak to your healthcare practitioner when considering supplementation. When taking supplements, make sure to always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare practitioner. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet.