Everyone seems to like this healthy drink. But what exactly are those green smoothies and what are the benefits?
What are green smoothies?
A green smoothie always consists of at least 3 ingredients. These are a liquid, a green leafy vegetables and some fruit. Additional options can be added to this. Such as ice cubes, herbs or a superfood. These are intended to make the green smoothie tastier or healthier.
With a green smoothie it is important that a green leafy vegetable is used. Without vegetables, it would be a regular fruit smoothie. Also healthy, but not as healthy as a green smoothie. It is the green leafy vegetables that make the smoothie so healthy. This is because green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and bioactive substances such as chlorophyll. Because the vegetable is eaten raw, and not cooked, these nutrients have also been optimally preserved during preparation.
How is a green smoothie made?
A green smoothie is made using a blender. The first thing to do is the liquid. Usually just water, but this can also be a vegetable milk substitute such as almond or rice drink. As long as it is not ordinary dairy. Dairy has an acidifying effect, while the health benefits are partly due to the alkaline properties of a green smoothie.
After the liquid is added, green leafy vegetables are put in the blender. Suitable leafy vegetables are spinach and kale. Other leafy vegetables such as endive, lettuce or chard can also be used. The vegetables must first be finely ground before the fruit can be added. In order for the blending to run smoothly, this fruit must be cut into pieces.
Suitable fruits are apples, oranges and bananas. For the taste, a second type of fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or raspberries can be added. Packets of frozen fruit can also be used. The advantage of this is that you always have fruit at home and it makes the smoothie nice and cool.
Benefits of green smoothies
These green smoothies not only look nice, they are also very tasty and super healthy. You will have to judge whether they are tasty. Find a good green smoothie recipe to make your own smoothie and we will tell you what the benefits are.
Benefit # 1: good source of nutrients
A green smoothie is very rich in nutrients. It contains many different types of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, trace elements and bioactive substances. This ensures that your body will not lack anything and the processes in your body can run smoothly.
Advantage # 2: suitable for weight loss
Many people lose weight by drinking green smoothies. They do this by replacing a meal with a green smoothie. Meals that can best be replaced are breakfast or lunch. By replacing it with a green smoothie, you get less carbohydrates. Limiting the amount of carbohydrates is important in the waste process. It lowers the blood sugar. As a result, the insulin values in the body decrease. Low insulin values make it possible for the body to burn fat, while high values ensure fat storage.
Advantage # 3: easy to make
It may take some getting used to the first few times, but a smoothie is really easy to make. And that in an instant. Some water in the blender. Add a few hands of spinach and banana in wedges. A minute on the highest setting of the blender and ready.
Advantage # 4: easy to carry
If you keep a smoothie closed and refrigerated, they can easily be kept for 24 hours. If you have a refrigerator at work, you can easily store your smoothie there for lunch. Or you can drink your smoothie in the car on the way to work if you don't have enough time to have breakfast at home.
Advantage # 5: you can make them to your own taste
Because you make your smoothies yourself, you can make them the way you like them. It is advisable to start with recipes or a recipe book to discover what is possible with different ingredients. But nobody stops you if you want to put cinnamon or ginger in your smoothie. You can make the smoothies entirely to your own taste or occasion. If you need more energy because you are going to train, you put a tablespoon of oatmeal in it. If you have to spend a whole afternoon on a smoothie, add a tablespoon of coconut fat. This will keep you satiated for a long time. If you need to recover from a strength training session, add a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra protein. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Benefit # 6: they beautify your skin
Green smoothies not only make you healthier, they also make your skin more beautiful. This is due to the detox effect of green smoothies. The leafy green (chlorophyll) in the green leafy vegetables ensure that your body can remove waste products. Over time this will result in a more beautiful and smoother skin.
Benefit # 7: help against heartburn Many people suffer from heartburn. This is the result of incorrect food choices.
Drinking a green smoothie daily can help to restore the acidic balance of the stomach to the correct level. Green smoothies have an alkaline effect on the stomach and intestines. This creates an environment in which the good gut bacteria feel good.