The 15 smoothie ingredients presented in this article are both tasty and healthy, a combination that is pretty much to find these days. They boost your energy levels and give you more vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients and the same time.
1. Flax Seed
Suggested Use: 1 tbsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Flax seed is beneficial for the colon, it combats the effects of type 2 diabetes, and it even works as a preventative measure against menopausal symptoms.
2. Chia Seed
Suggested Use: 1 tbsp. soaked chia per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Chia seeds are abundant in vitamin C and contain 7 times more of this nutrient than oranges. They are also high in antioxidants, fight belly fat, protect the bones, and boost immunity. To prevent turning your smoothie into a thick pudding, make sure you soak them in some water before using them due to their gel-like texture.
3. Hemp Seed
Suggested Use: 1 tbsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Hemp seeds are an excellent and complete source of protein. They also contain omega-3 fats and magnesium, which is critical in fighting anxiety and depression.
4. Moringa Powder
Suggested Use: 1-2 tsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Moringa is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. It provides a wide plethora of health benefits, such as boosting digestion, healing the skin and the nervous system, reducing cancer risk, and providing anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Spirulina Powder
Suggested Use: 1-2 tsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Spirulina is 65 percent amino acids and protein, including essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It contains more beta-carotene than carrots and is high in B-12 vitamin too.
6. Aloe Vera
Suggested Use: 1 tbsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie (consume only 1-2 times per week)
Aloe is one of the best alkaline foods, which makes it an ideal preventative measure against many diseases. It contains amylase and lipase, enzymes which improve digestion and break down fats, sugars, and starches. Being an adaptogen, it also boosts the health of your adrenal system.
7. Acai Berry Powder
Suggested Use: 2 tsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Acai berries have the ability to prevent diseases linked to oxidative stress, such as skin issues and cancer. They also help with digestive issues and stimulate weight loss, due to their high antioxidant content.
8. Maca Powder
Suggested Use: 1 tsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Maca powder is mainly used to treat chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and anemia as well as to boost stamina, energy, memory, fertility, and athletic performance.
9. Pomegranate Juice
Suggested Use: 1/2 cup per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Pomegranate juice is abundant in antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, both of which prevent cancer and heart disease. It also has the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, due to its punicalagin content.
10& 11. Ginger and Turmeric
Suggested Use: 1-2 tsp. powdered or 1-2 inches fresh root per 3-4 cups of smoothie
It seems that there is no health issue that turmeric cannot help with. It accelerates wound healing, helps with inflammation, prevents the progression of Alzheimer`s disease, etc. As for ginger, it improves digestion, prevents cancer, and it provides strong anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Bee Pollen
Suggested Use: 1-2 tsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Bee pollen is one of the healthiest things you can find! It is abundant in amino acids and is known to cure allergies, boost athletic performance, help build muscle, boost libido, and increase energy levels.
13. Lucuma Powder
Suggested Use: depending on how sweet you like your smoothie 1-2 tbsp. per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Lucuma powder has a similar taste like maple and is low in sugar. It works as a substitute for agave nectar and provides anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to boost energy and alertness as well as to improve hair and skin appearance.14&15. Water Kefir and Kombucha
14&15. Water Kefir and Kombucha
Suggested Use: 1/4 cup per 3-4 cups of smoothie
Water kefir and kombucha nourish beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, boost immunity, improve endocrine function, promote detoxification of the body, and reduce sugar cravings.
Sources:
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/smoothie-ingredients.html