Bountiful Blends – Healthful smoothies and their benefits

Smoothies have carved out a niche for themselves in the food habits of people around the world. And no wonder, as they are simple to make, easy to carry along and tremendously nutritious.
Nutritious? Are they really?

Smoothie stands may be popping up all over, but nutritionists say that many of them should label their offerings more accurately as fruity milkshakes. Since these concoctions are often made from frozen cream or yogurt, and therefore loaded in sugar, they are not convincing as a healthy food choice.

That said, when care is taken to choose the finest and healthiest ingredients, smoothies can indeed be delicious cocktails that pack a nutritional wallop. Here are a few examples sure to inspire you next time you pull out the blender!

Green Tea & Blueberry
Source: Prevention
Ingredients
– 3 tbsp green tea
– 2 tsp honey
– 1½ cups frozen blueberries
– ½ banana
– ¾ cup vanilla-flavoured soy milk

Some benefits
Green tea and blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and promote certain brain functions such as memory and concentration.

Kale & Hemp
Source: Greatist
Ingredients
– 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
– 1½ tbsp almond butter
– 1 frozen banana
– 2 cups ground kale
– 1 tbsp hemp seeds

Some benefits
Kale is an excellent source of fibre, calcium and iron, while hemp seeds are one of the best vegetable sources of complete proteins.

Strawberry & Ginger
Source: Simple Green Smoothies
Ingredients
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups spinach
– 2 cups strawberries
– 1 banana
– 1 tbsp grated ginger

Some benefits
Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, and ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that also prevents colds and stomach ailments.