Top-up your healthy lifestyle with a mouth-watering selection of superfood smoothies. Forget fizzy drinks, try these 7.
If you struggle squeezing in your 5 a day, smoothies are a sneaky (but delicious) way of upping your fruit and veg count. Unlike your average tipple, the rich texture/nutrient-dense combo of a superfood smoothie helps to curb stomach rumbles and keep your energy levels high.
Ready to get blending? Taste test these 7, they’re lovely.
1. Kale
Don’t think you’re getting away from kale that easily. This leafy green tops superfood lists for its heavy nutrient content – rich in vitamins A, B6, C and K, not to mention copper, calcium and potassium. What’s more, kale is also an amazing source of fibre and protein. It’s loaded with antioxidants and cancer fighting compounds to keep you in great health. Start the day on a high by combining kale with avocado and pineapple. Green is the way to go.
Add more crunch to your kale smoothie with a handful of chia seeds. Laden in omega-3 fatty acids , fibre and protein, chia seeds are believed to bring cardiovascular benefits, lower blood pressure and leave you fuller for longer.
2. Acai berries
Admittedly, acais don’t receive the same level of attention as its berry counterparts. But they do carry a wealth of health benefits that make them worth their weight in gold. Packed with powerful antioxidants, these little gems help fight illness, boost your immunity and promote excellent skin health. There are even rumours that the superfood can aid weight loss. Try combining a large glass of acai berries with almond milk, a banana, strawberries, cinnamon and kale.
This smoothie’s certain to satisfy your sweet tooth, but there’s always room for raw cacao if you’re feeling particularly chocolaty. Rather than reaching for your favourite sugar-drenched dessert, reap the benefits of a flavonoid-filled cacao and acai smoothie for an extra mood boost.
3. Coconut
Coconuts have witnessed a surge in popularity over recent years thanks to its superfood status; praised for its medicinal properties, healthy fats and ability to stave off hunger. In previous years, many had written off the drupe, with the concern that it could potentially increase ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body, when in actual fact, it can help improve blood cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.
In moderation, coconut can boost cognitive health, moisturise the skin and even reduce belly fat. For an all-powerful superfood smoothie, team coconut water or oil with mango, banana and pumpkin seeds – sweet, creamy and delicious.
4. Spinach
If kale isn’t your thing, spinach is another smoothie favourite, packed with leafy green goodness. Low in calorie but high in health benefits, spinach provides a whole host of body-nourishing micronutrients, including vitamins A, C, E and K – which work to strengthen the immune system and keep you in amazing health. At only 7 calories a cup, filling your smoothie with this superfood is a tasty, diet-friendly way to curb hunger pangs.
Kick start your day with a scrumptious green smoothie by adding avocado and apple to the mix. Avocado’s make an amazing smoothie staple thanks to its healthy fats and antioxidant properties. Dice, blend and enjoy.
5. Banana
If a sports drink were a fruit, it would be the banana. Packed with energy, this fast acting carb is a great pre-gym snack; best consumed around 30 mins before training. Coupled with its high potassium content (which helps to build muscle and prevent cramping), bananas should be in every athlete’s fruit bowl.
To build the ultimate banana smoothie, add peanut butter. It’s a protein powerhouse, ready with 8g of protein for every 2 tbsps. – the perfect fuel for muscle repair and recovery. Blend your banana and peanut butter with skimmed milk until smooth, and you’re all set.
6. Kiwi
Forget going under the knife – if you want to achieve bright, youthful skin, kiwi smoothies provide a natural collagen-boost. Kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, containing around 64 mg per fruit. By consuming one of these green, furry fruits, you exceed your daily-recommended intake of vitamin C, and feed the body the nutrients it needs to fight illness and achieve gorgeous skin.
If you suffer from insomnia , kiwi fruits are also believed to hold super sleeping powers. According to Taipei Medical University, “kiwifruit consumption may improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency in adults with self-reported sleep disturbances” thanks to its antioxidant and serotonin content.
For a fruity smoothie with a citrusy kick, combine your kiwi with orange and apple. It’s an amazing morning pick-me-up.
7. Beetroot
If you’re a smoothie connoisseur running out of superfood inspiration, blend some beetroot. The nutritional value of this veg is through the roof – packed with vitamin C, potassium and folate. Its cancer-fighting and detoxing properties are also worth noting, but avoid drinking beetroot everyday. Its high carb/sugar content can up the calories without you realising, despite being a super-healthy drink.
If you’re ready to brave the beetroot, combine with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, ginger and honey, for a sweet, harm-warming smoothie.