Natalia Padgen
Being a smoothie-lover and a healthy eater, I’ve always wanted to jump on board the green smoothie train. However, looking at dark green glasses full of compressed veg and reading long lists of salad items has turned me off a bit. I have also tried a few that have left a little to be desired in the taste department. After setting aside this hankering for a while, my whim turned into a self-challenge to create a range of smoothies that were not only green, but downright delicious – bridging the gap between green and grassy and fruity and fabulous.
For me the criteria for a green smoothie, is that it has to have something green in it – but go for your life and add all the colours of the rainbow. The smoothie I’m sharing with you today provides a wealth of health properties and also acts as an entire meal, filling you up as you drink, so it’s perfect for those on the go or struggling with their food intake.
Spinach Pear Power Berry
– Handful baby spinach leaves (or chopped English spinach)
Health properties: source of fibre/aids digestion, regulates inflammation, increases immunity, source of antioxidants and vitamins C, E, A & K
– ½ pear, chopped
Health properties: source of fibre/aids digestion, vitamins B2, C, E & copper, potassium & pectin. Pears help to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol and are also a great energy booster due to their natural high levels of fructose and glucose.
– 6 slices cumber (optional – gives a lovely fresh tang to the smoothie)
Health properties: Provides hydration, fights heat, flushes out toxins, revives the skin, hair and nails with magnesium, potassium, silicon and silica.
– Handful berries, (whatever floats your boat)
Health properties: Antioxidants including anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C. May reduce inflammation and help prevent and manage arthritis. Wonderful for radiant skin, nails and hair.
– 1 tsp. chia seeds
Health properties: assists in weight loss/control and reducing glucose levels and sugar cravings – you may feel fuller for longer. Provides fibre, protein, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids.
– 4 tbsps. natural yoghurt
Health Properties: Provides calcium, immune benefits through probiotics and may promote abdominal weight loss.
– Squeeze of honey to taste:
Health properties: Aids acid reflux, infantile gastroenteritis, heals wounds and burns (though not in a smoothie!), may minimise seasonal allergies and fight infections by killing bacteria
– ½ cup milk of choice
Health properties vary depending on milk type chosen.
Now you have all your ingredients and their slew of incredible health properties, simply add them together in a blender and blend away.
Enjoy the green goodness, incredible taste and all the wonderful things this super smoothie is doing for your body.
Tip: If you are extra hungry or would like to thicken your smoothie, add a banana.
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