Health Benefits of Green Smoothies
A nutritious, tasty green smoothie has been a morning ritual for me for years. Drinking green smoothies has helped me improve my health, energy and mental clarity by increasing my consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole foods.
I easily maintain my ideal weight with minimal effort. If you haven’t already, give green smoothies a try. You’ll be amazed at the health benefits.
Health Benefits of Green Smoothies
1 – Natural Weight Loss
Green smoothies provide the nutrition, vitamins, minerals, healthy carbohydrates, fiber and low fat whole food that you need to lose weight quickly, safely and effectively without starving yourself. After drinking green smoothies for a few weeks, you will notice that cravings for junk foods will be greatly reduced and you will actually began craving healthy food options!
2 – Increased Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables (Particularly Greens)
The American Cancer Society recommends that we eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day to prevent cancer and other diseases. Green smoothies are a quick and convenient way to get your vegetables and dark, leafy greens without tasting them. The fruit masks the flavor so even though all you taste is banana, strawberries, mango, you are consuming a healthy dose of spinach, kale, and any other vegetable that you put in.
3 – Easy Digestibility and Nutrient Assimilation
Blending fruits and vegetables together breaks down the cells of plants and improves digestibility. Your blender unlocks the nutrients and maximizes their delivery to your body more than chewing any salad could. Smoothies are quicker and more convenient than preparing and thoroughly chewing a salad, especially when you are on the go.
4 – Antioxidants
Green smoothies are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients. Not only are you giving your body the best defenses for disease, but you are ingesting a variety of natural substances that are essential for optimum health and fitness.
5 – Increased Energy
Smoothies provide a powerful boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients without bogging down your digestive system. Since you are eating natural, whole foods in the most optimum form for your digestion and nutrient absorption, you will have more energy to get things done and enjoy your day.
6 – Mental Clarity and Focus
With a healthier diet comes greater mental clarity and focus. Green smoothies have replaced my morning coffee ritual. Experience greater alertness, energy and dramatically reduced anxiety and nervousness on a daily basis.
7 – Increased Fiber Intake
Unlike fruit juice or using a juicer, green smoothies use the whole fruit and vegetable so that you get all the fiber and nutrition. Fiber is essential for good colon health and it keeps your bowels in working order.
8 – Clearer Skin
Clearer, radiant skin is an often-reported benefit to eating healthier. Smoothies are high in fiber and allow your body to eliminate toxins the right way instead of through your skin.
9 – Reduce Cravings
Green smoothies reduce cravings for junk foods, unhealthy sweets, salt and fats. You will find that after a few weeks of drinking smoothies, you will crave healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables and greens.
10 – Excellent Source Of Minerals For Healthy Bones
Green smoothies provide a rich source of minerals thanks to the dark, leafy greens. All of the bone-building nutrients are abundant including calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Many of my green smoothie recipes on this website contain more than 200 milligrams of calcium, and many have more calcium than a glass of milk.
11 – Rich With Chlorophyll
Green smoothies are rich with chlorophyll which some natural health experts say enhances the immune system, purifies the blood and rejuvenates the body. While these claims are likely over-hyped, it doesn’t hurt to get potentially beneficial plant compounds in your diet. If you do wish to increase your intake of chlorophyll, then get it from leafy greens and skip the questionable supplements.
12 – Alkalizing
Greens are alkalizing. Many of my clients (myself included) have noticed that heartburn and indigestion disappear when drinking green smoothies. And the increase in mineral intake (especially calcium), can help support optimum function in the body.
In addition to these health benefits, green smoothies are:
Easy to make and clean up after.
Taste amazing.
Will keep for a couple days in the fridge.
Are fun to make and experiment with different fruit and vegetable combinations.
Pictured above...
Combine:
1 cup water
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
2 T goji berries
2 inch piece aloe, peeled (optional)
1/2 cucumber, peel if not organic
1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)
1 inch knob ginger, peeled (optional)
2 cups spinach
1/4 avocado
dash stevia
Let green smoothies change your life too!
