5 Secret Healthy Ingredients for Your Smoothies

There are many things that you can add to your smoothie to boost its health promoting properties. Adding just a little bit of some ingredients can make a tremendous difference. Here are some “secret” ingredients for you to consider.

Almonds

Almonds are an excellent source of protein and are full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Like other nuts, almonds are rich in fiber, zinc, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, iron, vitamin E and folate. Just a handful of these energy-rich nuts will protect against stress and fatigue.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is not the same as the sugar-laden sweetened coconut milk that is also loaded with artificial ingredients. Coconut milk is high in saturated fat; however, it is a healthy saturated fat that the body easily breaks down and uses for energy and other bodily functions. This lactose-free creamy milk contains antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that boost the immune system. Recent research also shows that populations that consume coconut milk have low rates of heart disease.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols that have been shown to reduce levels of unhealthy cholesterol and protect against cancer. Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds offer natural protection from osteoporosis. In addition, adding pumpkin seeds to your healthy smoothie eases inflammation without any of the side effects that anti-inflammatory drugs may have.

Raw Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is the beautiful substance that bees collect form flowers. As little as half a teaspoon of bee pollen added to your smoothie will provide a host of health benefits. Bee pollen is considered to be one of nature’s perfect foods. This gift from the bees boosts the immune system and helps with carbohydrate metabolism. Just a little bee pollen each day may boost your mood, fight off depression and destroy bacteria. Research has demonstrated bee pollen’s effectiveness in fighting chronic rheumatism, colitis, insomnia, depression, failing memory, hay fever, high blood pressure, attention deficit disorder and hardening of the arteries.

Kale

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that contains no fat and only 36 calories per cup. With plenty of fiber and sulfur, kale is great for the liver and aids in digestive processes. Kale contains a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and keeps viruses and bacteria at bay. Kale contains more iron than beef, provides oxygen to the blood, and stimulates metabolism. Research shows that the fiber in kale helps to lower cholesterol. Kale, along with other leafy green vegetables, helps prevent cancer and improves bone health with its rich vitamin K content. It’s content of folic acid and B6 also help support a healthy cardiovascular system.

Which ingredients will you throw in your blender?

– The Alternative Daily