Not all smoothies are created equal. In fact, unless you use healthy ingredients, there is positively no health benefit derived from throwing a bunch of junk in a blender and breaking it all up. Junk is junk, no matter how you blend it. However, blending healthy fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-dense ingredients together makes eating healthy convenient. It is easier to drink a smoothie than to eat a whole bowl of berries, a banana, some kale, a little flax seed and raw honey, for instance. Smoothies, made right, can easily take the place of a meal and are a fantastic way to give your body what it craves without all the fuss of cutting, slicing and dicing.
Consider the Ingredients
If your idea of a healthy smoothie is a few scoops of sugar-laden ice cream, a candy bar and some milk, you have the wrong idea. A smoothie is only as healthy as what you put into it. Many purchased smoothies are made from high-sugar juices and preservatives. Always avoid any extra sugar when making a smoothie, fruit and vegetables contain plenty of their own. Frozen yogurts, sorbets, ice cream and fruit juices are generally not a good idea if health is your goal. Raw greens, local, fresh and organic fruits and other superfood ingredients like flax, chia seeds, coconut oil and ginger are the best choices for long term health.
Rapid Nutrient Absorption
When you drink a smoothie, your body can rapidly absorb the nutrients because blending breaks down the plant cell walls that are hard to digest. It takes a long time to break down these cell walls when you have to chew each bite to liquid. Research has indicated that breaking down the cell walls allows for chemicals inside the cells to mix, resulting in chemical reactions. One such reaction is the creation of isothiocyanates which have been shown to have powerful anti-cancer properties that can inhibit tumor growth. Foods that have these cancer-fighting properties include kale, cabbage and broccoli. Consider adding these to your smoothies for added benefit.
Green Smoothies
Most people do not consume nearly enough fruits and vegetables, especially health-promoting green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce and kale. If your diet is void of fruits and vegetables, drinking a green smoothie daily will help to provide your body with valuable antioxidants and other nutrients needed for energy.
The Danger of Smoothie Bars
While many smoothie bars offer fresh and organic ingredients, some take advantage of the recent surge in the smoothie trend. Some of these so called “healthy” super smoothies are nothing more than a high-fructose based syrup blended with a banana and some ice. It pays to be sure that what you are drinking is truly healthy and not just the result of some savvy businessman taking advantage of the”smoothie” name. Just be sure to ask about what ingredients are in your smoothie and how it is made before making a purchase. As usual “caveat emptor” should be exercised!
– The Alternative Daily
