Smoothies are a delicious and practical way to enjoy a variety of nutrients, all in one glass. The possibilities are endless, and the exciting flavor combinations you can create make smoothie-making a fun culinary experience for the whole family.
However, there are certain pitfalls you’ll want to avoid when making your smoothie. During your experimenting, avoid the following three ingredients:
Sugar
Sugar is just about the worst thing you can put into your body. While some glucose from natural sources, such as fruits and vegetables, is essential to the body’s survival, refined sugar is pure poison. Not only does sugar spike blood glucose, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, it is also a main player in the obesity epidemic.
Additionally, sugar can accelerate the aging process, impair the immune system, trigger depression, disrupt your digestive system, and raise your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. While it may sweeten your smoothie, the health risks are not at all worth it. For sweetness, try some raw stevia leaves or raw honey (in moderation) instead.
Soymilk
For starters, about 90 percent of the soy grown in the United States is genetically modified. However, even organic soymilk is not a healthy choice, as unfermented soy is linked to some inherent health dangers. Soy contains certain compounds, including goitrogens and phytates, that function as “anti-nutrients,” and do not allow the body to properly process certain nutrients.
Unfermented soy has also been linked to estrogen dominance, due to a high concentration of phytoestrogens, which is linked to the potential for reproductive issues and a higher risk of breast cancer. It has also been associated with thyroid imbalances. Try organic coconut or almond milk as alternatives.
Protein powder
This is an iffy one, as some organic protein powders, which are made with care, use only whole, natural ingredients and do not contain additives, may indeed be healthy. However, many protein powders contain chemical additives which may be toxic to the body, and certainly do not belong in your smoothie.
Additionally, many of these are made with soy, or whey from cows fed GMO feed – another reason to always choose organic, and buy from a company that you trust. Instead of powdered proteins, add some bee pollen, organic yogurt or chia seeds to your smoothie.
For a wonderfully healthy smoothie, check out our steps to making the perfect green smoothie, along with our recipes for yummy breakfast smoothies.
-The Alternative Daily
