Now that the hot weather has arrived, there is nothing quite so refreshing as a cool smoothie. Smoothies are a fabulous way to combine all of your favorite fruits and even veggies for a boost of energy that can last the whole day long.
However, what you use as a base for your smoothie, the liquid part, can either promote health or take away from it. Here are the top three best smoothie bases and some that are not useful to your body at all.
The Best
Provide a strong nutritional foundation for your smoothie with these bases.
Filtered Water
If you find yourself tired throughout the day, it may be due to lack of hydration. When you are adequately hydrated your body can flush out toxins, and you will find that you have more energy. Your body needs water, and most people do not get enough. Use fresh, filtered water for a cheap, easy and healthy smoothie base.
Raw Organic Coconut Water
The health benefits of coconut are far reaching. Coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and potassium which the body needs when it is expending a lot of energy. Using coconut water as a base for your smoothie is a great option if you are getting ready to work out. It also gives you a good start in the morning if you have a busy day planned.
Organic Fresh Squeezed Juice
We are not talking about what is in the carton or the frozen juice section of your grocery store here. Use only organic, fresh squeezed fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, peaches and apples. Keep in mind that fruit does contain fructose so you may want to dilute your juice with some filtered water. Fresh juice offers plenty of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants and enzymes.
Organic Green Tea
Green tea has been researched for its amazing ability to help fight cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It contains massive amounts of polyphenols, which are a particular type of antioxidant.
Green tea will refresh and rejuvenate skin cells giving you a clearer complexion. Keep in mind that green tea does contain caffeine, but is a perfect replacement for those who are looking to cut down on their morning coffee consumption.
Organic Coconut Milk
If you prefer a smoother base for your healthy drink, try organic coconut milk. Coconut milk is squeezed from the meat of the coconut and has a refreshing and sweet taste. It is high in protein, fiber, micronutrients and healthy saturated fat. Be sure to buy only  milk that has no additional ingredients.
Organic Fresh Vegetable Juice
Mix up a batch of your favorite vegetable juice and use this as a base for your smoothie. Greens, mushrooms, carrots, beets and celery are just some of the nutritious options you can choose from. Add in your favorite frozen fruit for a nutritious blast in a glass.
The Worst
No matter how much fruit and healthy vegetables you put in your smoothie, your base can bring it to ruins. Here are just three of the worst smoothie bases you can use.
Conventional Yogurt
Yogurt manufacturers would like us to believe that their product is supremely healthy when, in fact, it is usually loaded with artificial ingredients and tons of sugar. Stay away from conventional yogurt at all costs. The yogurt in the grocery store is complicated and full of stuff that your body does not need.
Conventional Fruit Juice
Most conventional fruit juice is nothing short of water, sugar and a few artificial ingredients. Using this in your smoothie is a sure way to ruin something really good.
Even a juice that says it is 100% juice comes nowhere close to offering the same nutrients as real fresh fruit. According to Barry Popkin, a nutrition professor at UNC Chapel Hill, fruits juice is in the same league as soft drinks and should be left on the shelf.
Smoothie Mixes
If it is in a package, chances are it is no good. There are many premixed smoothie bases sold, and most of them contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and ingredients. Stay clear of these if possible, they offer no nutritional value, only empty calories.
Remember, a smoothie is only as good as the sum of its parts!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/juice-380483-calories-fruit.html
http://simplegreensmoothies.com/liquid-base
