Are smoothies healthy?
Smoothies are a popular health choice for many of us, but do we really know what benefits they can bring?
Before going any further, it’s worth pointing out that we’re not talking about shop-bought smoothies here. Like many manufactured ‘health’ products, packaged smoothies are often pumped with sugar, sweeteners, flavours and colours and are not healthy for you at all. Don’t be fooled by the claims that these are a wise health food option.
Here, the Detox Bible takes a look at the heath benefits of creating your own smoothies with fresh, natural ingredients. So when you next become a smoothie alchemist in the kitchen, here are just a few of the health benefits your body will be thanking you for…
1. Packed with vitamins & minerals
Drop for drop, a homemade smoothie is far more nourishing than that decaf skinny latte will ever be, so choose to start your day with a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
Not only is a homemade smoothie packed with nutrients that will leave you feeling healthy and nourished, the combination of vitamins and minerals will help to ward off everyday illness. Plus, the blast of nutrients is a great way to get your brain going and reduce early morning ‘brain fog’.
2. Filled with fibre
The fruit in your homemade smoothie will help to fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied thanks to high levels of fibre. In fact, just one smoothie a day can contain all the fibre that you need for the day – that’s 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.
A serving of fruit typically contains 2-4 grams of fibre, although pears, apples and blackberries can give you up to 7 grams of fibre per serving. So why does this matter? Well, the fibre helps to give you that full, satisfied feeling after eating, aids digestion and helps to control your blood sugar levels, meaning that you’re less likely to have a mid-morning slump and end up craving that chocolate biscuit.
3. Clean and simple
Making your own smoothie is quick and simple. Anyone can do it. You don’t need to follow complicated recipes, or allow much time for preparation. Plus, it’s a flexible meal option, not just for breakfast, so if you struggle to eat healthily at lunchtime whilst at work, why not whip up a smoothie the night before to take with you?
There are plenty of recipes to get you started online and once you have a bit more confidence, you can get creative and experiment by adding different fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices to create smoothies that you love. If you’re on the go, simply pop your smoothie in a container or flask and take it with you to drink when you’re out and about.
It’s important to remember that many shop-bought smoothies are filled with sugar, sweeteners, colours and flavourings to make it desirable and ‘delicious’. In fact, most are not that good for you and you could end up kidding yourself into thinking that you’re making a healthy decision by drinking it. If you absolutely MUST buy a processed smoothie, check out the ingredients in detail first.
4. Detox your body
Our bodies have to work hard to remove the many chemicals and toxins that we are exposed to, but drinking smoothies that are packed with antioxidants will give your body the helping hand it needs to reset the balance.
Some great detoxifying ingredients to include are kale, dandelion, celery, lemon, cayenne pepper, parsley, and turmeric.
Swapping processed foods for a smoothie can also help to promote weight loss by filling your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs without excess junk to process.
5. Look good, feel great
Think radiant skin, healthy hair and strong nails. Give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs and it will show on the outside and you’ll feel good on the inside.
Forget fancy make up products or gimmicky vitamin tablets that promise super model beauty in days. Keep it simple – nourish your body and give it everything it needs to work these wonders itself. Smoothies are a great place to start!
You’ll also find that with the right fuel inside you, you have more energy, may sleep better, and you’ll feel healthier and happier in your own skin.
So get started today and create some of your own super smoothies!
