Some smoothie ingredients are better choices than others and can contain a variety of health benefits without the added sugar and calories. They can help provide a more complete source of nutrition that will keep you feeling your best.
Here are ten smart ingredient choices you may want to consider adding to your next smoothie!
Get your goodness in a glass by throwing these ingredients in a blender.
1. Add almond butter to help fat loss
There’s evidence that almonds positively affect insulin sensitivity, as well as help you feel full – and the butter has more good fats than most peanut butters. Toss in a teaspoon.
2. Add spinach to aid brain function
High levels of vitamin K slow cognitive decline, while folate and beta-carotene are brain boosters. A handful will do – frozen works fine.
3. Add avocado to help nutrient absorption
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble, meaning that they need to be eaten with fat to be used. With high levels of monounsaturated fat, half an avocado makes the rest of your smoothie healthier.
4. Add ginger to reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)
In one study, volunteers who took regular doses of ginger reported less muscle pain after exercise. You only need a thumb-sized portion – peel it with a spoon.
5. Add cherries to improve sleep quality
High in fiber and vitamin C, cherries also promote production of the hormone melatonin, which improves sleep efficiency. A handful will do it.
More Berries To Sub In For Cherries
6. Add blackberries to build muscle
A 100g serving of blackberries contains 19% of your daily vitamin K needs, and this fat-soluble vitamin is needed to synthesize protein into muscle.
7. Add cranberries to burn fat
They’re high in manganese – 100g contains 17% of your recommended daily intake of this element, which is essential for a fully-functioning metabolism.
8. Add wild blueberries to slow down aging
Wild Blueberries score low on the glycaemic index, meaning they don’t cause a blood-sugar spike, and are high in antioxidant polyphenols, which protect against free radical damage.
9. Add raspberries to boost testosterone levels
Raspberries, like red wine, contain quercetin, a polyphenol that prevents your body from excreting muscle-building, libido-boosting testosterone.
10. Add elderberries to prevent wrinkles
Vitamin C helps your body make new collagen, which helps keep your skin firm, fresh and young-looking, and 100g of elderberries contains 43% of your RDI.
Written by Men’s Fitness for Coach and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
Featured image provided by Coach
A Delicious MariGold Protein Boost for your Smoothie!
Along with nutrient-dense veggies & fruits, and healthy fats in your smoothies, it’s essential to make sure you’re also getting enough healthy protein. It’s important to fuel your body with clean, healthy ingredients, and your protein powder shouldn’t be any different.
At MariGold, we have always made it our mission to create healthy, clean, REAL FOOD snacks to fuel your day. Our Whey Protein Isolate Protein Powder is 100% pure, and made with clean, premium quality protein. It only contains the good stuff your body wants and needs.
MariGold Whey Isolate is derived from sweet Irish milk given from Truly Grass-Fed™ cows who spend 95% of their time roaming freely and feasting upon the delicious green grasses of the breathtaking Irish countryside.
Along with our original Unflavored Protein Powder, we just released our TWO NEW FLAVORS, Rich Chocolate Malt and Creamy Vanilla. These tasty new flavors also contain L-Glutamine for increased gut-healthy and muscle building benefits.
Our protein powder is also non-GMO, rBST free, lactose free, soy free, gluten free. It is low sugar (or no sugar) and contains no added sugar, and no sugar alcohols.
It’s also keto-friendly, lectin free, and low FODMAP!
You can now choose your favorite flavor to blend with your morning or afternoon shake or smoothie!
