Health Benefits of the Green Smoothie
January 29, 2018Go Green! We all know the green smoothie is healthy for us, but let’s look at the key ingredients to understand the health benefits of the green smoothie!
Smoothies like this one are amazing and full of nutrients. But it’s not enough to simply know you’re getting great nutrients. It’s important to understand the nutrient break down and benefits from each specific ingredient because, aside from tasting great, there is a reason each ingredient is included.
Spinach
Like all dark leafy greens, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach is high in fiber, vitamins A & K, and antioxidants. This is why it is a key ingredient to many smoothie recipes.
Apple
Apples contain high amounts of vitamin C and fiber. Apples are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help support the cardiovascular system, regulate blood pressure, and improve circulation.
Banana
Bananas contain potassium, fiber, zinc, iron, folate, and vitamin B6. Bananas are also great for soothing menstrual cramps, easing high blood pressure, and assisting the digestive tract in detoxification.
Avocado
Avocados contain iron, healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins C & E, and potassium. Avocados have the highest concentration of healthy fats out of all fruits. They are great for overall wellbeing, reducing blood cholesterol, and improving skin and hair.
I use vanilla flavor most often, but all of Sunwarrior’s proteins are raw and plant-based with complete amino acid profiles, containing Arginine, Lysine, Leucine, and branched chain amino acids. Protein is essential for muscle growth, maintenance, and assisting our bodies in going through daily functions.
Sunwarrior Immune Shield
This liquid is a natural fulvic acid mineral complex that is fortified with silver ions to help protect your body and immune system.
Sunwarrior Vitamin Mineral Rush
Sunwarrior’s Vitamin Mineral Rush is a combination of vitamins, minerals, and fulvic acid. Think of this as a liquid multivitamin, so you don’t need to worry about taking pills.
These special cold-dried greens contain a whole leaf powder blend, along with a dehydrated juice blend including alfalfa and wheat grass, and many more organic greens. This is an easy way to sneak in greens, vitamins, and minerals if you are slacking on your intake.
Black Seed Oil
Also known as black cumin seed oil, or Nigella sativa. When ingested, black seed oil has numerous benefits. Ancient Egyptian’s were the first to use this oil for immune and gut health, headaches, infections, and allergies. This oil contains many fats, vitamins, and minerals; some of which include myristic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3, iron, copper, folate, calcium, and phosphorous. Sourcing is important when it comes to all oils and ingredients in general, and a trustworthy brand I found is Namaseed.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Flax is one of the best vegetarian forms of omega-3 fatty acids. For my smoothies, I used ground (or milled) flaxseed, which is more of a powder instead of whole flaxseed.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a powerful and tasty way to spice up your smoothie. It helps to regulate blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and strengthen the cardiovascular system.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory spice to include in your daily diet due to its high concentrations of curcumin. It has also been found to reduce headaches and help in detoxification of the liver.
Ginger
Ginger helps with nausea, digestion, heartburn, and detoxification. It is also anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal.
Get healthy with our free fitness challenge where we give you a free meal plan and a free exercise regimen to follow so you can feel your best!