15 Healthy Ingredients to Power Up Your Smoothie

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Smoothies are a popular drink because they are chock full of nutrition and taste great. Many people also consider smoothies to be the ideal health drink. While this can be true, it’s not always the case. Whether or not a smoothie is healthy depends on its ingredients.

Healthy smoothie ingredients will make a difference. All you need to do is put a few ingredients together, and you have plenty of ingredients from which to choose. You can select your favorites, or get creative and try a number of combinations. You will have a delicious, nutritious drink.

Try any one (or combination) of these 15 healthy smoothie ingredients to really give your smoothie a nutrition boost.

1. Raw Cacao Powder

This will give your drink a deep chocolate taste. It contains a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It provides fiber, protein, and heart-healthy fat.

2. Probiotics

Containing healthy bacteria, probiotics will keep your immune system and your digestive system healthy. It can reduce your risk of some diseases and illnesses. You will be less likely to experience bloating, chronic constipation, and other digestive problems.

You can find probiotics in a number of products. One example is yogurt. Yogurt can add good bacteria to your smoothies or you can take probiotic supplements. I started taking them from a brand called Renew Life and it’s great! See my full review on RenewLife probiotics here!

3. Avocado

There are many health benefits in this tasty fruit. It can lower your cholesterol levels, help your body absorb the nutrients from other foods you eat, and provide potassium and a number of important vitamins. Avocados also contain fatty acids and fiber.

Read: 13 Savory Ways to Cook With Avocado

4. Almond Milk

You can have the benefits of dairy products without the drawbacks. You can have Vitamin D and calcium for strong bones. As it provides healthy fats without saturated fat or cholesterol, it is good for your heart.

Almond milk is useful for healthy digestion and muscle strength. It has very little effect on your blood sugar levels, and it does not contain lactose. It is useful for weight management, because its calorie content is much lower than cow’s milk.

5. Gelatin

Dietary collagen is plentiful in gelatin. You can enjoy many benefits from adding gelatin to your smoothies.

It will promote skin health, and healthier nails, hair, and teeth. It can reduce the signs of natural aging, such as wrinkles. It can reduce or prevent cellulite.

Dietary collagen keeps your hormones balanced, increases your metabolism, strengthens bones, and promotes healthy digestion. You can enjoy natural energy from the protein in gelatin.

6. Maca Powder

While it may not be as well-known as other health-food products, this powder makes an excellent supplement in your smoothies.

You can have a balanced mood and natural energy. As it contains iron for your red blood cells, it can reduce your risk of heart disease and anemia. Maca is good for your skin, can correct hormonal issues, and is especially useful for women’s health issues.

7. Chia Seeds

There is a considerable amount of nutritional value in Chia seeds. These small seeds contain Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Chia seeds may help control hunger, and they are low in calories. The benefits to your heart can reduce your risk of heart disease. There is more calcium in Chia seeds than you will find in most dairy products.

8. Protein Powder

Protein powder is a popular choice for smoothies. Whey protein is packed with amino acids. The protein benefits your muscles, skin, and internal organs. It is a healthy, natural protein that provides an energy boost.

You can decrease your body fat and gain lean muscle when you consume protein powder regularly. You do not need to be a bodybuilder to appreciate these benefits.

9. Flax Oil Or Flax Seeds

Flax seeds can be a low-carb, high-fiber addition to your smoothies. They are considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the world.

While flax oil does provide nutritional benefits, it does not contain the fiber found in flax seeds.

10. Leafy Greens

You know dark green leafy vegetables are good for you, but some provide more benefits than others. Spinach and kale are two examples you can try in your smoothies.

These two products may be similar, but each has its own range of benefits. However, they both contain approximately the same amount of fiber and iron.

11. Frozen Berries

Berries are good for you, but frozen berries are better. While you can choose any berries you like, blueberries are at the top of the list. Frozen blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other berry.

12. Bananas

A banana is an ideal source of potassium. It also contains Vitamin C and fiber. Bananas reduce the risk of muscle cramps, and promote healthy digestion.

13. Pineapples

Pineapples are delicious, but they are a nutritious food, too. They contain an impressive range of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.

Read: A Make-Ahead Strawberry & Pineapple Green Smoothie

14. Nut Butters

Nut butters can come from a variety of nuts. In addition to peanut butter, you can add hazelnut, macadamia, walnut, cashew, or almond butter to your smoothie.

The butters provide fiber, phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins, protein, and healthy fats. Choose a nut butter that does not contain added sugar or salt.

15. Natural Sweeteners

When you want to make the healthiest smoothie, you don’t need to add sugar. You also don’t need artificial sweeteners. A natural sweetener like WholeEarth is a healthier alternative.

One example is chopped dates. Dates contain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Dates will enhance the overall taste and flavor of your smoothie.

A second option is raw honey. This delightfully sweet product has antioxidants and phytonutrients. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. While raw honey is much healthier than refined sugar and artificial sweeteners, you may find it tastes better, too.

The health benefits of smoothies depend on the ingredients you use to make the drinks. The taste of a smoothie also depends on its ingredients. You can start by choosing some of the healthy smoothie ingredients from this list, and try variations each time you make a drink. When you start enjoying both the health benefits and the taste, you’ll want to power up your blender daily.

Avocado Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 -2 cups of blueberries
• 1 cup of organic pure cranberry juice (or pomegranate juice)
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds
• 2 tbsp of gelatin powder (I use this one)
• 1 organic banana
• 1/2 of an avocado
• 4-5 ice cubes

Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until you get a smooth consistency. If too thick, add more juice. If too thin, add more ice.

Smoothie Bowl Recipe

This is a great alternative to breakfast cereal, oatmeal or the traditional smoothie.

Topping Ingredients

• half a banana (sliced)
• chopped strawberries
• 3-4 blackberries
• 1/4 cup of coconut shavings
• chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup of goji berries

Step 1. Blend ingredients from the Avocado Blueberry Recipe until smooth and dense.

Step 2. Now here comes the fun part: Add the toppings! You can add your desired toppings instead. A few of my other favorite toppings include: kiwi, blueberries, crunchy granola, hemp seeds, and other fresh berries.

POWER UP YOUR SMOOTHIE EBOOK

I created a free 5-page mini ebook of this post that you can print out. Included is a step-by-step guide on how to build your smoothie and a few of my smoothie making essentials. You can download via the button below!

Be sure to also subscribe to my newsletter to get access to my free library of printable checklists, cheatsheets, and mini-ebooks for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle lovers.

What are some of your favorite healthy smoothie ingredient combinations? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

Source: Superfood Smoothies book