A nutritionist’s sizzling take: superfoods aren’t all they’re chalked as much as be. (Extra on that beneath.) In a world of meals tendencies and aesthetic advertising and marketing, the time period continues to swirl across the well being sphere. Nevertheless, most of the time, these in pursuit of a healthier diet are left not sure of what to incorporate on their grocery record. However regardless of the controversy, superfood smoothies are an effective way to pack wholesome elements right into a filling breakfast, quick snack, or mid-day meal. As a result of whereas superfoods aren’t any magical treatment, mixing up a number of nutrient-rich meals into one scrumptious drink is a surefire technique to energize your morning.
To get the (true) scoop on superfoods, we spoke to Vitamin Marketing consultant Edie Horstman who shared the ins and outs of mixing these powerhouse elements into tasty superfood smoothies. Maintain studying for ideas that will help you up-level your go-to beverage and whip up superfood smoothies versatile sufficient to sip on at house or wherever your day takes you.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
What makes certain foods “superfoods?”
As Horstman notes, nutritionally speaking, there aren’t actually superfoods. Instead, the word is used as a marketing term coined to influence food trends. To be clear: it is not a scientific classification. But that doesn’t mean these foods aren’t worth including in a healthy, well-rounded diet. The term refers to foods packed with a high concentration of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.).
While superfoods are not a cure-all, these nutrient-dense ingredients are generally considered to be an important part of a healthy diet.
She remarks that these foods “are often considered to have exceptional health benefits, and are thought to promote overall wellness and longevity.” They arrive in quite a lot of types: together with fruits, greens, nuts, seeds, and grains. So whereas superfoods are usually not a cure-all, these nutrient-dense elements are usually thought of to be an vital a part of a nutritious diet.
A Nutritionist’s Favourite Superfoods
Beneath, Horstman shares the superfoods she loves for reinforcing power, stabilizing blood sugar, and selling total well-being. (Psst… these are the identical heavy-hitting elements that’ll supercharge your superfood smoothies!)
- Blueberries. Wealthy in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries are nice for mind well being and the immune system.
- Kale. This inexperienced veggie is full of nutritional vitamins A, C, and Ok, in addition to iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It could assist decrease ldl cholesterol and assist bone well being.
- Almonds. These nuts are excessive in fiber, protein, wholesome fat, and magnesium. These are useful for retaining blood sugar steady and lowering starvation.
- Avocado. Wealthy in wholesome fat and fiber, avocado can decrease levels of cholesterol, enhance coronary heart well being, and promote wholesome pores and skin.
- Candy potatoes. These scrumptious root greens are wealthy in fiber, nutritional vitamins A and C, and potassium. They’re an incredible supply of lasting power.
- Spinach. Loaded with nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with iron, calcium, and vitamin Ok, spinach may help stop anemia and assist bone well being.
- Chia seeds. These tiny seeds are excessive in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They could additionally assist decrease blood sugar and levels of cholesterol.
- Greek yogurt. An ideal supply of protein, calcium, and probiotics, Greek yogurt can enhance digestive well being and assist bone well being.
The Tastiest Superfood Smoothies to Gasoline Your Day
Almonds
Along with almonds’ many diet advantages, these tasty nuts additionally pair nicely with wealthy flavors like chocolate for wholesome candy tooth satisfaction. I’ve all the time been a lover of candy smoothies with a little bit of peanut butter as an added supply of protein. This recipe takes a number of of my favourite flavors (with more healthy elements) to create a smoothie that’s good to drink earlier than the gymnasium, or previous to something that requires an additional little bit of gasoline.
Recipe: Chocolate Banana Almond Butter Smoothie
Avocado
Avocados are an incredible kitchen staple to get pleasure from at any time of day. And excellent news—they go manner past your favourite toast topping. This superfood smoothie is crammed with so many candy nutritious elements. Bonus: this recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and kid-friendly! (Simply ask Camille—she swears it’s a household favourite.)
Recipe: Tropical Pineapple-Ginger Smoothie
Spinach
I add spinach to simply about each meal I make. It’s loaded with nutritional vitamins and minerals, together with iron, calcium, and vitamin Ok. And in terms of this smoothie, don’t let the identify deceive you. It contains all kinds of wholesome elements. This smoothie simply may change your conventional morning bev because of the added chilly brewed espresso.
Recipe: Chocolate Green Smoothie
Chia Seeds
I like sneaking chia seeds into my oatmeal, sprinkled on prime of candy toast, and naturally, incorporating them into my superfood smoothies. One in all Horstman’s personal recipes, this fall-flavored smoothie will maintain your mornings balanced and your style buds glad. Whereas this recipe requires flaxseed, chia seeds will be subbed in as a robust superfood addition.
Recipe: Get Figgy With It Smoothie
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a necessary ingredient in a lot of my recipes. Its creamy texture and balancing taste make it an incredible complement so quite a lot of flavors and cuisines. Together with their bloat-beating powers, these three smoothies use Greek yogurt to enhance distinctive flavors. Select from Tropical Turmeric, Matcha Plant Energy, or Strawberries and Cream—there’s one thing for everybody right here! So make your intestine glad and begin your morning with one in all these delectable drinks.
Recipe: Three Smoothie Recipes to De-Bloat
Candy Potatoes
If you end up combating the afternoon power crash, candy potatoes are your reply. Wealthy in fiber, nutritional vitamins A and C, and potassium, they’re an incredible supply of lasting power. And whereas this smoothie recipe requires pumpkin purée, steamed candy potatoes are a straightforward swap. With pumpkin pie spice and almond milk, you’ll nonetheless get the identical heat and candy flavors.
Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Blueberries
Not solely are blueberries a cheap and handy superfood to have available, however they can be bought and used frozen or recent. (Relating to making superfood smoothies, we suggest choosing the latter. They’re oftentimes cheaper and simply nearly as good as recent, if not higher!) This recipe comprises loads of wholesome fat and easy-to-digest elements that accompany a number of superfoods. Collagen powder helps create radiant pores and skin, whereas protein powder offers you gasoline to get by means of busy days. It’s exhausting to show down a smoothie that brings a lot to the desk.
Recipe: Blueberry & Avocado Fascia-Boosting Smoothie
Kale
This smoothie is completely balanced with a fragile sweetness that enhances the earthy flavors of kale and ginger. For an added aspect of creaminess (and an additional superfood), throw in a scoop of your favourite Greek yogurt.
