Popeye was onto something. Spinach is one of nature’s superfoods and the great thing is that it tastes great too. I mean if you can add spinach to a smoothie, reap the health benefits and enjoy it, you’re onto a winner.
Here we give you 5 smoothies that taste amazing and are great for your health. Definitely no guilt here.
Health benefits of spinach
So what did Popeye know that we didn’t? Spinach can definitely help your biceps pop, but it can do a lot more. The vegetable is a green leafy plant that grows all over the world. Spinach is a good source of protein, yes, but it also contains a wide range of micronutrients including iron, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. It also contains vitamins E, C, K, A, B1, B6, and B2.
Research shows that Spinach can protect against oxidative damage. The antioxidants in spinach help to collect free radicals in the body that are byproducts of metabolism. An excess of these free radicals causes oxidative stress on the body.
Spinach may also help lower the risk of breast cancer. A study conducted in 1988-1991 looking into research on breast cancer showed that the intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamin A, and related compounds are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in some studies. Is that enough reason for you to start adding this green superfood into your diet and smoothies?
Without further ado, here are the 5 delicous smoothies with spinach.
The best green smoothie
With a base of peanut butter and banana, you’ll barely taste the spinach in this yummy smoothie.
This smoothie is heavy in calories at just under 600. But.. it’s so high in nutrients. Just one serving of this smoothie will give you 75% of your daily vitamin B6 requirements. Magnesium is in no short supply – you’ll get 71% of your daily needs and you’ll consume 65% of your daily vitamin E requirements too.
Blueberry spinach smoothie
This berrylicious smoothie contains loads of strawberries and blueberries which are high in vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols to keep those free radicals down. Antioxidants are particularly good at reducing your risk of developing cancer.
It also contains banana, a fruit high in potassium. Research shows that banana can help to keep your arteries healthy, and in turn, reduce your risk of heart disease.
Strawberry spinach green smoothie
You’ll consume 1.5 cups of spinach with this smoothie and you won’t even taste it. The mandarin organge gives it a nice tangy kick and the berries are delicious.
A simple one, yet healthy and refreshing.
Green smoothie with almond butter and dates
This smoothie is the only one in this round-up containing dates. I often use dates in my smoothies because they’re a great natural sweetener and contain potassium, magnesium, copper and B vitamins.
Other ingredients include almond butter, spinach – of course, and banana.
Best beginners green smoothie
Containing orange juice and variety of frozen fruit, this is definitely refreshing. At 85 calories, this is great if you’re on a weight loss journey. The protein in the yoghurt comes to 3g per serving but it all adds up.
Not for vegans, this smoothie contains milk and Greek yoghurt, but you could always switch the milk to almond and add coconut yoghurt instead of the Greek kind.