Juices and smoothies are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for the body. It is important to take note of the juice or smoothie one is consuming to get the best out of it.
If you still haven’t tried incorporating a cup of freshly squeezed juice or blended smoothie into your daily eating routine then you don’t know what you’re missing out on!
Here are the top four benefits of consuming juices and smoothies:
Super Convenient
Perfect meal on the go. Sometimes you just don’t have the time to prepare anything healthy. The best option is to just grab a cup of coffee and a chocolate-filled croissant or a hotdog. But even though you may not have the time to prepare one yourself, you can always buy a juice or a smoothie on your way to or from work, while you’re out, or simply as a healthy substitute for a meal! Just pick your favorite fruits or vegetables and enjoy the full range of healthy nutrients.
Packed with antioxidants
Everyone has heard of them, but what are antioxidants actually? Antioxidants are important substances that support the immune function and have the ability to eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and toxins. Antioxidants are normally found in fresh foods and vegetables. Juices and smoothies are not only delicious and refreshing but also rich in antioxidants and nutrients that you should consume on a day-to-day basis. Instead of taking artificial vitamins -- drink a freshly squeezed juice or a smoothie!
Promote weight loss
What better way to lose weight than by consuming healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables? Smoothies and juices contain healthy calories that are not turned into fat, plus your body will get all the necessary nutrients so you won’t starve like you would with some other diet restrictions.
Populates your belly with good bacteria
Your gut is your second brain, and this is not just a saying anymore. Research has shown that you really are what you eat. Therefore, if you’re eating unhealthy food all too often, your second brain - your belly - won’t be too happy about it, and neither will you!
HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THEM
It is recommended that fresh juices and smoothies be taken without refined sugar added, instead dates, stevia and fruits like apples or oranges could be used to sweeten the drink. Additionally, a number of fruits used in making a smoothie or juice are also very important. Balance is the key; you would not like to end up with a full orange, two apples, a mango and pineapple in one 500ml cup, which would be too much sugar (fructose) albeit natural, instead balance it out by adding green leafy veggies like baby spinach, kale, etc. and spice it up with ginger or cinnamon. It is important to get the best out of these fruits and veggies without overdoing it.
Here are a few tips to help you with your smoothie and juice adventure
- About sweetness: avoid sugar! Seriously, instead opt for natural candies like dates, and sweeteners like stevia if you are making green smoothies and if you are mixing it up with fruits, apple would be a perfect one to use.
- Fresh or not fresh?: Always go for fresh fruits and veggies, and if it’s a seasonal fruit, you can chop it up and freeze it for later use if you think the market is running out of it
- About ice cubes: so you want to make your smoothie really cold, but you don’t want it to be runny either, how about you cut fruits like bananas or mangoes and freeze them? They make smoothies really creamy and will also retain the nutrients!
- Add healthy fats to a smooth smoothie and to keep you energized. You can add flaxseeds, avocado, or a tablespoon of coconut oil. These fats are full of omega 3’s and are not only filling but also improve metabolism
- Diversify: take advantage of the many veggies and fruits available in the market, the usual ones that you avoid eating, create a fun recipe and replenish your body with diverse nutrients