6 Superfood Smoothie Staples For The Beginner
Overwhelmed by the endless choices of add in’s when you approach your local smoothie bar? We don’t blame you. With the average smoothie containing over 10 ingredients, it is easy to become lost in a yummy yet confusing maze of super food promises. Here we break down the benefits of 6 smoothie staples to get you started.
Bee Pollen: If you are looking to ward off a winter cold, bee pollen presents the perfect option. Nutrient-packed it contains a potent dose of vitamins, minerals, lipids, proteins and amino acids. It is known for boosting the digestive system, immune system and promoting cardiovascular health.
Acaci: Acai berries have gained somewhat of a cult following in recent times and when one looks at their benefits, it’s easy to see why. This Brazilian berry is packed full of antioxidants, anthocyanins, flavonoids, fiber and heart-healthy fats. The benefits of adding acai to your smoothie are as delicious as the flavor they add to your smoothie. They include promoting weight loss, heart health, a stronger immune system and slowing down the aging process.
Cacao: Apart from helping you fend off those chocolate cravings, cacao will deliver a serious dose of antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc and iron to your diet. What’s more so is that a cacao-based smoothie will help boost your mood as it helps the release of feel good endorphins and serotonin. Now you have a legitimate excuse to indulge.
Coconut oil: This delicious, heart friendly oil has been heralded as a miracle worker in recent times and one stops to examine the benefits of adding it to your smoothie, it’s easy to see why. Coconut oil has been linked to promoting weight loss, reducing cholesterol, for helping fight the signs of aging, for promoting healthy skin and hair, amongst a whole host of other benefits. Coconut oil also helps promote digestive health, as it contains a natural antibiotic, which has been shown to kill bad bacteria in the gut.
Flaxseed Oil: Packed full of healthy omerga-3 fatty acids, flaxseed oil will boost your cardiovascular health. Also presenting a potent dose of alpha-linolenic and vitamin E, flaxseed oil will also offer anti-inflammatory benefits and will help promote digestive health.
Matcha: All the rage with foodies, matcha is a green tea powder, which contains large amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, which help boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Adding a scoop of matcha to your smoothie will provide all the benefits of a detox without having to resort to restrictive diets.