Easy Green Smoothie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to drink a green smoothie every day? ›

Is it OK to drink a smoothie every day? Absolutely, and in fact, you can optimize your daily habit by trying new ingredients that might not ordinarily be in your diet.

Oxalic acid overload

Are green smoothies bad for kidneys? The answer may be yes if you overdo it on leafy green vegetables – Swiss chard, spinach, kale and beet greens – that all contain high levels of oxalic acid, a naturally occurring compound that forms oxalate crystals in the body.

Smoothies made with water and juice tend to come out more liquidy and less full than those made with milk. Juice is also higher in acidity and typically has more sugar than most milk. Milk is higher in calcium which is good for your bones, heart, and muscles. It also helps to give your smoothie a creamy consistency.

Protein Powder. Protein smoothie recipes often contain protein powder, and Spivak says protein is an important part of a nutritious smoothie. “Protein builds and maintains muscle mass, and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied,” she says.

Shai's team had dieters swap the meat from a Mediterranean dinner for one green smoothie made with nutrient-rich aquatic plants, similar to seaweed, to boost their daily polyphenol intake. The results: People who did this daily lost more weight and more belly inches than those on a standard American diet.

Breakfast is best

Breakfast can often be an unhealthy meal - toast, pastries, cereal - so a gulp of green juice instead gives you all the calories you need, and the sweetness of added fruits should stave off any cravings for snacks until lunchtime! Want to try one for yourself?

The most common 'ill effect' of mixing fruits and veggies is gas, because fruit digests faster and uses different digestive enzymes. Carrots and apples are considered exceptions – carrots go well with any fruit and apples go well with any veggie.

Overall, you can't go wrong with spinach or kale. Both leafy greens are bursting with nutrients that help your body thrive. Kale may have the upper hand with the most nutritional value. However, it is important to mix up what kind of greens you're eating regularly.

What are two potential risks of smoothies? ›

In conclusion, smoothies can be a great way to increase intakes of fruit and vegetables in our diet, which would have many health benefits. However, they may contain large amounts of added or natural sugars, which can contribute to dental problems and obesity.

Beyond the benefits of leafy greens, Swedish researchers have uncovered that mixing spinach or kale with milk – cow or coconut – helps maximize the antioxidant content of your green smoothie. In addition, adding medium or high-fat milk helps make lutein easier to digest, making its antioxidant profile more available.

Green smoothies are also packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients. Healthy smoothies can also help improve digestive health and blood sugar control.

The Formula

Add ½ cup to 1 cup liquid, 1 Tbsp. to ¼ cup of a creamy add-in, ½ tsp. to 1 Tbsp. of a flavor boost, 1 to 2 cups of frozen fruits and vegetables, and a touch of sweetener, if desired.

Easy 3 Ingredients for a Green Smoothie. The basic smoothie recipe only has three ingredients — so easy! You just combine your favorite leafy green vegetable, fresh or frozen fruit, and a liquid (to help it blend).

And green powder ingredients like spirulina, wheatgrass, and chlorella give you a quick energy boost and detoxify your body. If you want an even more flavorful smoothie, add some vanilla extract, mint leaves, and peppermint extract.