The green smoothie is an extremely healthy and energizing food. One can have it for a fresh start to the day, for lunch, or between meals as a source of a host of valuable nutrients. To add more benefits to this green treasure, you can complement and supplement it by including superfoods in your green smoothies!
Superfoods are not just foods, but also medicine. They are extremely rich in nutrients, and are a good choice for improving our health. They can completely satisfy our need for proteins, minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.
Superfoods contribute to natural metabolism regulation, and aid our bodies during detoxification periods.
Here are some of the superfoods which you can add to your smoothies:
1. CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are an ancient food originating in Central America and Mexico. They were a major part of the diet of the Aztecs. These little seeds are very rich in fibers, and contain the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6; they are also a good source of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Chia seeds are very suitable for people who play sports because they provide instant energy and quickly enhance the strength of the body. They also regulate blood glucose levels, lower blood pressure, have anti-inflammatory action, and improve digestion.
2. GOJI BERRY
These delicious red fruit come from Asia. They are very rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; they’re also a good source of vegetable proteins. With a daily dose of about 10 to 30 grams, they can provide the body with more vitamin C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots, and more iron than a portion of red meat. They are also a good source of B vitamins. Goji berries improve eyesight and the skin’s overall condition, strengthen the immune system, and are very beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
3. HEMP SEEDS
Sometimes it is quite hard to get the required intake of proteins and fibers our bodies need to function properly. This is where hemp protein comes in. This superfood contains all the indispensable amino acids (omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids), vitamins A, C, E, lecithin, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. What is most important, however, is that hemp seeds contain globular edestin. Globular edestin is a form of protein that very easy to absorb. Proteins are important for the proper functioning of all organs and systems in any organism. Hemp seeds help with quicker muscle recovery, are beneficial for the nervous system, can help with the treatment of arthritis and autoimmune diseases, and also regulate blood sugar levels.
4. SPIRULINA
Spirulina is an ancient aquamarine weed. It is rich in protein, omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins from group B, vitamin E, and Vitamin K. It is a rich source of potassium, and contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc. It reduces allergy symptoms, improves and strengthens our immune system, is very beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases, and is also an antioxidant.
It has a very strong fragrance and taste, so start with a little and gradually increase in quantity.
5. WHEATGRASS
Wheat grass are sprouted wheat seeds. Wheat grass does not contain gluten or other allergenic agents. It has a very strong alkalizing effect, stimulates metabolism, lowers blood pressure, purifies the liver, and strengthens the immune system.
About 70% of wheatgrass contains chlorophyll which is the basis of all living plants. Chlorophyll is believed to hinder the growth and development of harmful bacteria. Wheatgrass contains 20 amino acids, hundreds of different enzymes, as well as 90 out of all of the 102 minerals, vitamins, and other important nutrients. It is a good source of Vitamins A, Vitamin C, and contains B Vitamins, including B17.
Wheat grass can be grown on your own or can be purchased in the form of a powder.
6. COCONUT BUTTER
Coconut butter is a very healthful food to include in your diet. Coconut butter consists of around 90% raw saturated fats that are important and valuable building block materials for every cell in our body. Coconut butter also helps fight obesity, turns fat into energy, and improves our metabolism. Coconut butter also has an anti-microbial effect and is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
7. ACAI BERRY
Acai berries are the fruit of the palm trees of the genus Euterpe, which are found in the Amazon jungle. These small fruits contain an abundance of antioxidants, are low in calories, and have copious amounts of fibers, proteins, minerals, omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.
8. ALOE VERA
When we are talking about aloe vera, we are referring to the gel which is extracted from the interior of the thick leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. It has a slew of rich vitamins – A, C, B1, B5, B6, B12 – minerals, and also has calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, iodine, and amino acids. Aloe Vera is believed to improve digestion, alleviate skin irritations, and strengthen the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, relieves muscle pain, and normalizes blood sugar levels.
You can add it to your smoothies and it won’t even change their taste.
9. HONEY AND POLLEN
Honey has strong antibacterial activity, and contains antioxidants. It is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, K, C, E, A, and PP. It is also beneficial for the treatment of seasonal allergies, sore throat, and cough. Honey also provides ample energy and stamina.
Pollen is a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is used in the treatment of anemia, acne, arthritis, and fatigue.
10. COCOA AND COCOA BEANS
Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cocoa tree. They contain proteins, antioxidants, minerals – magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese – and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E. The benefits of raw cocoa or raw cocoa beans are the following: improvement of blood circulation, reduction of bad cholesterol, and regulation of blood sugar. They also help in decreasing blood pressure, and can even boost our moods. And, as a bonus, they have a great flavor!
11. MACA
Maca is a root that grows in the Andes in Peru. It contains many vitamins – from the group B, C, and E, and minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Maca is said to improve mood and give energy, reduce stress, and enhance sexual functions.
Of course, there are many other superfoods! No need to try them all in one smoothie; it’s better to try them little by little and eventually choose your favorites. Some people feel a stronger effect from certain foods; everyone is different. Therefore, you should try and find the one which works best for you, and also the one that tastes delicious to you. One thing is certain – whatever you choose, your body will thank you!
Good luck on the SUPERFOODS adventure!

www.agricinfo.com/2017/04/11-foods-to-add-to-your-smoothie.html?m=1

cc: Lalasticlala and mynd44

OP, are you writing for foreigners or for Nigerians?

lalasticlala:
OP, are you writing for foreigners or for Nigerians?

Jeez! Laff wan tear belle o

lalasticlala:
OP, are you writing for foreigners or for Nigerians?

Is it Nairaland only for Nigerians? And by the way we can get some of these foods in Nigeria big Eatries

Adieza:

Is it Nairaland only for Nigerians? And by the way we can get some of these foods in Nigeria big Eatries

especially Hemp Seed.

LOVEGINO:
especially Hemp Seed.

My Brother thank u jor

Abeg all these ones u write above!!! Na ur pocket u write am oooo Eat correct made in NAIJA food,u body go dey shine wella!!!!

ladySuperb:
Abeg all these ones u write above!!!
Na ur pocket u write am oooo
Eat correct made in NAIJA food,u body go dey shine wella!!!!

You don't need to talk like that now,some people may not know but as he wrote to Across them they may just add it to there cooking recipe,as you too go through It , I can also sense it that you might lent something out of it now.as. For me,I appreciate what he said.

aydelicious:

You don't need to talk like that now,some people may not know but as he wrote to Across them they may just add it to there cooking recipe,as you too go through It , I can also sense it that you might lent something out of it now.as. For me,I appreciate what he said.

Thank u sir, i really appreciate ur effort, it must make front page.

Adieza:

Thank u sir, i really appreciate ur effort, it must make front page.

You are welcome,we are here to advise one and others and then to put our self through,so!!!you don't need to mentions: okay,you just take good care of yourself.bey!.