The 5 Best Superfoods for Smoothies from the Experts at GreenBlender
- By Anna Speaks
- Apr 3, 2018
Today we are delighted to host a guest blog from our superfood friends over at GreenBlender - a fresh smoothie delivery box company that helps their members discover amazing, fresh ingredients and adopt long-lasting healthy habits. If you ever find yourself stuck in a smoothie rut with the same old green smoothie blend, you'll find an absolute wealth of recipes and inspiration on their website.
We'll let GreenBlender take it from here...
Picking the perfect superfood supplement can seem daunting. How do you know if it actually delivers on the health benefits it claims to have? How do you know that it will taste good blended up into a smoothie?
Never fear! We've done all the hard work for you and found the five best superfoods to add to your green smoothie blends. These particular superfoods have a ton of great research on them, mix seamlessly with other ingredients, and won't break the bank - whether you buy them online or at a specialty food store.
Turmeric
Currently one of the most scientifically studied superfoods, turmeric should really be in your daily diet. Not only has it been proven to help with joint pain and even arthritis, it’s been linked to a delayed onset of Type 2 diabetes, and may even be helpful in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Whether you’re an athlete, an active person with a busy schedule, or are just simply looking for a way to lower inflammation in your body, turmeric is definitely our pick for the most helpful superfood out there.
Smoothie Recipes With Turmeric
Orange Turmeric Gumdrop
Turmeric Ginger Refresh
Golden Milk Recharge
Maca
Native to Peru, maca root has a long history as a superfood; it’s been said that Incan warriors used it before going into battle, and although there’s no direct evidence to back that up, the way you may feel after blending some of this powerful root may help you believe it!
Three of the biggest health benefits maca has been described as providing are increased energy, increased sex drive, and hormone balancing.
While there haven’t been enough studies to scientifically substantiate these claims, the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine recently published a paper that concludes “Two RCTs [randomized clinical trials] suggested a significant positive effect of maca on sexual dysfunction or sexual desire in healthy menopausal women or healthy adult men, respectively… The further RCT assessed the effects of maca in patients with erectile dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-5 and showed significant effects.” Two other studies mentioned in their paper showed no significant effects.
Maca is a great superfood to add to your smoothies if you’re looking for a caffeine-free boost of energy and a more “balanced” feeling. When adding it to smoothies, use about 1 teaspoon, until you know how it affects you.
Don’t want to buy a huge bag of maca right away? You can try it with our Essential Superfood Sampler!
Ready to stock up? Find authentic, raw, organic Peruvian maca root HERE
Smoothie Recipes With Maca
Green Cinnamon Maca Madness
Morning Maca
Chocolate Maca Milkshake
Flaxseed
Just because flax has been around for ages and isn’t exotic, that doesn’t make it any less vital to a balanced diet. In fact, it could very well save your life.
Not only has flaxseed been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, it also has a large number of antioxidants called lignans per serving. Lignans have been scientifically studied for their cancer-fighting properties, as well as for possibly helping balance hormones.
Flaxseed is also a great form of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which means that it’s beneficial to daily energy and weight loss.
The best part about flax is that it’s extremely versatile! Sprinkle it on your oatmeal, in your granola, on top of cereal or yogurt, or combine a nice big tablespoon in your smoothie!
Smoothie Recipes With Flaxseed
Cranberry Hibiscus
Blueberry Basil
Persimmon Pineapple Protein
Lucuma
If you have a sweet tooth, lucuma is the superfood you need in your life. Native to Peru and sometimes referred to as “the gold of the Incas,” lucuma provides a delicate, caramel-like sweetness while still sitting low on the glycemic index.
In addition to fiber, lucuma contains iron, beta-carotene, and zinc. It’s also be shown to help with wound healing and skin regeneration.
Jazz up your smoothies and baked goods with nature’s alternative sweetener!
Don’t want to buy a lot of Lucuma now? You can try it with our Essential Superfood Sampler.
Smoothie Recipes With Lucuma
Maple Cranberry Tart
Strawberry Carrot Creamsicle
Lucuma Luster
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are known as a “perfect protein,” which means they not only contain all 20 amino acids, but the nine essential amino acids our bodies need to function properly. They also contain both Omega-3 fatty acids (which have been shown to benefit the heart), and Omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to more balanced hormones.
Additionally, these tiny, tasteless seeds contain fiber, iron, and magnesium.
If you’re looking for a way to add protein, healthy fat and fiber to your daily smoothie, adding a tablespoon of hemp seeds is a great way to do it!
As an alternative, try using Stone Ground Raw Organic Hemp Seed Butter, available HERE
Smoothie Recipes With Hemp Seeds
Golden Ginger Beet
Cantaloupe Hemp Seed
Sweet Potato Pear Tart
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