The Best Green Smoothie Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best greens to put in a smoothie? ›

The best green vegetables to add to smoothies in terms of flavor profile and nutritional value include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, zucchini, cucumber, and avocado (which is technically a fruit but is more commonly used as a vegetable).

Many people have found that adding smoothies to their daily routine helps to curb their cravings for unhealthy foods. Smoothies that contain green vegetables like kale and celery provide many health benefits. Here is some information about why drinking a green smoothie a day is good for your mind and body.

Concerningly, green smoothies may also have adverse effects on the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland requires the mineral iodine to produce thyroid hormones. Cruciferous vegetables—common ingredients in green smoothies—contain compounds called glucosinolates, which inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid.

Some of the most nutritious greens include spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula (see "Salad greens by the numbers"). They are rich in a combination of vitamins A, C, and K; several B vitamins (including folate); and potassium.

Many people do not consume enough greens, even those who stay on a raw food diet. By drinking two or three cups of green smoothies daily you will consume enough greens for the day to nourish your body, and all of the beneficial nutrients will be well assimilated.

Green smoothies can be a great source of nutrients. They can also help you to feel full and encourage your body to burn fat. The best green smoothies for weight loss are low in calories and high in fiber and protein. They may include ingredients like spinach, almond milk, blueberries, and avocado.

Hard To Digest Ingredients

If you're adding nuts or cashews to your smoothie, they can cause problems as they're hard for the digestive system to break down. Another common culprit could be your protein. Many cheap proteins are filled with unnecessary fillers and artificial sugars that can cause digestive upset.

To begin, a green smoothie is a nutritious way to begin your day. If you make a large green smoothie dinner, you should be satisfied until midday, as it contains enough protein and calories to stave off mid-morning hunger.

1. Spinach. Fresh baby spinach is one of the most popular leafy green vegetables to add to smoothies. Its mild taste and soft texture make it easy to blend into almost any smoothie while adding a hefty dose of vitamins A, C, E, and K.

A binder is another commonality amongst the best smoothies. This can be dried oats, nut or seed butter, ground flaxseeds, or raw nuts—essentially, a binder helps add heft and sometimes additional flavor to the mix.

How do you thicken a green smoothie? ›

No ice: If you don't have ice, you can use frozen fruit, oats, chia seeds, yogurt, or nuts and nut butter to thicken your smoothie. No frozen fruit: Add a scoop of raw oats or chia seeds into the blender instead. No yogurt: You can swap yogurt with nut butter to thicken a smoothie.

Some recipes include excessive amounts of added or natural sugar that can contribute to dental carixes (also known as cavities), diabetes, and obesity (Palacios et al., 2009). Further, liquid (or semi-liquid) calories are less filling, which may lead to increased calorie consumption (Flood-Obbagy & Rolls, 2009).

Digestive Issues

A while we're on the subject of stomach upset, certain fruits and veggies are so powerful that you may experience some stomach distress if you drink too much of them. Too many leafy greens or wheatgrass can do this. For others, too much beet will do the same.

Breakfast is best

It's the best way to absorb all the nutrients each drink contains, and it's also the best time to drink one as a meal replacement.