Drinking your greens is Hollywood’s latest health trend, not to mention one I fully support! Many celebs such as Nicole Richie, Emily Blunt and Alessandra Ambrosio have been spotted out and about sipping on these healthy green smoothies, but what exactly are they and what can they do for our health?
Green smoothies are a fantastic way of getting green leafy vegetables into our diet, which lets face it, many of us just don’t get enough of! Packed out with vitamin C, vitamin A, and powerful antioxidants, the nutrients in green smoothies do wonders for our skin, protecting against free radicals and reactive oxygen species helping to slow down the aging process and protect against specific age related diseases. Green smoothies furthermore support the liver and promote alkalinity in the body, vital for preventing illnesses and maintaining optimal health.
Blending the greens into a smoothie not only means we can fit more servings in than we would normally eat, but breaks down the greens beyond what chewing can do. This makes it a lot easier on our digestive system and furthermore ensures that we absorb the maximum amount of nutrients available to our body. Unlike juicing, green smoothies also retain the fibre of the vegetables, which is important for healthy bowels and blood sugar control and also means that we are left feeling fuller for longer!
But what does it taste like?! Although not the prettiest of smoothies, these green monsters are surprisingly delicious and taste like any other regular fruity smoothie. Aim to include green smoothies in your diet at least three times a week and work your way up to having them each day. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it!
EMILY’S GREEN SMOOTHIE
- 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
- 1 green apple
- ¼ cup pineapple pieces OR ½ a banana
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- ½ cup filtered water (add more or less depending on the consistency you want)
- A few ice cubes (optional)