Green Smoothie Recipe
I'm a fan of starting several of my mornings with a green smoothie. If you've never included greens in your smoothie, you're probably thinking about how something like spinach and kale would affect the taste. That's the best part! You don't taste the greens. You're including them for the nutrients and antioxidants.
Most of the time, in addition to my greens, I like to use strawberries and bananas. Well today, I didn't have any bananas to use so I deviated from my usual. The ingredients are used are Kale, Spinach, Strawberries, Almond Milk, and Honey. The perfect combination for a sweet taste with a breakfast packed with nutrients.
I've done a little research about each of these ingredients just to help explain the importance of including them in your own diet.
Kale =
One cup of kale contains Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, and Magnesium.
Kale contains more vitamin C than most vegetables and has four times more than Spinach.
The antioxidants in kale help to counteract oxidative damage by free radicals in the body.
Kale can help lower cholesterol, which can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.
It contains Vitamin K which helps prevent blood clotting by giving certain proteins the ability to bind calcium.
Kale is high in Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which have been known to lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Spinach =
Low in fat.
Lower in cholesterol.
High in Niacin and Zinc
Also contains fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese.
Strawberries =
They boost immunity because they contain high amounts of Vitamin C.
The vitamin C and other antioxidants help prevent cataracts and also protect our eyes from exposure to free radicals from the sun's UV rays.
They help improve our skin's elasticity resulting in healthier, younger-looking skin.
Strawberries contain Postassium which can help regulate blood pressure and even lower high blood pressure.
They boost fiber and help promote healthy digestion.
Almond Milk =
Doesn't contain cholesterol or saturated fat and is also low in sodium and high in healthy fats. This can help prevent high blood pressure and heart disease.
It's good for your skin. Almond Milk contains 50% of the the recommended dose of Vitamin E which is essential for your skin's health and protecting against sun damage.
It contains one gram of protein per serving, as well as many B vitamins, iron, and riboflavin which are essential for muscle growth and healing.
Honey =
It can help alleviate allergies with the ability to sooth coughs.
Natural energy with 17 grams of carbs.
It can help boost memory. The sweet nectar contains many antioxidants which help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain.
It can help get a good night's sleep on those restless nights. It can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin to improve mood and happiness. Also among honey's antioxidants is Trxyptophan which we associate with turkey at Thanksgiving.
So don't forget to get your morning started right with those fresh ingredients, nutrients, and antioxidants. It will start your day off right and help you look and feel good.
