Smoothies are a great way to ingest all your daily vitamins for the day instead of chewing all day long. Here is a list of unusual but great ingredients for smoothies.
1. EGGS
Be it chicken, turkey, quail or what-have-you, eggs are a great source of protein and bodybuilders know this all too well. When making smoothies, add some raw, whole eggs to the blender to give you added protein boost! Make sure that it is pasteurized eggs not the usual ones that end up as breakfast in the morning.
2. ALOE VERA
If I were to write on how good aloe vera is for you, this article will turn into a J.K. Rowling sized novel! For women, it said that aloe vera alleviates painful menstrual cramps! If that is not amazing then I don’t know what is. However, it is very bitter to the taste so add as much manuka honey as you want to mask it. Do your own research and let your jaw drop as new information on this plant filters into your brain.
3. LEAFY GREENS
Leafy greens are high in Vitamin C, A, K, Iron, protein, fiber and B complex vitamins. Here are some leafy greens for you to pick from:
Swiss chards, kale, turnip greens, spinach, collard greens, watercress, mustard greens, brocolli, rapini and bok choy. These are just a few for you to try your hand at.
4. COOKED TOMATOES
Tomatoes contain a chemical called lycopene which is further enhanced by heat. So if you want to add tomatoes to your smoothie, make sure to heat it up in the oven in a dish or on low heat on the stove.
5. FROZEN BANANAS
When you buy bananas for smoothies, peel them and keep them in a ziploc bag then keep in the deep freezer. You use them to your discretion in any type of smoothie you want.
6. COCONUT OIL
When it comes to smoothies, you probably wouldn’t think to add oil to it. Well, coconut oil is a great choice for that! It keeps your thyroid healthy and gives you a lot of energy.
7. FERMENTED VEGGIES
Hmm….that sounds interesting. Yes, it does. Fermented vegetables are great sources of probiotics which is great for digestion and the immune system. When next you are making a smoothie, add some natto if you can find any. It is fermented soy beans made in Japan so check out Asian market.
8. ESSENTIAL OILS
Young Living essential oils are the best for digestion! Remember that this is food-grade essential oils and not the ones in your on your dressing table; those are toxic to ingest.
9. OATS
Boil the oats as you would for breakfast and dump it into the blender and blend away! It makes digestion and absorption a lot easier.
10. HERBS
Herbs in general are very good for you: they have diuretic, detoxifying and nourishing properties and are very can grow in your kitchen! The next time you are make a smoothie, dump a fist full of herbs in the blender.
11. ROOT VEGGIES
Carrots, beetroot, turnips, etc., are not used as often as they should in smoothies. They are a great source of healthy carbohydrates and if you use carrots, you’ll be getting beta carotene which is very good for the body. Don’t forget ginger! In addition to adding flavor, it is also great for digestion.
12. SEEDS
Seeds are high in protein and omega-3’s . Omega-3’s are very good for reducing inflammation in the body. Chia seeds are all the rage now and I can see why: they are a great source of protein and will keep you full longer. Remember to soak the seeds overnight in order to make easier to digest in the morning when you make smoothie.
13. AVOCADO
I personally love avocados: they are delicious as is and are even better when eaten in a sandwich and a cup of hot green tea. Nowadays, people have began putting them in their smoothies. This was done moreso fro texture but avocados have omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E. They also make great face mask.
14. LAVENDER
Lavender in soap, fine. Lavender in bath water, fine. Lavender in smoothie, ehh.. But the fact is this: lavender has relaxing properties and is great for those suffering from insomnia and headaches. Remember to get the food grade one not the one used in cosmetics.
15. BOILED BEANS
If you have ever eaten beans, you know that they have a naturally sweet taste so why not try an unusual smoothie with boiled beans added to your blender! You will increase your day’s intake of fiber and protein.
16. TOFU
Made from soy beans, tofu is high in protein and has a great texture.
17. COCONUT WATER
Instead of adding water to your smoothie to thin it out, add coconut water instead. Coconut water is high in electrolytes; quenches your thirst; reduces blood pressure and also, aids in digestion. I remember when I was a kid, us kids were told coconut water made you stupid. That’s a fun memory for you.
18. CHOCOLATE
If you are looking for a smoothie more decadent and less boring than your usual, then add dark chocolate to your smoothie. 70% cocoa is the best and if you are a chocoholic like me, then you are sure to enjoy your drink!
19. VITAMIN C
Crush two Vitamin C tablets and sprinkle in the final result of your smoothie to give your immune system a needed boost.
20. GOJI BERRIES
Although they are bitter, they are great and if you have a Pitta-Kapha dosha like me, then this is a food you will “have” to eat.
CONCLUSION
Try your hand at a few ingredients that you haven’t before and let us know how it went!