Roots
Ginseng, burdock, astragalus, maca, turmeric, ginger, and licorice are all roots as well as medicinals. These all come in raw or powder form for a dash of energy and immune and digestive system support.
Spices
Spices are a nice way to get added flavor and healing compounds into your drink. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cayenne pepper are all popular and tasty choices to increase digestion and clean the blood. In Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science) to enhance the wellness factor of any meal, it needs to incorporate the ‘6 tastes’. Using spices is a great way to accomplish that.
Shrooms
No, not the hallucinogenic kind (though that might be interesting), but good old fashion mushrooms. Mushrooms like rieshi, maitake, and crimini are just a few known to boost the immune system, fight cancer and help heal arthritis. Kombucha is a kind of “mushroom tea” that can be an added kick to your morning ‘go juice.’
Super Berries
These anti-oxidant powerhouses should be regulars in your blended concoctions. Acai berries, goji berries, golden berries, and mulberries are new super berries that have a multitude of health benefits including anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Vegetables
Cucumber, celery, cabbage, bell peppers, and zucchini are not typically what you think of when it comes to smoothies – however they are surprisingly tasty when blended. They also add another source of liquid and hold tremendous nutrition. These are all great sources of vitamin C and help with weight loss and fighting cancer to name a few other factoids.
Avocados
This is an incredible fruit without the big sugar content. Avocados add a wonderful and unexpected creaminess to smoothies. They are also loaded with omega 3’s and have many health benefits such as increased heart health, blood sugar regulation, and anti-aging properties.
Superfoods
Cacao, bee pollen, royal jelly, dragon fruit, maqui powder, camu-camu, and moringa are all lesser known superfoods that can hype up your drinks’ wellness factor. According to Zach Alderman Founder and CEO of Nativas Naturals, “A superfood is a nutrient-dense fruit or vegetable that contains a high amount of protein, omega-3, antioxidants, minerals, fiber or other essential nutrients that have proven health benefits. Nutrient density is the ratio of micronutrients to calories – superfoods have a high ratio of micronutrients.” Who can argue with that?
There you have it folks! Pick and choose which ingredients you will use on any given day. But, whatever you do – PLEASE DO NOT PUT ALL THESE INGREDIENTS INTO ONE SMOOTHIE! Not only would your smoothie be horribly yucky, but more importantly your blender would overflow! Do however, get creative and see what flavors go together to tantalize your taste buds.
Use fruits and veggies that are local and in season and play with blending colors and tastes. This is a great way to get healthy foods into your diet that you wouldn’t typically eat. The options are endless!
Have a great ingredient to add in smoothies? Please comment below.