Top 5 superfoods for the healthiest smoothies ever!

They’re called superfoods for a reason; as some of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, curating a list of superfoods for yourself is must, given the lifestyles we live in this day-and-age. 

Smoothies, on the other hand, have become the modern-day go-to meal replacement/on-the-go food swaps that make it convenient for people to pack in fruits, vegetables, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals and fibre into an easy-to-prepare concoction.

Combine the two together and you get a nicely balanced and well-rounded blend of nutrients that could make for the meal. 

Whether you want to start your day using these ingredients in your breakfast (or smoothie) or want to have it just as or mix into any other kind of preparation, here are five that you ought to keep stacked in your kitchen:

Chia seeds

This is a staple whether you mix in a smoothie or anything else you fancy. With one of the highest amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids for any seeds, an ounce contains up to 10 grams of fibre and 5 grams of protein. Chia seeds are renowned to help with weight loss, as helping to keep you satiated for longer, lowers bad cholesterol levels and increase the good (HDL) cholesterol that can protect you against heart diseases. 

How to use them

They may be tasteless, but that also makes them easy to blend with almost anything.

 The fact that they start to become thicker when mixed with liquid makes them great for desserts, like making chia pudding. Their expansive quality of water also makes it an ideal smoothie ingredient. Make sure you blend your smoothie when using chia seeds.

Turmeric

The sunny yellow spice from Asia has caught as a global superfood of choice for many for good reason. The key ingredient curcumin contains anti-inflammatory compounds that could relieve you of pain from aching joints, fight cancer cells, aids digestion and lowers the risk of heart attacks. 

How to use it

Mildly aromatic in its taste, it has a pungent yet bitter flavour. It is always advisable to mix turmeric with piperine, a compound found in black pepper to bring out the potency in turmeric’s properties. If you’re using it in a smoothie blend turmeric powder with coconut oil, frozen banana and black pepper (along with any other spices) to give it the zing you need.

Collagen

For the unacquainted, collagen is the structural protein that is found in skin, hair, bones and other connective tissues of your body. Being a vital part of the structural integrity of the body, collagen also an important part of your intestinal tract, making collagen ideal for your digestive health. 

How to use it 

Collagen is readily available in a powdered form, much like protein powder and is neutral in taste;

 making it ideal for mixing into smoothies or anything other combination that you might prefer. 

Cinnamon

High in antioxidants, cinnamon has scientifically been proven to have anti-cancer properties. Cinnamon is also potently anti-inflammatory in nature. Several studies have shown how consuming cinnamon can help treat chronic issues, such as arthritis, other autoimmune disorders and even neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. What’s more is the regular consumption has been linked to lowered blood glucose levels, lower cholesterol and lower risk of heart disease. 

How to use it

Cinnamon has a unique flavour to it. It’s slightly spicy, has a zing to it and can also add to the sweetness. You’ll often see cinnamon being mixed with creamier smoothies, which makes it a good way to have it and with ingredients such as banana, oats and apples.   

Spirulina

Unlike other superfoods that glamorous sounding origins, spirulina is derived from pond algae, but is one of the most nutritionally complete food you’ll ever find. As the richest source of beta-carotene, a complete protein (containing all essential amino acids with anywhere from 55-77 percent protein) and rich in vitamins and minerals make it a great immunity booster.

How to use it

Spirulina is often said to taste like the ocean or seaweed and is intense in its taste. It’s best to start with small doses of spirulina in your smoothies.

 Add more as you get used to the flavour. You can even add sweet fruits like pears, grapes, pomegranate to mask the flavour if you’re into it.