Green smoothies seem to be everywhere nowadays, from Hollywood to fitness trainers to talk shows to diet gurus. Male and female, young and old — people of all persuasions are drinking green smoothies. Here’s why you should be drinking them, too:
They’re fast, easy, and affordable. You can make a green smoothie in less than five minutes, and doing so is really easy. In fact, after you start making them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. They won’t put a dent in your wallet either. If you already have a blender, you don’t need to buy any equipment. All you need is fresh fruits, leafy greens, and water. Throw the ingredients in the blender (blend fruits and water first, then greens) and a minute later, you’ll be drinking your first green smoothie. Yes, just like that!
You’ll save money on doctor’s bills. Green smoothies give you a boost of nutrients for a stronger immune system. By increasing your intake of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you reduce your risk of disease naturally. Staying healthy means fewer visits to the doctor’s office and less money spent on medical bills. Many people who have been drinking green smoothies for a few years can’t even remember the last time they were sick!
They “keep things moving” every day. Because green smoothies are made in a blender, all the fiber in the fruits and greens remains intact. When you drink a smoothie with fiber, more bulk moves through your digestive tract. On a technical level, that gives you improved digestion and elimination and reduced constipation. Simply speaking, it means your pipes start moving more regularly.
They help you lose weight and keep it off. One of the main reasons green smoothies are so popular is because they really work. When you start eating more fiber and reduce your sugar cravings, you naturally crowd out the bad foods. As you get the nutrients your body needs, you have more energy to exercise and get fit. Combine those perks, and you can finally lose that extra weight. Stick to a routine of at least one green smoothie a day, and you’ll keep it off, too.
They keep your bones and teeth strong. If your body is too acidic from a poor diet and stressful lifestyle, you can throw off your body’s pH. When your pH is too acidic over time, your risk of losing bone density increases because your body tries to rebalance your pH by leaching calcium from your bones. The alkaline properties of fruits and greens in green smoothies help to keep your body pH alkaline (the opposite of acidic). Leafy greens are also a good source of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
They’re portable. If you’re running around trying to keep up with a busy schedule every day, then take a green smoothie with you to stay healthy while on the go. Kept chilled and sealed, green smoothies stay fresh for up to two days. You can make your smoothie the night before work or school, store it in the fridge, and grab it just before running out the door in the morning.
The ingredients are good for blood and circulation. The natural green color from leafy greens comes from chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is closely related to hemoglobin, or human blood, in its molecular structure. Some people even say that by eating more leafy greens, you get a free blood transfusion. Green smoothies also contain plenty of potassium and magnesium, both of which are important minerals for good heart health, strong blood, and improved circulation.
They make you crave less junk food. Craving bad foods if you’re deficient in minerals, eating foods that disrupt blood sugar levels, or not getting enough fiber to make you feel full. When you start drinking green smoothies, you may quickly find yourself snacking less and choosing better foods for the rest of the day, too. The fiber fills you up and makes you feel less hungry, your blood sugars stabilize, and you no longer have cravings because you’re finally getting the minerals and vitamins your body needs!
They’re cheaper than plastic surgery, and all natural, too! The fastest way to clear and ageless skin is to eat your way there. The natural antioxidants in fresh fruits and greens help repair and renew cells, and the first place it shows is on your skin. Green smoothies increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids with extra flaxseed or chia seeds, and they give you a natural detox from the added fiber. The extra fluids help hydrate your skin and reduce wrinkles.
They’re a great conversation starter. As you zip around town carrying your green-colored smoothie, whether it’s to the gym, in the supermarket, at school, or out with friends, get ready for a few questions and comments. Some people may want to know why your drink is green, and others will ask how to make it. No matter what, drinking your smoothie with pride is a great chance to meet some new friends and spread the word about the wonder of green smoothies!