What Goes Into a Smoothie?

Besides the obvious addition of fruit and/or vegetables, all smoothies have a liquid base. Some of the options available include:

1. Water
2. Fruit or vegetables juice
3. Milk — skimmed is best
4. Goat’s milk
5. Soy milk
6. Yoghurt — choose unpasteurized and plain yoghurt. You may also use frozen yoghurt.
7. Ice-cream — flavored ice-cream may overpower your drink, so rather use vanilla flavor
8. Green tea

However, smoothies are not necessarily limited to fruits, vegetables and liquids. You can also add other healthy ingredients to create a meal in a cup. These include:

1. Oats — they contain soluble fiber and helps lower cholesterol.
2. Peanut butter — it provides protection against heart disease.
3. Tofu — it is a good source of protein and although tasteless, it adds a rich creamy texture to smoothies.
4. Sesame seeds — the nutrients in sesame seeds are better absorbed when ground.
5. Nuts — nuts (almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans etc.) that are finely ground can be added to smoothies for a thick, smooth taste and great health benefits.

If you would like to try something different, here’s a list of some of the most popular supplements that can be added to smoothies (blend it together with your other ingredients and always read the label for dosage information):

1. Flaxseed
2. Wheat germ
3. Powdered acidophilus
4. Calcium powder
5. Lecithin
6. Protein powder
7. Spirulina
8. Vitamin C
9. Bee pollen