How often have you made a smoothie so boring that you couldn’t finish it? I know I have! Whenever I make a smoothie, I crave something different and exciting! Smoothies are the perfect way to get in your daily fruits and veggies. But it seemed like just yesterday when my sweet tooth started making itself known, and now fruit smoothies are not enough for me. I want more in my smoothies!
It may sound funny, but you’d be surprised how creative you can get with simple ingredients.
If you’re looking for ways to make your smoothies more exciting and try out some new flavors, here are a few ingredients you can use. These are known as superfoods for a reason!
Cacao Nibs
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Cacao nibs are basically the raw form of chocolate. They’re made from roasted cacao beans, meaning they have all that delicious chocolate flavor without added sugar, fat, and calories that traditional chocolate bars offer.
Cacao nibs have been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve circulation, so they’re a great addition to any smoothie that needs an extra boost of antioxidants or heart-healthy fats (like avocados). They also contain magnesium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure levels and regulate nerve function.
Matcha powder
This powdered green tea has been used for centuries by Buddhist monks and is said to have many health benefits. It contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, as well as vitamin C, which helps boost immunity. Matcha also contains caffeine, giving you a boost of energy in the morning!
Turmeric
Turmeric is an ingredient that’s gaining popularity lately due to its wide range of health benefits. It’s an anti-inflammatory agent, so it can help deal with joint pain or arthritis. It can also improve digestion and prevent cancer cells from growing in your body.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol levels in the body while adding healthy fats to your diet. Coconut oil is also known for its antibacterial properties, which can help keep your immune system strong during the cold season!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common ingredient in sweet recipes like cookies and cake, but it also works well in savory foods like chili or even spicy dishes like Thai curry. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels and boost brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation and reduce pain in joints and muscles.
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen contains lots of nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It has a unique taste that’s hard to describe. It can be sweet or bitter depending on the variety you buy.
Spirulina Powder
Spirulina powder is made from blue-green algae that grow naturally in saltwater lakes worldwide. It has a high concentration of protein and other nutrients that make it a great addition to smoothies or other foods like salad dressings or soups. It also has a strong taste that you may get used to if you’re new to it!
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro has a subtle lime-like flavor that goes well with just about anything, especially tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. Just chop up a few sprigs and toss them in your blender with whatever else you’re making. It’s so easy!
Kale
Kale is another leafy green vegetable that’s great for smoothies because it’s low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. This makes it a great option for people who want to add more vegetables to their diet without adding extra calories or fat.
Beets
Beets contain nitrates that help relax blood vessels and increase blood flow throughout the body, improving sports performance by decreasing fatigue during workouts. Beets also contain betaine which helps lower cholesterol levels naturally without drugs.
Mint
Mint is another herb that can add an unexpected flavor profile to your smoothie without overpowering it. It goes very well with berries and citrus fruits like oranges or lemon.
Almond butter
Almond butter is one of those ingredients that can add a protein boost and an interesting texture to your smoothie. Plus, it gives your smoothie a creamy texture without adding cream or milk, which means fewer calories!
Acai pulp
Acai is a tropical fruit rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential fatty acids. The pulp contains more than 17 times the amount of antioxidants found in blueberries and strawberries combined! Acai berries are also naturally high in fiber, which can keep you feeling full for longer periods.
You can mix it with other ingredients, such as banana or berries, or just add it alone as a base for your smoothie.
Quinoa flakes
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need to build muscle tissue and other proteins. It’s also high in fiber and iron, which helps fight anemia and promotes heart health. When cooked, quinoa flakes have a nutty flavor similar to brown rice or oats, so they’re perfect for savory dishes like stir-fries or salads. You can also use them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream!
Beet Greens
Beet greens are a great source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and magnesium. They also contain iron and potassium, so you will get a ton of nutrients from just one serving of beet greens.
Beet greens are milder in flavor than their root vegetable counterparts, making for an easy add-in that won’t alter the taste of your favorite smoothie recipe too much.
You can use beet greens in any type of smoothie you like! Add them to your morning green smoothie or throw them into any other fruit-based smoothie recipe that calls for spinach or kale. The only thing to remember is that beet greens have more water content than spinach or kale, so if you’re looking for consistency, don’t add too many leaves at once!
Takeaway
There is no limit to the number of ingredients you can add to your smoothie. But of course, it depends on your taste and which ingredients you like best. But the possibilities are endless with our personalized smoothie and this great list of ingredients. Go ahead, and put your blender to work – there’s an exciting drink waiting for you!
