Healthy smoothies: composition and recipes
There are many smoothie recipes - thick smoothies based on fruits, berries, leafy greens and vegetables that are healthy for the body. Due to the high content of vitamins and mineral compounds, the drink has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, improves metabolic processes, and exhibits antioxidant properties.
Properties
Smoothies contain vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables. The entire composition of plant products is preserved during the preparation process in a blender. Nutrients improve metabolism, normalize the psycho-emotional state of a person. In liquid form, vegetables, fruits, berries, and leafy greens are easier to digest, so they create less stress on the digestive tract.
A thick cocktail has a complex effect on the work of internal organs and body systems, stimulates the functional activity of immunocompetent cells, tones and invigorates.
The benefits of smoothies are especially pronounced in the autumn-winter period, when the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases increases. The drink helps with hypovitaminosis, eliminates pathogenic microorganisms.
With regular use of healthy smoothies, the following positive effects are observed:
- the process of self-regulation of weight starts;
- mood improves;
- increased resistance to stress;
- the speed of metabolic processes increases;
- the body receives enough energy;
- antioxidants in smoothies fight free radicals, prevent cell death and premature aging of the body;
- vegetable proteins in the composition of the product are quickly absorbed by the muscles, contribute to the development of skeletal muscles;
- the condition of hair, nails improves, the elasticity of the skin is restored;
- reduces the risk of constipation;
- immunity is strengthened.
Smoothies are especially useful for the functioning of the digestive system.. Due to the presence of coarse vegetable fiber, the drink cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, prevents the development of constipation and the formation of gases. As a result, the risk of bloating, the appearance of heaviness in the epigastric region is reduced.
Mineral compounds in the composition of the drink strengthen the bone structure of the musculoskeletal system, contribute to muscle building, and accelerate the recovery of the body after training.
Indications and contraindications
Smoothie is used as a natural food supplement. The fruits, berries or vegetables contained in the drink become a source of vitamins and mineral compounds. A thick cocktail is recommended to be taken in the following cases:
- heaviness in the stomach;
- increased gas formation in the intestines;
- flatulence;
- constipation;
- slow metabolism;
- being overweight;
- hypovitaminosis, lack of mineral components;
- stress, chronic fatigue.
Smoothies are recommended to be consumed in the I-II trimesters of pregnancy, when a woman's body needs nutrients.
There are also a number of contraindications to the use of smoothies:
- breast-feeding;
- children's age up to 5 years;
- individual intolerance to products;
- diseases of the digestive tract, such as hyperacid gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Recipes
It is good for health to consume thick smoothies at least 2 times a week. The most delicious ingredients are chosen for their preparation.
Nutrients
Nutritious smoothies have a high energy value, so they can be used to replace 1 meal. A thick drink can satisfy hunger for 2-3 hours, improve digestion and normalize hormonal levels. You can make a cocktail according to the following recipe:
- 300 g strawberries;
- 100 ml soy milk;
- banana;
- 30 g ground nuts to a state of powder.
All ingredients are ground in a combine, poured into glasses. Mint leaves are used as decoration. If desired, the drink can be cooled.
Another recipe for a nutritious smoothie is a drink based on oatmeal and red currants:
- 150 ml of almond milk;
- 150 g of oatmeal;
- banana;
- 80 g of berries;
- 1 st. l. warmed honey.
Redcurrant berries can be used both fresh and frozen. If the latter are used, then it is necessary to grind them with sugar. In this case, you do not need to add honey to the berries.
Oatmeal is placed in a saucepan, poured with boiling water and boiled over low heat for 5 minutes. Ready porridge, berries, banana, milk and honey are placed in a blender bowl, ground to a liquid state.
Vitamin
For pregnant women and children, it is recommended to prepare vitamin smoothies 2-3 times a week. Banana-ginger drink is rich in folic acid, which is necessary for the normal development of the embryo. It is prepared from the following ingredients:
- banana;
- 200 ml of natural yogurt;
- 1 tsp liquid honey;
- 0.5 tsp ginger powder.
All components are ground until smooth in a blender.
It is not recommended to abuse the drink, because it can quickly provoke weight gain.
Berry smoothies are recommended for children in the autumn-winter period. For a drink you need:
- 150 g of berries, frozen or fresh;
- 150 ml low-fat yogurt;
- 150 ml orange juice.
The ingredients are mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
So that citrus juice and berries do not provoke the development of gastritis, smoothies are not recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach.
Cleansing
It is good for the intestines to have a berry smoothie with oatmeal for breakfast. To prepare 2 servings, the following ingredients are enough:
- 250 g of pitted berries;
- 150 ml vanilla yogurt;
- 200 ml milk 3.2% fat;
- 150 g of oatmeal;
- vanilla sugar and ground cinnamon optional.
All ingredients are whipped in a blender until a homogeneous composition is obtained for 60 seconds.
To cleanse the intestines from toxins, toxic components and excess fluid are allowed to use any vegetable smoothies. They are rich in coarse vegetable fiber. Dietary fibers increase the peristalsis of the smooth muscles of the intestine, relieve heaviness and increased gas formation in the intestine. A vegetable drink is recommended to be prepared from the following ingredients:
- 2 celery stalks;
- 2 peeled carrots;
- beet;
- yellow bell pepper;
- cucumber;
- juice of half a lemon.
Vegetables and root vegetables are peeled, cut into small cubes. Then put in a blender and grind until smooth.
Universal
All-purpose smoothies are suitable both for bowel cleansing and for weight loss. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes beneficial to the body. Of these drinks, Tutti Frutti stands out, which is recommended for breakfast. Approved for use by children and adults. The following ingredients are required for its preparation:
- 150 ml of natural yogurt;
- 200 g of berries to choose from;
- 200 g pineapple;
- 150 ml freshly squeezed orange juice;
- banana.
All components are mixed with an immersion blender for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
A serving of such a drink has an energy value of 140 kcal. Its composition is dominated by carbohydrates, represented by coarse fiber.
Replace Tutti Frutti with avocado and strawberry smoothies. To make 2 servings you will need:
- half an avocado, diced
- 1 tsp lemon juice;
- 150 g strawberries;
- 4 tbsp. l. natural yogurt;
- 200 ml of milk;
- 2 tsp warmed honey.
The ingredients are mixed in a blender until a homogeneous composition is obtained. If the drink seems too thick, you can dilute it with milk.
The calorie content of this smoothie is 197 kcal per 1 serving. Contains 11 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids, 15 g of carbohydrate compounds.
For weight loss
During the period of following a low-calorie diet, it is recommended to prepare a green tea-based smoothie and an apple-celery drink. To prepare a fat-burning agent according to the first recipe, you will need:
- 150 ml freshly brewed green tea;
- 250 ml of milk 2.5-3.2% fat;
- 250 g of frozen or fresh berries to choose from - strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries;
- banana;
- 2 tsp flower honey.
Honey is dissolved in brewed tea, after which the drink is poured into a blender. Milk is poured into the bowl, berries and chopped banana are added. Beat until a homogeneous composition is obtained.
Such a drink can replace breakfast. It has antioxidant properties, cleanses the gastrointestinal tract of slag masses, and improves the process of digestion.
Here are the ingredients you need to make Apple and Celery Smoothie:
- 250 ml of water;
- half an apple, peeled;
- stalk of celery;
- 100 g pineapple;
- warmed honey to taste.
Cut the apple, pineapple and celery into cubes, then put in a blender bowl. Fill with water, add honey. The composition is ground until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
For immunity
The most popular cocktail for strengthening the immune system is considered a fruit and curd smoothie. To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:
- sweet and sour apple;
- 150 ml milk 3.2% fat;
- 4 tbsp. l. yogurt;
- a pinch of cinnamon powder;
- pear;
- 100 g of cottage cheese.
Fruits are peeled, the resulting pulp is cut into cubes. Next, grind the apple and pear with other ingredients in a blender until smooth. If you want to cool the drink, it is recommended to place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
When there is a desire to try vegetables in the autumn-winter period, you should prepare a tomato or carrot-yogurt smoothie. To create the latter, you need to prepare the ingredients according to the following list:
- 150 ml of natural yogurt;
- 1 st. l. warmed honey;
- 250 g of peeled carrots;
- 1 tsp ground ginger root;
- 50-60 ml freshly squeezed carrot juice.
Carrots are crushed in a blender with vegetable juice and ginger powder. The resulting mass is filtered with a sieve, after which yogurt with liquid honey is added and beaten again in a blender.
To make tomato smoothie you will need:
- 1.5 st. l. grated fresh horseradish;
- pepper and salt to taste;
- 3 art. l. tomato juice;
- 150 ml of natural yogurt;
- 2 green onion feathers;
- large tomato;
- 1 st. l. peeled pumpkin seeds.
Blanch the tomato, then remove the peel and remove the seeds.The resulting pulp is cut into cubes, then, together with other ingredients, beat in a blender bowl until a homogeneous consistency. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds before serving.
In the morning to get a charge of vivacity and an immunostimulating effect It is recommended to prepare smoothies for breakfast from the following ingredients:
- 150 g of oatmeal;
- half a large banana;
- 200 ml freshly squeezed orange juice;
- 150 ml of natural yogurt;
- 2 tsp warmed honey;
- add lemon or orange zest if desired.
Banana is cut, then crushed together with other components in a blender until a thick homogeneous mass is formed.
How to prepare healthy smoothies for weight loss, see the following video.