FRUITS & VEGGIES
BOWLS
5 HEALTH BENEFITS
OF DRINKING SMOOTHIES REGULARLY
1. INCREASES FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION
Eating enough fruit and vegetables is essential for good health. One to two or three servings a day of each of these foods can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
2. INCREASES FIBER INTAKE
Fiber aids the digestive system and can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. Fiber-rich foods to add to smoothies include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, pears, apples, bananas, leafy greens, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, ground flax seeds and almond butter, to name just a few.
3. CAN BE A MEAL REPLACEMENT
If you're on a weight-loss program, smoothies made with healthy ingredients can replace a meal and provide essential nutrients. If you're too busy to eat and cook daily meals and want to avoid fast food, prepare a glass or a bowl of smoothie in advance for quick consumption.
4. CAN PROVIDE A NUTRITIONAL BALANCE OF FATS, PROTEINS, CARBOHYDRATES, VITAMINS AND MINERALS
The key to achieving nutritional balance in a smoothie is to use fruit and vegetables as the main ingredients, complemented by healthy fats such as seeds, nuts or nut butter, and protein.
5. HELPS MANAGE FOOD CRAVINGS
One of the benefits of drinking smoothies for breakfast is that they can be a source of energy and protein. Studies have shown that higher protein intake makes you feel fuller and reduces cravings later in the day. Proteins are complex molecules that take longer to break down than carbohydrates, so they provide longer-lasting energy.