Hardcore Antioxidant Smoothie

2.4K

For extra antioxidants do you need to sacrifice taste? This hardcore antioxidant smoothie recipe tastes great, but get used to those greens!

 

Sometimes you make a smoothie because you want something refreshing that tastes good and is healthy, too. Sometimes you make a hardcore antioxidant smoothie because you want those extra health benefits.

Antioxidant rich foods, such as berries and other vibrant fruit, play a role in supporting overall health by reducing oxidative stress and helping to prevent disease.

When you want those extra antioxidants, does that mean you have to sacrifice taste? Maybe. These smoothies tend to rate a bit lower on the taste side. But, no pain no gain!

Still, you don’t have to totally sacrifice taste to get those hardcore greens and antioxidants into a smoothie. We used some delicious fruits, especially berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, which are packed with antioxidants and powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanins, to flavor and naturally sweeten this smoothie. Just know that if you jam-pack your smoothie with greens and other healthy vegetables you are going to taste them. I say embrace the taste and enjoy all of the health benefits.

Consider This your Intro to Hardcore Smoothies

There are endless ways to make smoothies with loads of healthy ingredients. You can use this as a base and add in more ingredients as you build up a taste for hardcore healthy smoothies.

For more variety and inspiration, be sure to explore other antioxidant smoothie recipes and related recipes to discover new flavors and nutritional benefits.

Pineapple

We use pineapple because not only are they rich in antioxidants but specifically high in Vitamin C and the mineral Manganese. The enzymes in pineapple aid in digestion and help reduce inflammation. Pineapple promotes tissue healing and can also help reduce pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing pain and inflammation can help with arthritis, post-workout recovery, and many other issues related to inflammation.

Pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which supports digestion and helps promote satiety.

Blueberries

Blueberries are included in this smoothie because they taste good and they are a superfood. Wild blueberries, in particular, are especially high in antioxidants. They are believed to contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables. Plus, they help protect cholesterol from oxidating in your blood. One study found that in just one month adding blueberries to the daily diet improved blood clotting and blood vessel function.

Using fresh or frozen berries, including wild blueberries, can enhance the nutritional value and convenience of the smoothie. Frozen fruit is a great alternative when fresh berries are not available.

Kale

Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins A, B6, Folate, C, and K as well as providing a great source of the minerals calcium, potassium (although not as much as spinach), copper, and manganese. It is a member of the dark green leafy cruciferous vegetable family, which has certain anti-cancer properties. Kale is also great for eye health as it is a source of lutein and zeaxanthin as well.

Spinach

The health benefits of spinach are plentiful. It is rich in potassium and magnesium. According to an article published in Live Science, it is said to provide 893 mg of potassium per cup, which is more than a banana. Its also a great source of vitamin K, zinc, and phosphorus.

Of course, as Popeye knows, this cruciferous vegetable is also a great source of iron.

Chard

Like the other cruciferous vegetables, we included chard for its anti-cancer benefits. Chard is also a rich source of many vitamins and minerals. These vitamins include A, Folate, C, E, and K as well as the minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Iron. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure and improve bone density.

Hardcore Antioxidant Smoothie

• Author: Courtney Childers
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: 8-12 Oz 1x

Description

This smoothie has a refreshing green taste and is packed with antioxidants and nutrients to get your day off to a great start. As one of the popular antioxidant-rich smoothies, it offers numerous health benefits, and nutrition serving details are provided below.

Instructions

• Place all the ingredients in a blender. For a thicker texture, you can add ice along with the ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth, adjusting the amount of liquid as needed to achieve your desired consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

• For a creamy, high-protein addition, try plain Greek yogurt, Greek yogurt, or yogurt. For a dairy free option, use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
• Use almond milk as a liquid base for a dairy free version.
• Add almond butter, chia seeds, or hemp seeds for extra healthy fats and protein.
• For natural sweetness, add bananas. Use frozen bananas or frozen berries for a thicker texture and to help preserve powerful antioxidants.
• Add a pinch of black pepper if you include turmeric to enhance absorption of curcumin.
• Try green tea as a liquid base for an extra boost of antioxidants.
• This recipe is gluten free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Antioxidant smoothies like this can help support the immune system and protect the body from free radicals. The powerful antioxidants in these ingredients benefit our bodies by reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

For added nutrients and energy add your favorite protein powder to this smoothie to make it a meal replacement.

• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Smoothie
• Method: Chop and blend
• Cuisine: American

Print

© Photos/iStockPhoto

---

The information provided on Health Food Radar is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns.