The Best Smoothies to Boost Antioxidant Levels
It is said that we are what we eat and thinking of food as medicine is the first step to reduce your risk of illnesses in the most natural way possible. Of course there are other factors that are beyond our control, such as genetics, but a healthy nutrition is an excellent starting point. Smoothies are an absolutely delicious way to get more healing nutrients into your diet.
If you want to try incorporating more healthy foods, smoothies are the easiest way to do it. The fresh fruits, vegetables and super foods in smoothies have amazing benefits to increase energy and speed healing. Research shows people who consume more fruits and vegetables have decreased risk of developing certain diseases.
Every disease fighting smoothie should contain the following components:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a crucial element when it comes to boosting health. They are found mainly in fruits and vegetables.
Since the immune system plays such a critical role in fighting disease it’s important to nourish it properly. Antioxidants are crucial to a healthy well functioning immune system. You can find more information about antioxidants in my post about 9 amazing antioxidants for great health.
Raw cocoa is extremely rich in antioxidants which can reduce the incidence of several serious illnesses, such as heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
Berries are true super-foods that have medicinal qualities essential for our health and there are 5 important reasons you need to consume berries. You can also find more information about berries and how to transform your health with berries in my e-Book The Healing Berry Guide.
Vitamins
Ensuring your body has access to all the necessary vitamins is essential for fighting and preventing disease. Often, when we get sick, it usually means we are deficient in a certain vitamin. Reducing the risk for many diseases can be achieved when the body is nourished with adequate vitamins.
For example: vitamin B1 deficiency can cause brain damage and vitamin A deficiency can cause night vision problems.
Every ingredient in a good smoothie is loaded with vitamins. Vitamin C is of particular importance in boosting the immune system. The best source of vitamin C include guava, sweet red pepper (bell pepper), kiwifruit, oranges, grapefruit, tomato, strawberries and green pepper.
Minerals
Commercial agriculture practices deplete our soil of minerals. This has resulted in an epidemic of mineral and trace mineral deficiency. Minerals keep us strong, give us energy and balance hormones. Minerals are important building blocks for a healthy body.
Minerals like selenium found in Brazil nuts are an excellent addition to your daily smoothie.
Dark leafy greens are also a great source of magnesium. Over 300 different reactions in your body require the right amount of magnesium. It helps regulate your body temperature and rid the body of toxins. The list of health benefits is far too lengthy to detail in this posts but I’ve covered this subject in great detail in my post about the top signs you have magnesium deficiency.
Digestive Enzymes
Our bodies produce enzymes which help with digestion, and assimilation of nutrients. However we can also get enzyme from raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and oils.
For example: the enzyme bromelain which can be found in pineapple can be used to treat and prevent certain illnesses according to a research published in the journal Planta Medica.
Enzyme rich foods help to take a load off the demands of our bodies and also help to aid in digestion (you can find more information in my post about digestive detox smoothie).
Anti-inflammatory Components
Inflammation is a silent killer that attacks the brain, heart and immune system and can also increase the risk of coronary diseases, strokes and even cancer.
Dark leafy greens, berries, ginger and coconut oil are especially good for reducing inflammation in the body and are the main ingredients of my ultimate anti-inflammatory smoothie.
Disease Fighting Smoothies Recipes
Healing Chocolate Smoothie
This smoothie contains:
- Cocoa – has amazing health benefits, it is a very rich source of antioxidants which can reduce the incidence of several serious illnesses, such as heart disease, and type-2 diabetes.
- Berries – have strong anti inflammatory properties.
- Brazil nuts – contain the antioxidant selenium.
Ingredients
2 tsp raw cocoa powder
2 Brazil nuts
1 cup red grapes
2 cups (or large handfuls) of fresh baby spinach
1 cup frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
water
Blend all the ingredients for about 2 minutes and add water according to your desired consistency
Berry Ginger Health Bliss
This smoothie contains:
- Dark leafy greens – they are packed with antioxidants.
- Ginger – contains powerful anti-inflammatory substances called gingerols.
- Chia seeds – high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are responsible for metabolic processes that help fight inflammation. Chia seed is a true superfood that is also featured in my e-book about superfoods which is part of the Natural Health Revolution Program. This program will help you to achieve your health, nutrition or weight loss goals.
Ingredients:
1 cup berries of your choice (such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries)
1 compressed cup of leafy greens of your choice (such as kale, spinach)
2 inch (5 cm) piece of ginger
1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
1 teaspoon, or more, of fresh chia seeds
A little bit of honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten
Blend all the ingredients for about 2 minutes and add water according to your desired consistency
Golden Turmeric Health Miracle
This smoothie contains:
- Turmeric – anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory super spice.
- The coconut oil and the quercetin found in green tea and berries greatly enhance the absorption of turmeric in our bodies (you can find more information in this post)
Ingredients:
1 cup green tea
1 cup berries of your choice (such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon each of ground turmeric and ginger
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten
Blend all the ingredients for about 2 minutes and add water according to your desired consistency
Vita-mineral Super Smoothie
This smoothie contains:
- Spinach / kale – high in vitamin C
- Strawberries – contain antioxidants
- Banana – rich source of vitamins and minerals
- Coconut water – rich in natural vitamins, full of amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients
Ingredients:
1 cup spinach or kale
1/2 cup strawberries
1 banana
1 orange
water or coconut water
Place all ingredients in blend for about 2 minutes until smooth.
I wrote many other posts about smoothies and juices that can greatly enhance your health:
The Ultimate Liver Cleansing Super Detox Smoothie
How to Make Digestive Enzyme Detox Smoothie
The Ultimate Anti-inflammatory Smoothie
Super Anti Inflammatory Beet And Ginger Juice
How to Naturally Improve Your Eyesight With Juicing