The popularity of greens drinks, or “juices” as they are commonly called, continues to grow in 2016 as awareness spreads about the extensive list of benefits they offer. Their popularity is evidenced by more and more greens smoothie store fronts opening, a trend that continues to gain traction, especially on the west coast. Greens drinks, not to be confused with green drinks supplements, (pills or powdered base greens formula) serve as a convenient way to consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods in a single glass.
PLEASE NOTE: There is value in consuming a greens drink supplement, in fact, I use one daily, but if we aspire to get the absolute most nutritional benefit from our greens drink, it is ideal to blend fresh greens from home. Green veggies are exploding with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients native to plants, that do all kinds of fun stuff that promote optimal levels of health, wellness, and making sure our bodies operate and function at their very best! Without getting too crazy scientific and boring everyone to death with a bunch of biology jargon, I want to share with you some things I feel like are good to know about the topic.
Green Veggies are Dense in Vital Minerals
Remember this, the darker and leafier the green vegetable, the better it is for you! Broccoli, kale, collard greens, lettuce, spinach, arugula, wheatgrass, and collard greens should all be included in a green drink. These veggies are high in minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These are the minerals which we know better as electrolytes and are vital to our health and survival. The efficiency of transportation of nutrients and waste in and out of cells is dictated by their presence, or lack of as it were.
High in Antioxidant Vitamins
Kale, spinach, and salad greens are good sources of vitamins A, C, and E. These antioxidant categorized vitamins do all of the following:
• Regulate & improve immune function
• Aid in the protection of cells from damaging free radicals.
• Help the body convert food to energy. (Due to B-vitamins present)
• Anti-inflammatory benefits & assist in blood clotting.
•Reduces the risk of cancer.
Arugula, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and collard greens all contain carotenoids, which has been shown to fight cancer.
Supports Weight Loss
Greens are ideal anyone looking to lose fat because of they’re high in fiber, low in calories and carbs, and will help satiate. (Keep you full). Fiber intake is super important as it helps regulate and improve the digestive process and moves waste more efficiently through and out of the body. Improved effectiveness of this process will promote enhanced bowel health, which assists significantly in maintaining a healthy body weight. These advantages can be particularly important for those with type 2 diabetes. Don’t be that guy/girl who gets caught up focusing solely on how much protein and carbohydrates you’re taking in daily, and neglect your greens, which FYI are of equal importance when it comes to looking and feeling our very best at all times. Make sure you’re getting in at least 3 servings of veggies a day, and try and make one of them an actual greens smoothie!
Cheers to looking better naked and living for a long time!
You can check out some of my personal favorite, easy to make smoothie recipes here!
