Smoothies have become a popular and convenient way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. These blended concoctions are often marketed as a way to boost your health, provide sustained energy and help with weight loss.

But are smoothies really as healthy as we think they are?.

The Pros of Smoothies

Smoothies have many potential benefits:.

Getting More Nutrients

Smoothies are an easy way to pack in multiple servings of fruits and vegetables. Blend in some spinach or kale and you can easily meet your daily recommended intake of leafy greens.

Additionally, smoothies can be a good source of essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need, such as vitamin C, folate and potassium.

Ease of Digestion

Blending your fruits and vegetables can aid in digestion. When you blend your produce, it breaks down the fiber and cell walls allowing it to be easier for your body to absorb the nutrients.

Quick and Easy

Smoothies can be made quickly and easily, which means you can save time in the morning or during a busy day by throwing together a smoothie.

And with a little prep work, like slicing up fruits and vegetables and putting them in the freezer, you can have a healthy smoothie in no time.

The Cons of Smoothies

While smoothies have many potential benefits, they also have a few drawbacks:.

High in Sugar

Many store-bought smoothies and homemade smoothie recipes contain high sugar levels, which can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar imbalances. Be sure to look at the ingredients and sugar content before you drink your next smoothie.

Low in Fiber

When you drink a smoothie, you’re essentially drinking your fruits and vegetables, which means you may not get as much fiber as you would if you ate these foods in their whole form.

Fiber helps keep you full and satisfied, aids in digestion, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Missing Nutrients

When you blend a fruit or vegetable, it can change the structure of the food and reduce the amount of nutrients you get from it.

For example, juicing fruits and vegetables removes the fiber which takes away some of the nutrients in the fruit and veggies. So, while smoothies can provide nutrients, they may not provide as much as eating the fruits and vegetables in their whole form.

Making the Healthiest Smoothie Possible

Smoothies can be a healthy addition to your diet if done correctly. Here are some tips to make your smoothie as healthy as possible:.

Choose Whole Foods

Choose whole fruits and vegetables instead of juice or canned goods when possible. Whole fruits and vegetables provide more nutrients and fiber than processed foods.

Avoid Added Sugars

Choose fresh or frozen fruits to sweeten your smoothie instead of using added sugars like honey or coconut sugar. If you want a sweeter smoothie, add in a few dates or a banana.

Add Protein

Adding protein to your smoothie can help keep you full and satisfied. Protein sources can include Greek yogurt, silken tofu, nut butters, or protein powder.

Be Mindful of Portions

While it may be tempting to drink a huge smoothie in one sitting, be mindful of the portion size. Drinking too large of a smoothie can lead to blood sugar imbalances and weight gain. A good portion size to aim for is 8 to 12 ounces.

Conclusion

So, are smoothies really healthy? It depends on how you make them.

Smoothies can be an easy way to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, but they can also be high in sugar and low in fiber if you’re not mindful of what you’re adding to them. Use whole foods, avoid added sugars, add protein, be mindful of portions, and you can enjoy a healthy and delicious smoothie!.