Green Smoothies: Which Greens to Use?
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Choosing Greens for Your Raw Smoothies
With so many greens to choose from, how do you know which ones to use in your smoothies? Some vegetables are very strong tasting and definitely not for beginners, but others will add a refreshing flavor or not even appear to change anything except the color.
The best way to learn which greens work best for you is to simply test them out, but this lens will give you some ideas as to which greens you should try first.
Get the Right Tools
Vita-Mix 1300 TurboBlend 4500
Amazon Price: $399.00 (as of 05/31/2012)
While this model might seem pricey, the fact is that it is well worth the money. You won't regret buying an appliance that will essentially last you for years, turning out amazing green smoothies for a long, long time.
Spinach
This is the absolute best leafy green to start out with if you are just getting into green smoothies. Spinach is packed with vitamins, yet doesn´t harbor a strong taste. Blended in with a few delicious fruits and berries, you won't even notice it is there!Baby spinach offers even less flavor. You can easily start off with a big handful of these leafy greens and move up to 2 or even 3 handfuls once you get used to the greenness of it all!
Lettuce
Most lettuce is not that great nutritionally. It is light green or even whitish in color, meaning that the amount of nutrients is lower than a darker green vegetable. However, lettuce still contains plenty of fiber and has relatively no taste, making it an excellent green to get started with in green smoothies. Did You Know?
Leafy greens contain folic acid, which is very important for women, particularly those who are pregnant. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
The folic acid in your greens may also help prevent cancer and is useful in keeping blood pressure down and strokes at bay.
Parsley
Not just for garnishes, parsley offers a truly refreshing flavor when incorporated into green smoothies. If you are looking for something a little different, then a big bunch of parsley could be just what the doctor ordered.Parsley serves as a breath freshener, as well as a regular old herb and can be mixed with fruit or with more savory vegetables in a smoothie. Many raw foodists enjoy parsley as the base of raw soups. In fact, of all the herbs, parsley is the one used most often!
There are two main types of parsley, flat leafed and curly. The curly version tends to have a stronger flavor, so you may wish to start out with the flat leafed kind in the beginning.
Green Smoothie Recipes
Green Smoothie Revolution: The Radical Leap Towards Natural Health
Amazon Price: $7.91 (as of 05/31/2012)
If you are serious about getting into green smoothies, then you will need some recipes and ideas to get you started. This book offers everything you need to know in order to really live the green smoothie lifestyle.
Did You Know?
Leafy greens are a great way to get extra calcium and add fiber to your diet. In fact, those suffering from intestinal issues have found that green smoothies help immensely. Blended greens work best as fiber because they are already "pre-digested".
Kale
Kale is actually a form of cabbage and tends to taste fairly strong. You may want to begin with just a leaf or two in your smoothie until you get used to it.That being said, kale is an excellent source of Vitamin K and a number of other beneficial vitamins and minerals. It comes in a variety of types and colors and can really add a kick to your morning routine! Freezing kale will give it a sweeter, mellower taste.
Chard
This is probably one of the strongest tasting leafy greens. It tends to be fairly bitter and can really change the flavor of your green smoothie. That being said, this is a very beneficial green to have on your side! Since it is darker green than most others, you are getting extra everything!It can take a little experimentation before you find the right combination of foods to go with chard. I would suggest starting with just one large leaf and working your way up. It takes time to get your taste buds accustomed, as well.
Leafy Green Poll
Did You Know?
Vitamin K is a key ingredient in most leafy greens. The darker the vegetable, the more K it has.
What is Vitamin K good for?
- Regulating blood clotting
- Prevents osteoporosis
- Reduces calcium in the arteries
- Protects against arthritis
- May keep diabetes at bay
Additions to Your Green Smoothies
Now Foods Spirulina Powder, 4-Pounds
Amazon Price: $63.15 (as of 05/31/2012)
Spirulina is an algae that grows in lakes and has been used as a food addition since the Aztecs. This miracle food includes all the essential amino acids, as well as a super high concentration of protein, up to 77% by dry weight.
Spirulina also contains plenty of vitamins, including C,D, and E, as well as a number of B vitamins. It is also a good source of calcium and contains several other minerals.
This green goodness is available in tablets, flakes and powders, with the powder being a nutritious addition to your green smoothies.
Frontier Herb Organic Kelp Powder ( 1x1lb)
Amazon Price: $6.93 (as of 06/01/2012)
Kelp is a type of seaweed that has been used for generations as a dietary supplement. It contains iodine and alkali, both important to health. It tends to have a slightly salty, ocean flavor that can add a refreshing change to your green smoothies.
Share Your Thoughts
Whether you hate green veggies or are a raw foodist, I'd love to hear your opinion, so go ahead and leave a comment below!
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termit_bronx
Nov 13, 2010 @ 6:02 pm | delete
- I love, love, LOVE them!! I drink them every day and my health is so good! I think they helped me to get rid of my back pain.
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BigGirlBlue
Apr 25, 2010 @ 2:01 pm | delete
- I love a green smoothie. I especially enjoy chard and kale which blend well with pears. Definitely blessed.
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bdkz
Jun 27, 2009 @ 4:56 pm | delete
- Mmmm...good!
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Jimmie
Jun 26, 2009 @ 12:46 am | delete
- Very, very helpful info. I think I'll try sneaking in a leaf or two for the next smoothie.
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