Green smoothies are the order of the day and it is not surprising that more and more people, athletes or not, join the trend of green smoothies.
What are green smoothies
The first clarification is that, although it is called green smoothie, it does not necessarily imply that the smoothie is green, but rather that it is based on vegetables and its main component is green leafy vegetables . It can be pink, red, purple, orange, etc., depending on the pigments of the food, fruits or vegetables that it incorporates .
Green leaves are considered superfoods or superfoods , since there are many benefits derived from their consumption . They have alkaline properties, hardly provide calories and contain many phytonutrients, such as chlorophyll.
They are also easily digestible and combine perfectly with other types of food.
How do you make it?
The green smoothies are delicious, they admit infinite variations according to your tastes, needs and seasonality of the ingredients . Depending on the composition we choose, they will have different nutrients, properties, flavors and textures: more or less protein or cleansing, more liquid and light or thicker.
When can I take them?
Green smoothies are really versatile, they can be taken for breakfast , between the hours of mid-morning or snack , or as a post-workout to replace fluids, hydrates and proteins.
In some cases, and depending on their composition, they can even be a complete meal on time. With personalized advice, they can be prescribed for a full day combined with infusions, broths or vegetable juices as a purification or digestive rest.
Green smoothie ingredients:
To our smoothie we will add the following ingredients:
1 banana
2 good handfuls of spinach leaves
1 teaspoon of spirulina powder
A glass of almond milk
A pinch of unrefined (or Himalayan) sea salt or a splash of sea water
Banana :
Banana is rich in vitamins B6 and C, folic acid, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
Despite being a fruit, it is starchy, so it will provide satiety and slow-burning carbohydrates. Being very energetic, it is ideal for children and athletes, and to give vitality. Regulates intestinal problems, is a natural antacid, and reduces muscle cramps.
It brings creaminess and delicious sweetness to smoothies.
Spirulina :
Spirulina is a microalgae consumed since ancient times for its many properties and to treat ailments.
Considered a superfood, it has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, chlorophyll, it has the 8 essential amino acids (so it has a complete protein, of high biological value), all the fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins (A, from group B, D, E and K) and minerals such as iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, and sulfur. Thanks to its mucilage it has a satiating effect.
Therefore, it is ideal for weight control, to gain or replace muscle mass and is a top food for athletes .
Unrefined salt or sea water
Both options are perfect and very therapeutic and will provide numerous minerals and trace elements, essential for our body in small amounts , in addition to reinforcing the alkalinity of the shake and giving it a little touch of contrast.