Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1 small very ripe banana
- ½ cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
- Combine spinach, almond milk, banana, frozen mango, frozen pineapple and chia seeds in a blender
- Process until smooth, about 1 minute
- Pour into a large glass and serve immediately
Nutrition Information
Spinach is a tender green with numerous health benefits. It is a source of folate, which is important for heart health, but also important to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. Spinach is a source of plant-based iron, called non-heme iron, which is absorbed better when you pair it with a vitamin C source, like pineapple.
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which is necessary for optimal immune function and great for skin health. It also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to lower inflammation and may help relieve bloating.
Bananas are a staple fruit that is inexpensive and accessible. Bananas are touted for their potassium content, which is useful in helping to remove excess sodium from the body; this can help maintain good blood pressure. The starches in bananas convert to sugar as they ripen, so using a ripe banana can help you reduce the need for added sugar in your dishes.
Chia seeds help thicken this smoothie. When chia seeds are exposed to liquid, they expand to a gel-like substance. This expansion can help keep you full. They also contain fiber and protein to aid in satiety.
Garnish: add blueberries or any other fruit you have that is ripe
