6 Superfoods that Taste Amazing in Smoothies

Normal body functions such as breathing or physical activity and other lifestyle habits produce substances called free radicals that attack healthy cells. When healthy cells are weakened, the body is more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. This is where superfoods come in to be the hero and save the day.

Superfoods are foods that have high antioxidant powers. Antioxidants  prevent or delay some types of cell damage and are found in many foods — mostly fruits and vegetables. The amount of antioxidants in superfoods, and all foods, is measured as the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). This unit of measurement was developed by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health; the list of ORAC values can be found here. Most antioxidants are derivatives of carotenoids, and vitamins C and E. While all superfoods can be deliciously incorporated into numerous meals, here is a list of some that go great in your daily smoothies:

1. Dark Chocolate

No need to say more, right? Chocolatize your smoothie for your inner chocoholic by adding raw cacao powder or cacao nibs. Try matching tea with chocolate and you have yourself this Chai Chocolate Green Smoothie.

2. Berries

Think blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries! Berries contain the antioxidant vitamin C which offers protection from infection and damage to body cells. Vitamin C also protects the body from bruising too easily and helps in the absorption of iron and folate. Make a smoothie featuring one berry or mix and match. The berry-smoothie concoction combinations are endless. If you’re partial to raspberries, check out this raspberry protein shake!

3. Dark, Leafy Greens

Say hello to your favorite superfoods: spinach and kale! Their dark leafy greens are full of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. Carotenoids are especially effective in protecting against certain types of cancers, so bring on green smoothies galore. If you’re nervous about going green, check out this recipe for a beginner green smoothie and this guide for future green smoothie making!

4. Seeds and Nuts

Seeds and nuts such as flax seeds, chia seeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, all contain vitamin E. Vitamin E helps protect the body from cell damage that can lead to cancer, heart disease, and some detrimental effects from aging.  Try blending in flax seeds/powder or nut butter straight into the smoothie for a thickening effect. Or, sprinkle crushed nuts on top of your smoothie and dig in with a spoon, like a parfait!

If you’re new to the chia seed game, be sure to try this delicious chia, lucuma, coconut smoothie.

5. Baked Yams, Sweet Potatoes, or Pumpkin

These vibrant orange veggies come with their nutritional fill of carotenoids. They’re also great as a base or thickening agents for smoothies! Try swapping out the usual banana for one of these next time your blender is out. This pumpkin pie smoothie will be sure to make you feel festive any time of the year.

6. Spices

Spice up your smoothie for an extra health and flavor kick! Did you know that one teaspoon of ginger has a similar antioxidant level as one cup of spinach? Get creative and add ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg, or mesquite to your next smoothie!

Image Source: Banana Almond Butter Superfood Shake