Green Beastie Smoothie: A Nutrient-Dense Powerhouse
Long gone are the days when green smoothies were a delicacy for the super health-conscious. Now, even burger and pizza lovers know the benefits of getting a nutrient-packed dose of blended fruits and veggies during the day, and in addition to the smoothie bars that populate nearly every corner in America, more and more people are mixing up their favorite blends right at home. That includes this green beastie smoothie.
The ingredients in this green beastie smoothie have been specifically chosen to provide a substantial amount of important vitamins and minerals, and this recipe also contains a considerable amount of antioxidants and polyphenols.
The best part? This green beastie smoothie is also refreshingly delicious.
Key ingredients
This green beastie smoothie is high in vitamin K and vitamin C. Vitamin K helps the body in numerous ways, including supporting heart health, improving bone density, improving brain function, maintaining teeth and gums, and more.
Meanwhile, vitamin C is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues.
Additionally, this smoothie is high in the iron that is vital for muscle health and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. In fact, a deficiency of iron can cause you to become tired and fatigued.
The last highlight of this smoothie is its polyphenol and antioxidant content, courtesy of the cocoa powder and spirulina it contains.
Avocado
The avocado provides healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels.
It is also a fantastic source of fiber. This is important because fiber is an essential macronutrient that helps regulate blood sugar and keep your digestive system healthy.
The majority of us do not eat enough fiber, but this smoothie will get you well on your way to meeting your daily fiber needs.
Additionally, avocado is high in potassium, magnesium and folate, which support cardiovascular health, digestive regularity and cellular repair. Avocados also contain powerful antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that promote eye health and may reduce inflammation in the body.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder has one of the highest concentrations of polyphenols of all foods, and these antioxidants help the body deal with oxidative stress. It is rich in flavonoids, especially epicatechin, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that support heart and brain health.
It also provides minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc, which are essential for energy production, immune function and mood regulation. Despite being low in sugar, cocoa powder delivers a deep chocolate flavor while supporting healthy blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
Spinach
Spinach is a low-calorie leafy green packed with vitamins A, C and K, as well as folate, iron and calcium. Its high antioxidant content, including lutein and beta-carotene, supports eye health and reduces inflammation.
Spinach is also a good source of plant-based nitrates, which may help improve blood pressure and athletic performance by enhancing circulation.
Mango
Mango is a tropical fruit that offers a rich supply of vitamin C and vitamin A (from beta-carotene), both of which boost immune function and promote healthy skin and vision. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber and contains digestive enzymes like amylases, which aid in breaking down carbohydrates and improving digestion.
Additionally, mango provides small amounts of potassium and polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that serves as a concentrated source of complete protein, containing all essential amino acids. It’s exceptionally rich in B vitamins, iron, copper and powerful antioxidants like phycocyanin, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Spirulina is also known for supporting immune function and may help remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body.
How to make a green beastie smoothie
Like the best healthy smoothies, a green beastie smoothie is super easy to make. Simply add all of the ingredients to your blender of choice, and process until smooth. (The amount of time necessary will vary depending on the blender you use.)
A couple notes: Be sure to wash the spinach before blending in order to avoid any potential contaminants. Better yet, buy organic, and just give it a quick rinse to leave some of the beneficial microbes from the soil intact.
As you blend, you’ll notice that the avocado and mango give the smoothie a rich thickness and form a mousse-like texture. If you want a thinner result, feel free to add more water or swap the water for your favorite milk or milk substitute. I personally really enjoy this smoothie with coconut milk.
More healthy smoothie recipes
If you enjoy this green beastie smoothie and are looking for healthy smoothies to try, here are some to check out:
- Gut-Healing Smoothie
- Mango Lime Smoothie
- Detox Smoothie
- Omega Blueberry Smoothie
- Refreshing Pineapple Smoothie with Cilantro
- Keto Smoothie with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie
- Hydrating Watermelon Smoothie with Strawberries and Banana
- Bone Broth Protein Mocha Fudge Smoothie
- Raspberry Smoothie
- Brain Boosting Smoothie
Green Beastie Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The ingredients in this green beastie smoothie have been specifically chosen to provide a substantial amount of important vitamins and minerals, and it also contains a considerable amount of antioxidants and polyphenols. The best part? It is also refreshingly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups spinach
- 1 cup mango
- 1 cup avocado
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon spirulina
- ½ cup water
- handful of ice
Instructions
- Place ingredients into a high-powered blender and mix.
Notes
- If you want a thinner result, feel free to add more water or swap the water for your favorite milk or milk substitute, such as coconut milk.
- You can easily customize this smoothie to include different fruits and vegetables.
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 483g
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 23.8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 23.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40.7g
- Fiber: 14.3g
- Protein: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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