Smoothies are my favorite way to pack in all the nutrients I can. Mainly, my go-to is chocolate peanut butter + banana, but I will usually try to sneak in something better than just that… whether a tbs of chia seeds or some flaxseed oil – and sometimes, spinach! I thought I’d share six of my favorite smoothie superfood add-ins with the health benefits that stick out to me. There’s plenty more, too. Research research research!
1 // Cacao Powder
This is my favorite superfood of all time. I mean, it’s a healthy chocolate… why wouldn’t it be? I prefer powder to nibs, but both are great smoothie additions.
- Packed with antioxidants
- Great source of iron
- Natural mood elevator
- Can help balance hormonal mood swings
- High concentration of magnesium
RECIPE // Acai + Cacao Antioxidant Smoothie or Banana Split Smoothie
2 // Maca Root
The taste of maca powder took me a bit to warm up to – it has an earthy/nutty caramel flavor, and it is pretty strong. Below, you’ll find a recipe for beginners that I enjoyed to help mask the taste and get used to it.
- May help decrease menopause symptoms
- An aphrodisiac and libido-booster
- A fertility enhancer
- Mood balancer
- Energy enhancer
RECIPE // Maca Root Smoothie for Beginners
3 // Chia Seeds
These little seeds pack quite the punch.
- Packed with antioxidants
- High in protein for such a small amount
- Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Promote bone health
- Provide sustainable energy
RECIPE // Raspberry Almond Smoothie
4 // Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is the perfect superfood to add when you don’t want any additional “taste” to your smoothie. It is pretty much non-detectable.
- Natural laxative
- Creates EPA and eventually DHA through ALA (good for pregnant vegan mamas)
- May support weight loss efforts
- May help reduce cholesterol
- Promotes healthy, radiant skin
RECIPE // Pineapple Citrus Smoothie
5 // Spinach
My favorite green to add to smoothies – spinach may change the color of your smoothie but you can barely taste it. I promise.
- Improves eyesight
- Strengthens muscles
- Great source of vitamin K and calcium
- Boosts metabolism
- Great source of folate to promote fetal development
RECIPE // Green Goddess Smoothie
6 // Acai
Gorgeous in color and tastes great. You can grab acai packs at your local Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
- Loaded with antioxidants for heart health
- Improves cellular health
- Boosts immune system
- Anti-aging effects
- Improves mental function
RECIPE // Acai Berry + Grapefruit Smoothie
A couple runner-ups: dates, coconut oil, and avocados. Dates for energy, coconut oil and avocados for all the healthy fats I need.
Do you have a favorite superfood add-in? There are so many great ingredients out there. The only one that I really wish I could do but just can’t is spirulina. It looks gorgeous and sounds fantastic on paper, but I just can’t get by the smell and taste. Even before I was vegan, I never ate seafood. As much as I would try, I just couldn’t get by the taste. I feel like spirulina is the “seafood” of the vegan world and I just can’t do it. I wish!
Well, I hope you enjoyed this countdown and feel inspired to power up your usual smoothie. I’m totally craving a smoothie now, so I guess I’ll go do that. Haha! xx bianca
