In My Smoothie: 6 Favorite Superfoods

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