Are Smoothies Good For You?

Ever wonder if smoothies are good for you?

The answer may not be as simple as you think, according to Harvard University researcher Dr. Kathy McManus.

Here’s the thing. A lot of smoothies are made with high-calorie ingredients like whole milk, sugary syrups, and even ice cream.

However, if you struggle with eating enough fruits and vegetables, a smoothie with healthy ingredients can be an effective way to get more nutrients in your diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults consume:

• Fruit: 1.5 to 2 cups per day
• Vegetables: 2 to 3 cups per day

But most don’t even come close, according to the CDC. Only 10 percent of adults eat enough vegetables, and only 12 percent eat the minimum recommendation for fruit.

Make a ‘healthy’ smoothie

If you’re not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, a smoothie can be a quick and easy way to change that. Skip the high-calorie ingredients and stick with fresh and natural ingredients like:

• Spinach
• Banana
• Frozen berries
• Greek yogurt
• Pineapple
• Kale
• Peaches
• Cucumber

Pick your favorite ingredients. Toss them in a high-powered blender, and mix it up until smooth. To get the thickness and consistency you prefer, you can add things like low-fat milk, almond milk, water, or ice.

Research shows smoothies made with healthy ingredients (mainly fruits and vegetables), may help lower the risk for:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Certain types of cancer
• Heart disease
• Aid in hydration
• Improve nutrition

There is a downside to smoothies. Drinking fruits and vegetables in liquid form typically means you’ll feel hungry sooner than eating whole fruits and vegetables. But there’s an easy fix for that.

Looking for more ways to eat healthy?

Check out the complete list of Low-Sodium meals made with fresh ingredients and ready to eat in minutes. Pick your favorites made by our team of professional chefs. And we’ll do the rest.