How To: Superfood Smoothie + The Health Benefits

To make this easy peasy smoothie, you will need a few ingredients. Some are pretty standard, every day items, but there are a few extras that you can find at your local health food store.

To make this smoothie, you will need:

1 small banana

1/4 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup (or so) of unsweetened almond milk (I like the Silk brand)
1 tbsp almond butter

1/4 tsp spirulina/chlorella powder (you can buy a mix of the two at your health food store)

A shake of chia seeds (about 1 1/2 tsp)
A shake of hemp seeds (about 1 1/2 tsp)

Blend all ingredients in your blender until smooth. It should be relatively thick, but of course you can add almond milk (or your milk of choice) until you get the consistency you desire.

Now for the health benefits in this baby!

Banana: Contains tons of vitamins, such as vitamin B6, C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and may help regulate digestive health and stabilize blood sugar.

Blueberries: Antioxidant power houses! These little babies pack a big punch, including vitamin C and B6. Blueberries can help support heart health and include fiber, potassium, and folate.

Spinach: High in zinc, niacin, fiber, vitamins A, E, K, B6, and also high in protein, magnesium, and iron.

Almond milk: High in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. Almond milk also contains folate and vitamin E, which are great for skin health.

Almond butter: High in protein (and lower in fat than peanut butter), and high in GOOD fats. These are unsaturated fatty acids that aid in brain health, as well as skin health. Your hair, skin, and nails will thank you for adding this healthy fat into your diet.

Spirulina/Chlorella: Both are types of blue/green algae that are full of chlorophyll, which is the component that gives green veggies their deep green hue. Both are high in amino acids, beta carotene (hello, eye health), biotin, magnesium, and the range of B-complex vitamins. A little goes a long way, which is why you only need 1/4 teaspoon in your smoothie to reap the benefits.

Chia seeds: High in omega-3 fatty acids (more than salmon - what, what!), good source of protein and fibre.

Hemp seeds: Another great source of healthy fats, though hemp seeds have a ratio of 3:1 when it comes to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these help promote cardiovascular health. Hemp seeds are also known to naturally balance hormones and serve as a good source of protein.