While water is essential for hydration, sometimes your body craves an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients. There’s no more refreshing way to get them than with a colorful, flavor-packed smoothie. Triple-board certified nutrition expert, Fitness Hall of Famer, and author of four New York Times bestsellers, JJ Virgin, shares her expert tips on the best ingredients to add to the blender and the benefits they provide.
Avocado
Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber and a variety of vitamins and minerals that support heart health, improve digestion and enhance skin health. One great nutrient is glutathione, which supports your body’s natural detoxification process.
Creatine
This is a powerhouse supplement for women over 40. It supports muscle mass, brain health and energy levels. It helps combat age-related loss of muscle and bone density, and even boosts brain function. It’s a flavorless powder, so you won’t taste it in your smoothie, but you’ll definitely feel the difference.
Matcha Powder
This concentrated green tea powder is high in antioxidants, boosts your metabolism and provides calm, focused energy. Green tea is also well known for its weight loss benefits.
Electrolytes
For a hydration boost and a way to support energy and muscle function, electrolyte powders contain essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These help maintain energy levels during and after exercise, so this is great for a post-workout smoothie.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is packed with vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, which contribute to strong bones, healthy blood pressure and proper muscle function. It’s an easy option for smuggling in an extra serving of veggies in your day.
Cherries
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce muscle soreness and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. If you’re using frozen cherries, be sure there is no sugar added.
Reishi Mushroom Powder
Known for its immune-boosting and stress-reducing properties, this tastes best mixed with raw cacao powder, which also gives you the bonus benefits of antioxidants and relaxing magnesium.
Collagen Peptides Powder
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and it provides structure to hair, skin, nails, bones and connective tissues. The health of your skin, joints, bones and more are all important concerns as we age and through menopause, so a scoop of this flavorless powder is a great addition to your smoothie.
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