Today we are going to continue our morning ritual series by sharing with you a practice I can thank my mother-in-law for – the ever popular green smoothie! For me, the ritual started with a bang not long after she gifted us a Vitamix a couple of years ago.
As you may recall, our resident beauty food expert – Lizzy, shared with us her favourite green smoothie a few months back which you can find here. But today, I thought I would explore with you what this practice means for me, my body and primarily my skin.
So what are the benefits of a green smoothie for your skin?
As Lizzy noted, green smoothies are an easy way to add essential beauty nutrients such as antioxidants, good fats, vitamins and minerals that will “promote a healthy glow on the inside and out”. The base of a green smoothie is typically leafy greens, lemon and ginger which are important for alkalising and help balance out acid forming foods as well as support detoxification systems in the body. Anti-inflammatory foods like ginger help support wound healing, and when combined with lemon and turmeric are great support for the immune system.
However, like anything that becomes a very popular in the wellness sector, my somewhat skeptical mind likes to dig a little deeper to ensure I’m doing the best for me. So recently, I started to learn more about how you can make your green smoothies supportive for your body.
1. Steam your greens first:
Many greens, including the ever famous kale, contain self-protecting acids called Oxalates which are believed to inhibit vitamin and mineral absorption. A great post by Claire Murray featured on The Holistic Chef, suggests the best way to reduce the oxalates is to steam your greens first. This also means that your smoothie is a little warm, but never fear, it will go down much easier that way.
2. Keep your ratio of vegetables and greens at a 4:1 ratio to your fruit, cos sugar ain’t our friend ya’ll, better yet, eliminate the fruit altogether! Dare ya!
3. What am I loving in my smoothie and why?
- beetroot and the beet leaves = alkalising, liver support
- ginger = anti-inflammatory, aid digestion
- lemon = alkalising
- turmeric root = immune boosting, aids digestion
- spinach, swiss chard or kale = alkalising, nutrient rich
- celery = packed full of phytonutrients
- papaya = good digestive enzymes
- green booster such as chlorophyl = alkalising
- avocado or coconut oil = essential fats, moisturising and offsets dry and rough qualities of the veges, it is also suggested that fat aids in mineral and vitamin absorption
4. Lets mix it up a little? Extra tips and alternatives to green smoothies:
- The babes at ‘simple green smoothies’, suggest rotating your greens on a weekly basis to avoid toxic build (see our note above on our friend kale)
- Give your body a break now and again, listen to what your body needs – especially seasonally. In winter I opt for more ‘warming’ breakfasts such as quinoa porridge or a bone broth in lieu of raw foods to better support my immune system.
- Switch to a basic tonic if your digestion is a little compromised or better still, a warm water and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Make sure this is not your only food source or the only way you obtain your fruits and vegetables. It is easy to use a quick fix method for good health, so don’t discount the other ways of getting your fruits and vegetables.
Now you know what I think, I would love to hear your favourite green smoothie recipe? Have you got any tips or tricks to ensure we get the most out them?
