4 Summer Smoothies oozing with Health and Yum!

Aug 19, 2022

Summer is here to stay for a while, so it's time to pop the blender out and whip up health smoothies that will help cool off as well as boost immunity, boost energy and improve focus!

FITAMINAT has put together 4 refreshing smoothie recipes that will not only keep you cool but also benefit you nutritionally. It is perfectly suitable for all the members of the family.

Benefits of Smoothies

According to the Dubai Household Health Survey (DHHS), a survey jointly carried out by DHA and Dubai Statistics Centre reported that amongst 5000 households in 2009, 59% of the population in the emirate do not consume sufficient quantities of fruits and vegetables.

Most adults need around 3 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit for optimum nutrition. Sometimes consuming a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables is tough in a busy lifestyle. If you feel that you sail in the same boat and find it difficult to consume fruits and vegetables as per your daily bodily needs, then smoothies are perfect for you.

The best way to whip up a smoothie is by yourself at home using fresh ingredients without any preservatives. Store-bought smoothies are usually high in sugar, and sodium and may contain preservatives. This increases the free radicals in the body, however, when smoothies are made at home using ingredients high in antioxidants, it may help in reducing the free radicals in the body.

Tips for Making Smoothies at Home

Its most delicious making smoothies at home, apart from being hygienically prepared, you can easily adjust the quantities of ingredients per your liking. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while making smoothies

Skip the Sugar and Add the Honey
Use frozen fruits and vegetables to make smoothies thick and creamy
Include fibers like chia seeds, rolled oats, etc
Avoid adding high protein powders to it

Now since we know the benefits of including a smoothie in your diet, here are 4 summer smoothies that will refresh you as well as nourish you

1. Very Berry Elderberry Smoothie

Feels like a blueberry pie smoothie, it can beat the taste of any very berry ice cream as well. Blueberries and elderberries are packed with antioxidants and are low in calories. Elderberries contain naturally occurring flavonoids which boost immunity. Manuka Honey has strong antibacterial properties and also boosts immunity, it also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

2 Cups Frozen Blueberries
1 Cup Greek Yogurt
⅓ Cups Unsweetened Almond Milk
2 Tsp WildCape Manuka Honey
2 Tsp Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp Sambucol Orginal Black Elderberry Syrup

Method

Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend.
Pour it into a glass and top it with a tsp of Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup

2. Green Boost Smoothie

This smoothie is best for people who are not too fond of eating vegetables and are missing out on all the goodies that the vegetable supply like vitamins and minerals.

Spinach is packed with iron and Banana is rich in potassium making this an excellent energy booster smoothie. The Manuka honey also contributes to boosting energy levels.

Ingredients

2 Cup Spinach
½ Carrot
1 Banana
⅓ Cup Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
2 Tsp WildCape Manuka Honey

Method

Rinse and keep the vegetables thoroughly and refrigerate overnight before blending them.
Mix all the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
Top it up with some honey.

3. Maca Mango Smoothie

This fruity smoothie is your sunshine in a glass! Refreshing as well as energy boosting. This smoothie is packed with ingredients that will rejuvenate your mood in an instant. You can also add peaches, and kiwis to this smoothie to make it to your liking.

Ingredients

½ Cup Frozen Chunks of Mango
1 Banana
½ Cup Frozen Strawberries
½ Cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1 Tbsp Kiva Organic Maca Powder
1 Cup Greek Yogurt

Method

Slice the bananas and blend all the ingredients together.
Pour the smoothie into a glass and top it off with mint leaves

4. Pina Colada Smoothie

This tropical smoothie is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy that can be enjoyed by the whole family, especially if you are chilling by the beach. Skip the lime juice if you want to reduce the tartiness and add a few extra teaspoons of coconut milk instead.