What are the healthiest drinks to get from a smoothie shop?
According to a 2011 survey by Beverage Marketing Corporation, smoothies only make up approximately 5% of all drinks consumed, but generate nearly $5.6 billion annually, in the U.S. alone. Given how few drinks per year Americans typically consume, what happens if you cut out a few of the unhealthy ones? The new research indicates that the healthiest smoothies contain healthy ingredients, such as spinach, which is rich in iron, as well as protein and probiotics, which can make the smoothies more filling. The juices with the healthiest ingredients are made from fruits, such as blueberries, pomegranates and strawberries. Those with the healthiest nutrition content, as measured by glycemic index, are made with organic coconut milk.
Katherine Luehrs, PhD, RD, is an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine and a former staff nutritionist at the Ronald O. Perelman Centers for Science in the Interest of Living, New York, NY.
At a glance:
Carbs, Fat, Protein, Proteins, Fiber, Sugars, Sodium, Calcium, Potassium, Folate, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D
Spinach, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Oranges, Avocado, Pecans, Walnuts
Compared to your daily diet: Calories, carbohydrates, protein, saturated fat, calories, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin E, calcium
Spinach, Avocado, Pomegranates, Coconut Milk, Pecans, Walnuts
How much fiber?
Less than 5 grams of fiber per serving, which is about 8 medium sized cucumbers, or about 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach
What are the healthiest dairy and dairy alternatives?
Contrary to common dairy myths, it is not only dairy that affects how our gut microbes interact with our body, but some varieties of milk, such as milk from organic, grass fed cows, may actually have the most impact. People who consume dairy are most likely to notice changes in the bacteria they are exposed to. Some of the key gut bacteria that are changed are the bacteroidetes, which encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria, as well as short-chain fatty acids, which can improve digestive health. Other dairy ingredients, such as coconut milk, coconut cream and yogurt, may be higher in saturated fats, and potentially promote heart disease.
Healthy foods, such as coconut milk, may also have health benefits, as long as they are consumed in moderation. Those who consume dairy products in moderation generally find it helpful to consume their dairy from natural foods and add their own natural ingredients to balance the nutrients.
Healthy dairy alternatives include:
Hemp milk
Coconut milk
Hemp milk
Coconut cream
Raw milk
Organic almond milk
Organic soy milk
Yogurt
Natural grass fed cows
Whole eggs
Sweet coconut milk
Fruit smoothies
Other foods, including fruits, yogurt and proteins, are healthy, but some people don't consume enough of these ingredients, or in the right quantities. People who choose to eat a variety of foods in their diet tend to obtain most of their nutrient needs in their diet, even if they consume the healthiest foods from a smoothie shop. Some of the less healthy items, such as candy, ice cream, fruit juice and soft drinks, may still be better for you than a smoothie. But. Some of the key gut bacteria that are changed are the bacteroidetes, which encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria, as well as short-chain fatty acids, which can improve digestive health. Other dairy ingredients, such as coconut milk, coconut cream and yogurt, may be higher in saturated fats, and potentially promote heart disease.
Healthy foods, such as coconut milk, may also have health benefits, as long as they are consumed in moderation. Those who consume dairy products in moderation generally find it helpful to consume their dairy from natural foods and add their own natural ingredients to balance the nutrients.
Healthy dairy alternatives include:
Hemp milk
Coconut milk
Hemp milk
Coconut cream
Raw milk
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