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extra ingredients for green smoothies [part 6 of 8]


Robyn Openshaw - Feb 26, 2009 - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


Raw wheat germ

Raw wheat germ is extremely high in Vitamin E and the B vitamins, so this is a great ingredient for women with PMS or menopausal symptoms, and eating it prevents some birth defects, according to research.   It will help you achieve glossy hair, pretty skin, and strong nails.   It adds a nutty flavor and thickness to the smoothie, so you’ll want to add extra water when using this ingredient.   It’s a great way to add fiber to your diet to promote colonic peristalsis and avoid constipation .

However, raw wheat germ goes rancid very quickly.   Buy it in bulk at your health food store if you trust that the store has good product turnover and buys fresh product oven.   Taste it before using, and if it has an even slightly rancid taste, don’t use it.   Store it in the fridge for no more than a couple of weeks, preferably in an airtight container to slow oxidation.

Avocado

This adds extremely nutritious fats to your smoothie, which aids the body in utilizing the minerals in greens.   I highly recommend adding it to smoothies for babies and children, too, or anyone who might need to gain weight.   (It is not a food that will promote weight gain, but because of its high monounsaturated fat content, it is higher in calories than most green smoothie ingredients.)   Avocado is one of the most perfect first foods for a baby.   It’s extraordinarily high in lutein, a phytonutrient that promotes strong eyesight and retards degenerative conditions of the eye.   Other research shows that even short-term avocado consumption decreases total and LDL cholesterol.

Maca root

Maca is a very trendy product from the ancient Peruvian food, from a root related to turnips and radishes, because it has been linked by research to endocrine health and a healthy libido.   It is also said to improve energy levels throughout the day.   So the aphrodisiac is used in South America to boost performance in a variety of areas.

Posted in: Green Smoothies, Healthy Weight, Recipes, Whole Food

8 thoughts on “extra ingredients for green smoothies [part 6 of 8]”

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  1. I was just reading about psyllium husk powder. Do you ever use that ingredient in any of your recipes? I guess it is a key ingredient in Metamucil.

  2. http:// says:

    You’d gag if you put that in your green smoothie because it would make it so THICK.

    The only thing I use psyllium for is thickener for a pudding. (I used it in one or two dessert recipes in 12 Steps to Whole Foods.)

  3. I’ve been putting oat bran into my fruit smoothies occasionally. It’s really good, too. 🙂 I do enjoy adding wheat germ, as well.

    I will have to add avocado to my fruit smoothies and see how it tastes. Thank you! 🙂

  4. Anonymous says:

    I am just starting with the green smoothies, but I just can’t seem to drink one more than every other day. On the day I drink them, I do crave them, but the next day, I just cannot stomach one. Maybe I’m putting too much fruit in–I’m not sure, or is this something that happens when you first start? Maybe you have to build up a tolerance for all the greens?

    Tara

  5. http:// says:

    Ideas: start with a pint every day instead of a quart every other day. Also log the positive health changes you see, so that is what is driving your one-a-day habit rather than taste.

    Another idea: add water to thin your green smoothie?

    Some people do start out wanting green smoothies every few days and then have them more and more often . . . when they achieve massive benefits and realize they want daily nutrition rather than occasional nutrition.

    Maybe others will have some tips for you if they had that experience?

  6. Anonymous says:

    Thanks Robyn! I will keep at it! And I’ll try adding the water.

    Tara

  7. Anonymous says:

    have you ever gone off gluten before Robyn? –we are off it (currently testing my son for celiacs) and I feel SO much better (not that everyone would) Im just jelous–like was so much easier with my whole wheat flour!

    also–just wanted to say–I had decided that my dd first food would be avacado and she reacted to it with hives–I’m bummed- if she can’t have goat or cows milk when I stop nursing her (15 mo maybe?) what is another good alternative do you think? she is 9mo and has reacting to all food I’ve given her—I think I want to try coconut milk next–becuase that could be some fat she’s need once I stopped nursing–I’d love your opinions- allergies STINK!

  8. Anonymous says:

    Wow what a great idea with the avocado! Tried it out this morning and my green smoothie was better than ever. I’ve never liked bananas (unfortunately!) so I was missing something creamy in my green smoothie. Avocado is the solution. Thanks 🙂

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