Smoothy Slim
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

Are smoothies OK to drink everyday?

Include one or more sources of protein like yogurt, kefir or milk, as well as healthy fats from nuts, seeds or avocado. Both adults and children should consume smoothies no more than one portion per day.

bbcgoodfood.com - Are smoothies good for you? | BBC Good Food
Can you eat an apple on a detox?
Can you eat an apple on a detox?

Apart from being rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals, apples are also rich in phytochemical and pectin, which all help in detox. Pectin flushes...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 10, 2022
How can I lower my blood sugar and blood pressure naturally?
How can I lower my blood sugar and blood pressure naturally?

14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally Exercise regularly. ... Manage your carb intake. ... Eat more fiber. ... Drink water and stay...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 18, 2022
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Promotion

Quick to make and a useful strategy to tempt kids to eat more fruit and veg, it’s easy to see the appeal of smoothies. A blended puree of fruit and vegetables with a liquid base of juice, milk or yogurt, smoothies contain more fibre than the equivalent glass of juice.

What’s the problem with smoothies?

There are a number of benefits from consuming smoothies, they increase fibre intake, contribute towards our 5 a day, boost our vitamin C levels and may help with conditions like high blood pressure. However, when we blend or juice fruit, we’re breaking down the plant cell walls and exposing the natural sugars within. This effectively turns the sugars into ‘free sugars’, the type we are advised to cut back on. Free sugars may lead to dental decay, provide excess calories and cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. For these reasons it’s best to enjoy your smoothie with other food, ideally at mealtimes, and to limit the number of glasses you consume. Smoothies and juices only count as one of your five-a-day, regardless of the number of different fruit or vegetables used or the number of glasses you drink. Check out our handy infographic for guidance on what counts as 1 of your 5 a day.

Should children drink smoothies?

Water and milk are the best drinks for young children, but smoothies are an option and offer an opportunity for you to include foods that your child might otherwise not eat. They’re also useful for children who have a poor appetite, as well as teenagers who are always on-the-go. Unlike juices, smoothies retain the whole fruit, including the fibre, but don’t forget they are a source of ‘free’ sugars, which should make up no more than 5% of our energy (calorie) intake. Another thing to consider is that because we drink smoothies rather than eat them, we do tend to consume them more quickly. This means the sugars they contain may flood the bloodstream and, because no chewing is involved, the body doesn’t get the same messages that help us regulate how much we eat. For these reasons, what you use to make your smoothie is important – ideally choose a combo of vegetables, dairy or nut butters and some fruit. This will ensure your smoothie contributes vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre. As adults we often add protein powders and other supplements to our own smoothies; these should never be added to a child’s smoothie. It’s important to remember that whole fruit and vegetables should always be included as part of a balanced diet – this is especially important for young children who are learning to eat and are forming their own food preferences.

How much does Sprouts CEO make?
How much does Sprouts CEO make?

Compensation by Company Name And Title Total Compensation Jack L. Sinclair Chief Executive Officer Total Compensation $5,773,120 View details...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 4, 2019
What is the best fruit for gut health?
What is the best fruit for gut health?

Incorporating these fruits into your diet is a tasty and healthy way to keep your gut flora happy and thriving! Pears. As you may know, fibre plays...

Read More »
Last updated Dec 24, 2019
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Promotion

Is there a difference between homemade and shop-bought?

Many shop-bought smoothies are made from cheaper, more processed ingredients such as fruit purées and juices. These purées concentrate sugars whilst removing many of the nutritional benefits of the whole fruit such as the fibre, phyto-nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Some shop-bought smoothies are also sold in sizes larger than the recommended 150ml portion size and have added nutrients such as B vitamins as well as vitamins C and E. Homemade smoothies, on the other hand, contain all of the fibre and will be naturally vitamin-rich because they’re freshly made and ideally consumed straight away.

Should you use fresh or frozen fruit?

Studies suggest that certain nutrients, including vitamin C, are comparable and occasionally higher in fruit (and vegetables) that have been frozen at harvest, compared to their fresh equivalent. Although, beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, may reduce on freezing. That said, it will depend on the fruit or vegetable in question. Overall, whether you choose fresh or frozen produce for your smoothie, it doesn’t really matter. Both count towards your five-a-day and, if by using frozen produce, you’re increasing your daily intake, then that has to be a good thing. Frozen produce may also help keep weekly food bills down, allows you to enjoy out of season crops and are a useful stand-by when you can’t get to the shops.

More like this

What is a correct portion size?

The guidance for the majority of us is to limit our daily intake of smoothies and juices to one glass of 150ml. This contributes a maximum of one of our five-a-day. For a child, a smoothie portion will depend on their age and activity levels. A useful tip is to only use the amount of food a child would eat if the food was offered to them whole, rather than blended.

Which fruit is best for smoothies?

Using a combination of fruit with veggies will help keep the sugar content of your homemade smoothie down. Lower sugar fruits include berries, fruits with stones such as peaches, apricots and plums, as well as citrus fruits, kiwi and avocado. These may be combined with vegetables including leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as celery, cucumber and beetroot.

How do you get rid of belly overhang?
How do you get rid of belly overhang?

To lose stomach overhang you have to burn fat cells in both the fat you can see directly under the skin and also the more dangerous fat that you...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 19, 2021
What fruit is good when you're sick?
What fruit is good when you're sick?

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain high levels of flavonoids and vitamin C. These decrease inflammation and boost...

Read More »
Last updated Jul 4, 2018
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days
Strange purple cocktail removes 2.7lbs every 4 days

Contains a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
Promotion

How often should you drink smoothies?

Smoothies may form part of a balanced diet, but be sure to focus on lower sugar fruits, emphasising fresh or frozen produce. Include one or more sources of protein like yogurt, kefir or milk, as well as healthy fats from nuts, seeds or avocado. Both adults and children should consume smoothies no more than one portion per day.

You may also be interested in:

Should I still drink fruit juice?

The best smoothies for kids

How to keep children’s teeth safe

How do fizzy drinks affect your health?

This article was reviewed on 4th November 2021 by Registered Nutritionist Kerry Torrens. Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a postgraduate diploma in personalised nutrition & nutritional therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our terms and conditions for more information.

bbcgoodfood.com - Are smoothies good for you? | BBC Good Food
What is the best breakfast for fatty liver?
What is the best breakfast for fatty liver?

Whole-grain, fiber-rich foods like oatmeal are associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD-related diseases. Studies have shown that a nutritious diet...

Read More »
Last updated May 8, 2018
How do you remove pimples and dark spots naturally and permanently?
How do you remove pimples and dark spots naturally and permanently?

Read more to know a few remedies to get rid of dark spots / Dark Spots and to make your skin smooth and soft. Drink Plenty Of Water. Drinking...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 5, 2020
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
Promotion
What do Koreans use to wash their face?
What do Koreans use to wash their face?

In Korea, oil-based cleanses were first used to remove face powders from the skin or to smooth them on. Rice water was then applied to the face to...

Read More »
Last updated Oct 2, 2019
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »
Promotion
What alcohol doesn't give you a belly?
What alcohol doesn't give you a belly?

You can't go wrong if you choose from the following: liquor, red or white wine (the drier the better), Champagne, or light beer. Anything with a B-...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 12, 2019