Here are eight of our favourite additions to spring / summer smoothies. Every one is just as nutritious as they are delicious!
1. Maca powder
What Maca powder is ground from the root of a South American plant.
Why Prized for its balancing effect on the endocrine system, maca supports hormone function and is especially useful for regulating women’s menstrual cycles. It’s also a great source of protein.
How Maca has a malty, caramel flavour so add a few teaspoons to banana and cacao smoothies.
Try it in this Banana, Date and Almond Milk Smoothie
2. LSA
What Ground linseeds (or flaxseeds, as we call them in Australia), sunflower seeds and almonds.
Why LSA is packed with protein, good fats and essential vitamins and minerals.
How Add a tablespoon or two to yoghurt based banana and mixed fruit smoothies.
3. Nut butter
What From peanut to macadamia and almond to cashew every nut has a butter these days!
Why Nut butters are a great source of good fats and protein.
How Add a tablespoon to smoothies, being careful to match flavours: we like peanut + cacao, mango + macadamia and coconut, almond + date, cashew + coconut and vanilla… and pretty much anything with banana!
4. Flaxseed and chia oil
What Flaxseed oil is pressed from flaxseeds, and chia from chia seeds (surprise!). They must be kept in the fridge to avoid oxidisation.
Why Flaxseed oil is prized for it’s high content of α-Linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). Chia oil also has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids balanced with omega-6.
How Never heat the oils or they will lose their potency. Drizzle half to a whole tablespoon into all kinds of smoothies. The taste can be a little overpowering if there’s too much so be judicious and use spices like vanilla and cinnamon to balance it.
5. Collagen
What Collagen is form of gelatin that will dissolve in liquids rather than gelling.
Why Collagen and gelatin are a fantastic source of protein and contain the suite of complementary amino acids. They’re anti-inflammatory and support bone and joint health.
How Collagen is neutral in flavour so add a tablespoon to all kinds of drinks- smoothies, juices, coffee, you name it!
Try it in this Mango Smoothie
6. Bee pollen
What Bee pollen is the tiny pellets of pollen gathered by bees.
Why It’s high in protein, contains all 22 amino acids and is loaded with beneficial enzymes to support digestion.
How Add 1 teaspoon to all kinds of smoothies, from berry based to banana varieties. It makes a very pretty garnish, too!
7. Protein powders
What Protein powders come in many forms, from whey and collagen to plant-based products derived from peas and rice.
Why Plant based protein powders supplement protein in vegetable based diets and are popular with athletes, who require large amounts of protein.
How There are lots of naturally flavoured protein powders, from vanilla (good with anything!) to cacao. Add as directed on the label.
8. Berry powders
What High quality maqui, acai and blended powders are made from freeze dried berries to preserve their goodness.
Why Berries are a very rich source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanin, which gives them their vibrant colour.
How Add a spoon to amp up berry smoothies- strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, mixed berry… you can’t go wrong!
Try it in this Raspberry Coconut Smoothie
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