Although some smoothies may be sugar-laden, many smoothie powders and nearly all smoothies made with real fruits and vegetables (especially colorful ones) have great micronutrient, phytonutrient, & polyphenols benefits.
Research Findings on Micronutrient and Polyphenol Benefits in Smoothies
4) Persia et al (2022) found that their “Once-Daily Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Smoothie” significantly lowered C-Reactive Protein (CRP, an inflammatory marker) and raised plasma levels of beta-carotene in 7 days.
The LIFE smoothie consisted of:
- 8 oz of dark green leafy vegetables (e.g.,, spinach, baby bok choy, or baby kale).
- 2.25 cups of blueberries.
- 1 banana.
- 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed.
- ½ cup of soy milk (plain or vanilla) or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
- ½ cup of water.
Lower CRP is associated with reduced risk of inflammatory conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- COVID-19
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Chronic kidney disease and injury
- Nonallergic asthma
- COPD
- Hypertension
- All-cause mortality
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