Drinking smoothies in the morning is highly beneficial. Here is why !

Contributed by

Ms Aaliya Masoodi

Smoothies can make a very healthy breakfast. it’s all about the ingredients and keeping reasonable quantities. When following these parameters, it is okay to have a smoothie for breakfast every day. Healthy breakfast smoothies are quick and easy to make, and of course, they are tasty too. 

The following are five potential health benefits of drinking smoothies.

1. Improves consumption of fruits and vegetables:

Eating enough fruits and vegetables is crucial to good health. One to two or three cups a day of each can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of developing some types of cancers, lower the risk of developing diabetes, and reduce cardiovascular and stroke risk.

2. Improves fibre intake: 

Fibre helps the digestive system and may help reduce the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer. Some high fibre foods to add to smoothies include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, pears, apples, bananas, dark leafy green vegetables, chia seeds, sunflower kernels, ground flaxseed, and almond butter, to name just a few.

3. Can be a meal alternate: 

If one wants to reduce weight, smoothies made with healthy ingredients can replace a meal and provide essential nutrients. 

4. Can provide a nutritional balance of fats, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals:

The key to achieving nutritional balance in a smoothie is to use fruits and vegetables as the primary ingredients, enhanced with healthy fats in seeds, nuts or nut butter, and protein.

5. Helps manage food cravings:

One of the benefits of drinking smoothies for breakfast is that they can provide a source of energy and protein. Research studies have found that higher protein intake makes people feel fuller and reduces food cravings later in the day. Proteins are complex molecules that take longer to break down than carbohydrates, so they provide longer-lasting energy.

Protein also helps prevent muscle loss when losing weight on a calorie-restricted diet, making high-protein smoothies a great weight-loss food.   

My favourite is Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie. It may be the perfect solution. Prepare it fast while on the go (it only takes five minutes), or make it the night before and keep it ready in the refrigerator. It will give you the energy you need to make it through the day, and you can even bring it with you to the office.

Ingredients

2 bananas

1 cup skim milk

1 cup vanilla yoghurt (low fat)

1 cup oats

¼ cup peanut butter (natural)

1 tsp cinnamon

2-3 large scoops of ice (more to taste)

Directions

Place bananas, skim milk, and yoghurt in a blender. Blend.

Add oats, peanut butter, cinnamon, and ice. Blend until smooth.

You are ready to go!