Depending on type of fruit and result you want, there are different ways to prepare fruits for drinks. Here are some general rules for getting fruits ready for smoothies:
- Wash Fruits: Before you start to prepare fruits, make sure to wash them well get rid of any dirt or other debris.
- Peel and take out seeds: If fruit has thick skin, like an orange or pineapple, peel it and take out seeds, if any.
- Cut fruit: Remove any stems or leaves and cut fruit into chunks or slices.
- Freeze the fruits: Berries, for example, can be frozen to make drink thicker and creamier. You can also keep drink cold by freezing fruit before putting it in blender.
- Use ripe fruits: Use ripe fruits for best taste and most nutrients.
- Use frozen fruits: If you don’t have any fresh fruits use frozen fruits to make milkshakes.
- Use your imagination: You mix and match different fruits to make smoothie that is all your own.
- mix first: If you use ginger or turmeric, which have tough skins, mix them first before adding other ingredients.
By following these steps, you make sure that fruits are ready for smoothies and that smoothies are healthy, tasty and easy to make. Remembering a balanced smoothie should have fruits, veggies and source of protein and healthy fats, like yoghurt, nutt butter or chia seeds.
What fruits are used in smoothies?
Smoothie fruits are fruits combined with other things to make delicious, smooth drink. Some of fruits often used in smoothies are:
- Berries: Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and cherries are naturally sweet and have lot of antioxidants.
- Bananas: Bananas make drinks more creamy and naturally sweet. Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are found in them.
- Mango: Mango adds exotic taste and is good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and folate.
- Pineapple: Pineapple gives smoothies sweet and sour taste and it’s good source of vitamin C and manganese.
- Papaya: Papaya is full of vitamins A, C and folate and it gives drinks sweet, tropical taste.
- Kiwi: Kiwi gives drinks sweet and sour taste and it’s good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and folate.
- Melon: Watermelon and cantaloupe, which are both types of melon, give smoothies sweet, cooling taste and good source of water.
- Peaches and nectarines: Peaches and nectarines make smoothies taste sweet and juicy and are good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and protein.
- Apples: Apples are full of vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants and they give shakes sweet, crisp taste.
- Grapes: Grapes make smoothies taste sweet and juicy and they are good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Pears: Pears make smoothies taste sweet and juicy and they are good source of Vitamin C, fibre and vitamins.
- Lemons and limes: Lemons and limes give smoothies tangy taste and are a good source of Vitamin C.
- Oranges: Oranges make smoothies taste sweet and sour and they are good source of Vitamin C.
- Cranberries: Cranberries give smoothies sour and tangy taste and are good source of vitamins.
- Plums: Plums make smoothies taste sweet and juicy and they’re good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and vitamins.
These are just some fruits that used to make smoothies. There are many more choices, though. Your choice of fruits really depends on what you likes and what is available. Remember that a balanced smoothie should have fruits, veggies and a source of protein and healthy fats, like yoghurt, nut butter or chia seeds.
Smoothies are good for health
Smoothies can be good for health in many ways, including:
- More vitamins, minerals and antioxidants: Smoothies are easy way to get a lot of fruits and veggies in one serving. This help you get more of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you needed.
- Weight loss: Smoothies good way to lose weight if made with products high in nutrients and low in added sugars.
- Smoothies are easy to stomach because they are blended. This makes them good choice for people with digestive problems.
- More energy: The natural sugars and vitamins in fruits and veggies can give you energy without crash that comes with processed foods and added sugars.
- Better skin and hair: Vitamin C and antioxidants, found in fruits and veggies, can help keeep skin and hair healthy.
- Better hydration: Many smoothies have fluids like water, coconut water and almond milk which help body stay hydrated.
Smoothies are quick and easy to make and can change ingredients to meet your tastes and dietary needs.
Disadvantages of Smoothies
Smoothies good for you in many ways, but there are some things you might not like about them:
- A lot of added sugar: Some smoothies have lot of added sugar, especially if they have lot of fruit juice or sweets. This can make you gain weight and cause other health problems.
- Not enough protein: Smoothies made mostly of fruits and veggies might not have enough protein to help build and repair muscles. Adding Greek yoghurt or nut butter, are both high in protein, helps.
- Blending: Blending make it easier to digest fruits and veggies, but it also break down some fibre and nutrients.
- Risk of food contamination: If fruits and veggies aren’t washed properly or if equipment isn’t cleaned properly, there is risk of food contamination, which lead to food poisoning.
- Expensive: Some smoothie ingredients are expensive, especially if you use lot of organic fruit or special ingredients like superfood powders.
- Not chewing: Chewing is important part of processing, but people often drink smoothies without chewing them. This can make people eat too much and gain weight in bad way.
- Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to certain fruits and veggies that often used in smoothies.
- Not for everyone: Some people can’t have smoothies because they have health problems or dietary limits that don’t let them.
Conclusion
In the end, smoothies a healthy and easy choice for many people. They give lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and they also help you lose weight, digest food and have more energy. But it’s important to watch out for extra sugars and add protein-rich foods to make meal more balanced. Some people can’t have smoothies because they have medical conditions or dietary restrictions that don’t allow. Before making big changes to your diet, it’s always best to talk to health expert. To keep food from getting contaminated, it’s also important to make sure that items and tools used to make smoothies are clean and safe. Overall, smoothies can be great part of healthy diet if they are made with range of nutrient-dense ingredients and eaten in moderation.
