Kale Smoothie

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

Kale may be a superfood, but you’ll want to drink this smoothie daily for its fantastic sweet flavors and natural energy boost — the nutrient-dense kale is an added bonus.

Kale has been around for centuries; however, no one took notice until about 2012, as we sought healthier alternatives to all the junk food that surrounds us. Before kale, salads were mainly romaine, iceberg, and spinach leaves. Today, kale is a staple in many refrigerators, and rightly so. It’s rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Eating kale regularly is excellent for heart health, eye health, and weight management.

I was skeptical when the craze first began. Another leafy green to add to my diet? Thankfully, I gave it a try and have never looked back. Kale livens up my lunch salads and I feel good eating it. I have added more kale to my life with a morning smoothie. The following recipe has a sweet, nutty taste with ingredients like honey, pineapple, and peanut butter. I don’t realize I am drinking something healthy, which is a win in my book.

I’m not much of a breakfast person, so I need quick recipes. This kale smoothie is excellent any time of the day, but I enjoy it most after my morning workout. It’s just a fabulous start to my day, knowing I am doing something important for myself. The peanut butter is vital to the recipe since it helps to keep me full longer.

Another great smoothie is the green smoothie, which uses either kale or spinach. My kids enjoy a banana strawberry smoothie, and I often sneak a little kale or spinach into it. With so many yummy flavors, whichever kale smoothie you make, you won’t taste the green stuff hiding in there.

Is Kale Smoothie Healthy?

The kale smoothie is one of the best treats you can make for yourself and others. There’s no arguing its many health benefits. Plus, it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly (eaten in moderation due to the carbs), and an excellent choice for anyone trying to eat healthier. On top of that, peanut butter and yogurt are great sources of protein for muscle building.

Vegans needn’t shy away from this delicious smoothie. You can replace the plain Greek yogurt with a non-dairy, plant-sourced yogurt, such as almond or coconut.

Why honey instead of sugar?

Honey sweetens the deal wherever it goes, especially in a smoothie. In this smoothie recipe, honey is chosen not only for flavor but also for its health benefits. Compared to refined white sugar, honey has a lower glycemic index (meaning it won’t affect your blood sugar as much as other sugars do) and more vitamins and minerals.

Some people feel honey may help those who struggle with seasonal allergies. Eating local honey exposes us to local pollen and may eventually cause our bodies to build immunity to it (However, it’s debatable and not scientifically proven). So, whatever smoothie you make, grab a jar of local honey for sweetening rather than sugar.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups chopped kale leaves stems removed
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 frozen medium banana cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple pieces
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 1 to 3 teaspoons honey to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend

Add kale, almond milk, banana, yogurt, pineapple, peanut butter, and honey into a blender and combine.

Adjust

If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk until you get the perfect creamy texture.

Enjoy

Serve the smoothie immediately and savor the nutritious goodness.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

The kale smoothie is filling enough for a great breakfast, lunch, or snack. Still, it is also the perfect complement to other dishes. How about some fluffy pancakes with a side of kale smoothie? Or your favorite egg salad sandwich at lunchtime washed down with a nice cold, healthy smoothie?

I often drink mine on its own, but I do sometimes enjoy a plate of fried eggs and a kale smoothie as a reward for a workout or long morning walk. A few trail mix bites with a smoothie make a delicious afternoon pick-me-up when I have hit a slump.

Print

Kale Smoothie

Kale may be a superfood, but you'll want to drink this smoothie daily for its fantastic sweet flavors and natural energy boost — the nutrient-dense kale is an added bonus.

Course Breakfast, Smoothies

Cuisine American

Prep Time 4 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 417kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped kale leaves stems removed
• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 frozen medium banana cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple pieces
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 1 to 3 teaspoons honey to taste

Instructions

• Combine the kale, almond milk, banana, Greek yogurt, pineapple, peanut butter, and honey in a blender.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it to your liking.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Pour the smoothie into glasses and DEVOUR!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Nutrition

Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 507mg | Potassium: 1222mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 13488IU | Vitamin C: 155mg | Calcium: 644mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Kale Smoothie appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.

References:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is basil good for kidneys?

The answer is yes. Basil is an excellent food for kidney health. It contains potassium which helps reduce high blood pressure. It also contains vitamin K, which is essential for bone strength. As well as this, it is rich in antioxidants which help protect against heart disease.

Basil is great for digestion too. It contains digestive enzymes that break down protein and carbohydrates. This makes it easier to absorb nutrients from your meals.

Basil is a wonderful addition to any diet. Try sprinkling some over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or add little stir-fried vegetables, chicken, fish, meat, and tofu.

It's delicious in pesto sauce and fresh in salad dressings. You'll find many recipes online where you can learn how to cook with basil.

Try making basil oil by adding a few drops of pure olive oil to a jar filled with chopped basil leaves. Let it steep overnight, and then strain out the leaves. Use the oil as a massage oil or rub it onto your skin.

It will leave your skin soft and smooth.

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

What herb heals all wounds?

The answer to this question varies depending on the type and severity of the wound.

The herb comfrey (also known as knitbone) has long been used for its healing properties, particularly for skin injuries such as cuts and bruises.

Studies suggest that comfrey contains allantoin, which helps speed up healing. Other herbs commonly used for healing wounds include calendula, plantain, and yarrow. These herbs help to reduce inflammation, stop bleeding and speed up the skin's healing process.

In addition to herbs, honey has also been found to have powerful antimicrobial properties that can help prevent wound infection.

Herbs for wound care is an age-old practice that continues to be used today. However, herbs should not replace medical treatment, and always consult your doctor before using herbs for healing. With the right herbs, you can give your body the support it needs to heal naturally.

Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.

However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.

One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.

The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

Statistics

• The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
• For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

[TAG33]

• Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial


• Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB

[TAG36]

• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

[TAG39]

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

[TAG41]

• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.

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