March 05, 2015
Try These 8 Best Greens For Smoothies
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Kale
When you think of the best greens for smoothies, kale just has to top the list. This superfood has only grown in popularity in recent years, and it's no surprise why. The taste of kale is not everyone's cup of tea, but you can't ignore the tremendous health benefits. Kale is chock-full of the most important nutrients, such as potassium, iron, protein, vitamins A, B6, and C, calcium, and even more. If you're worried about how your blender will manage the tough leaves, chop them up before throwing them in.
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Arugula
Arugula typically brings salads to mind, but it also happens to be one of the best greens for smoothies. You can easily use arugula to substitute for spinach in any type of smoothie. It's also nicely loaded with many of the nutrients you need for a healthy diet, including calcium, fiber, protein, and phytochemicals like beta-carotene!
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Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is one of our top picks for best greens for smoothies for a number of reasons. For one thing, it has soft leaves that won't cause problems with any blender. Not only are the leaves soft, but they also have a slightly salty taste to them, which is a good complement to the natural sweetness of the fruit. Not to be outdone, chard is also a good source of plenty of vitamins (A, C, and K), as well as calcium, iron, and even more.
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Broccoli
Broccoli is a classic green vegetable, but not often the first contender for a smoothie. Although the broccoli florets may present a challenge for some blenders, if you stick to one cup or less you shouldn't have a problem. Pair the slightly bitter broccoli with bold fruit flavors to even out the taste, and enjoy the nutritional benefits, which include plenty of fiber and vitamins C, A, and K.
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Celery
You often see celery paired with peanut butter, but did you ever think about using it in your smoothies? The unsung hero of greens, celery has a myriad of health benefits, including regulating your body's alkaline balance, reducing inflammation, and helping digestion. Did you know celery also has properties that help soothe your nervous system? If you're stressed out, throw some celery in your smoothie!
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Parsley
Although more commonly thought of as a garnish, parsley can do so much more for you than just make your fillet appear more appetizing. This powerful little herb is packed with iron and vitamins C, K, and A, as well as antioxidants. One thing to keep in mind about parsley is the pungent taste, so you should probably only use about one cup of it for your smoothies.
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Spinach
Spinach, classic and common that it is, nonetheless deserves a place on our list of the best greens for smoothies. Spinach is popular because it's always easy to find and has a refreshingly mild taste to its leaves. With a healthy dose of calcium, fiber, protein, and vitamins (A, B6, and C among them), spinach just can't be beat.
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Chinese Cabbage / Bok Choy
Turns out that Chinese cabbage, also known as bok choy and pak choi, can do a lot more for you than just fill out your stir-fries. If you want variety in the best greens for smoothies, bok choy is your best bet. Although it's bitter, the bitterness is all too easily counteracted by the fruit you include. One cup is only nine measly calories, but you get plenty of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K!
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