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leafy greens
Is it okay to add raw leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard) to a smoothie? I remember reading somewhere that some greens need to be cooked in order to get the full nutritional value. Is this true? I am a big fan of green smoothies and like to experiment.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Frances Worster on -
Some veggies supposedly release their nutrients with light steaming, but I've never heard specifics. With a vitamix blender, the cellulose is really broken down and therefore we can digest greens to a greater degree, otherwise it'll just pass through the system. Spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard - these are GREAT greens! Smoothie on!
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Permalink Reply by Vega Kelly on -
Absolutely! Add any of the greens you mentioned to a smoothie and start testing to find your fave. Raw greens are actually more nutritioious as cooking destroys enzymes and nutrients that allow food to be efficiently digested. Because of their chlorophyll content, greens are also an excellent way to help alkalize the body, which reduces inflammation and helps maintain bone health. Let us know what your favorite recipe is!
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Permalink Reply by Aaron Gardner on -
greens are also 50% protein by weight in amino acid form so they are assimilated much faster and require much less energy than concentrated forms or protein.
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Permalink Reply by Rebecca Maloney on -
I make green smoothies whenever I have the chance... I feel a huge boost of energy after I drink one!
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Permalink Reply by Anndrea on -
I've heard about cooking greens in order to receive the full nutrient benefit. I personally do not believe that. I can feel a difference in my body when it comes to cooked vs raw greens. I am not 100% raw but love my greens raw.
One of my favorite green smoothies is spinach (fill your blender half way) 2 frozen peaches, 1 frozen banana, and almond milk. Add some ice if you like a thicker consistency.
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Permalink Reply by David Adcock on -
Oh yeah it is ok do put greens in a smoothie. I find baby spinach, about a hand full will do into my post workout smoothie. Banana will totally mask the spinach and you won't even know its there. Kale I find to be a bit too strong to mask and it doesn't blend as well as the spinach does. you can also juice some greens and use that instead of water, I would just advise adding agave nectar to sweeten it up a bit. Hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by Frances Worster on
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I find ripe bananas and/or oranges are great for masking strong-tasting greens
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Permalink Reply by Frances Worster on
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P.S. I'm hearing that cruciferous greens are bad for the thyroid - that's like kale, chard, etc. Anyone know more about this?
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Permalink Reply by Frances Worster on
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okay, here's a video on exactly what I just asked...
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/the-real-effect-of-raw-cruciferous-v...
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Permalink Reply by Stelle Sepidoza on -
Has anyone tried using Romaine lettuce in their smoothie?? It's all i have in my fridge lol!
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Permalink Reply by Brian Harrington on -
Stelle Sepidoza said:Has anyone tried using Romaine lettuce in their smoothie?? It's all i have in my fridge lol!
There is a recipe in the thrive book i think.
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