Heard about the juice and smoothie craze but not sure where to start? We’ve got the rundown and a few recipes to try.

We all know vegetables are packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, but sometimes a plateful of salad can be far from appetising.

It’s easier than ever to get your fix by hiding veggies in a tasty green smoothie. Balanced with the sweetness of fruit, smoothies and juices are a quick and easy way of upping nutrient intake without much trouble.

Juice v smoothie

While both juices and smoothies provide minerals and vitamins, smoothies (using a blender) maintain the fibre from the pulp of fruit and vegetables which is great for your digestive tract. The nutrients will be absorbed faster in juices however, and this can be a good way to give your systems a break from constant digestion.

For a health boost, add…

  • Ginger – helps the absorption of nutrients, quells nausea and is anti-inflammatory.
  • Kale – low calorie but high in fibre, kale is packed with iron, Vitamins K, A and C, and is filled with antioxidants.
  • Tumeric – a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric contains curcumin which helps with brain and heart health.
Kambrook Blitz2Go Active personal blender RRP$49.95.

Kambrook Blitz2Go Active personal blender RRP$49.95.

Blending tips

  • If the taste isn’t palatable add more fruit or Greek yoghurt to help mask the taste of vegetables.
  • Use water or almond milk to thin out a smoothie.
  • Freeze fruit and vegetables to be used in blending – they’ll last longer and help chill your smoothie.
  • Add protein powder to balance blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
  • Incorporate coconut oil to boost metabolism and reduce sugar cravings.

summer_fresh_p30_bottle

“Summer Fresh” juice recipe

Ingredients

2 sprigs of basil
2 sprigs of mint
2 handfuls of English spinach
½ cucumber
½ lemon
½ lime
A thumb of ginger

Method

Juice all ingredients. Add a red apple if too sour.

This is an extract from Green Smoothies by Fern Green, published by Hachette Australia, RRP $14.99.

Banaban Gourmet Organic Virgin Coconut Oil RRP$16.50 for 500ml.

Banaban Gourmet Organic Virgin Coconut Oil RRP$16.50 for 500ml.

Banaban “Sweet Fruit Smoothie” recipe

Ingredients

1 cup spinach
1 cup fresh coconut water
1 cup rockmelon
3 large strawberries (frozen)
¼ cup blueberries (frozen)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil

Method

Toss all ingredients into a blender and combine until smooth.