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4 healthy smoothie recipes

There is no denying that many people are eating healthier and being kinder to their bodies. The good news is you can do both with these delicious, dairy-free smoothies. Smoothies are not only a great way to add some goodness to your lifestyle, but they are also refreshingly cool on a hot day. Here are 4 healthy smoothie recipes, of which you have to mix all ingredients in a blender. The smoothies also fit into a vegan diet.

Green smoothie
– 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)/coconut water
– 1 handful kale
– ½ medium avocado
– 1 banana
– ¼ cucumber (sliced)
– ice cream

Health benefits: this is just about the healthiest smoothie you can drink! Kale is full of fiber and antioxidants. Avocados contain healthy fats; they lower cholesterol and are also full of fiber (and have many other health benefits).
Bananas are full of potassium, which helps keep your heart healthy.

Red currant smoothie
– 1 cup non-dairy milk/coconut water
– 1 handful raspberries (frozen)
– 1 handful pitted cherries (frozen or fresh)
– 2 handful strawberries
– 1 banana
– ice cream
– chia seeds (optional)

Health benefits: this smoothie has several. Raspberries are relatively low in sugar and high in vitamin C. Cherries contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and have been shown to aid sleep as they contain the natural sleep aid melatonin. And chia seeds are great little seeds that provide energy, protein and omega-3.

Refreshing mango and pineapple smoothie
– 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)/pineapple juice/mango fruit juice
– 1 banana
– 2 handfuls mango (frozen)
– 1 handful pineapple (frozen)
– 1 handful of papaya (frozen)
– ice cream (when using fresh fruit)

Health benefits: mangoes are known to have a plethora of health benefits, so why not put them in a smoothie? They help keep cholesterol down, are high in vitamins C and A, help unclog pores, meaning smoother skin, and can even help with poor concentration. Mangoes and bananas both contain potassium, which helps control blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

The classic strawberry and banana smoothie
– 1 cup non-dairy milk/coconut water
– 1½ banana
– 5-10 large strawberries (to taste)
– ice
– grapes (peeled if possible) , optional)
– chia seeds (optional)

Health benefits: Bananas are full of potassium, which is good for a healthy heart. They are also a great source of energy while strawberries are a great source of vitamin C. This smoothie is also low in fat and relatively low in calories.