Mixing fruits and vegetables together to make drinks and soups is not just a trend; it’s actually good for your health. When you blend these foods, you make it easier for your body to process them and you help release more of their good nutrients.
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1. Increased Absorption of Nutrients
Have you ever wondered what happens when you blend plants? Their tough cell walls break apart. This releases goodies like antioxidants and vitamins. Those healthy bits are then easier for your body to take in, sometimes up to one and a half times more than if you just ate the plants without blending them.
2. Better Blood Sugar Control
Research has found that when you blend fruits, their natural sugars get into your blood more slowly. This is better than eating the fruits whole because it helps prevent your blood sugar from going up too quickly. Smoothies full of fiber can keep your sugar levels steady, which is great news for people who have diabetes or difficulty with insulin.
3. Improved Digestion
Blended plant foods are gentle on your stomach because they’re already broken down quite a bit. This means you can enjoy creamy soups without adding fatty cream. Plus, the fiber in these blends helps keep your bathroom visits regular and can boost the health of your gut. For folks with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS, blended food can be really comforting.
4. Increased Consumption of Produce
Do you struggle to eat enough fruits and veggies? Blending can help you eat more without even realizing it. You can throw a lot of greens and berries into a smoothie with less effort than eating them one by one. When you blend vegetables into sauces or soups, you also get to enjoy more fruits and vegetables and make your meals tastier.
5. Weight Loss Aid
Blended fruits and vegetables can be your friends if you’re trying to lose weight. They’re full of nutrients and fiber but low in calories, so they help you stay full without overeating. People who drink blended veggie juices might even lose more weight than those who don’t. Plus, you get to enjoy a lot of nutrition in each mouthful.
6. Potential Detoxification Benefits
After blending, the plants release health-boosting ingredients that might help clean out your body. Things like ginger, berries, and citrus fruits can flush out bad stuff you don’t want. A good blend after exercising can feel refreshing and help your body recover.
7. Enhanced Workout Recovery
When you’re done working out, a blended drink with protein from yogurt or powder can help your muscles repair. Blends that have ingredients like pineapple and turmeric can lessen the soreness you feel after exercising. A nutritious drink can be a quick and tasty way to get back on your feet after a workout.
8. Improved Skin Health
Blending certain fruits and veggies can be like a spa treatment for your skin. They protect your skin from the sun and keep it moist. Foods with lots of vitamin C and antioxidants, like oranges and berries, are really good for your skin. And if you blend greens and healthy fats, you can reduce swelling that makes your skin look older.
9. Lower Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, blending certain items might help you out. Beets, blueberries, and strawberries, when mixed into drinks, can bring your pressure down. The mix of fiber and potassium in these drinks is good for your heart and keeps the blood flowing smoothly.
10. Stronger Immune Function
Last but not least, drinks made from blended immune-boosting foods are like a shield against colds and the flu. Vitamin C-rich fruits, like kiwis and grapefruits, are even more powerful when blended. Add other immunity helpers like ginger and yogurt to make your blend even stronger.
The Takeaway
Even though it’s best to eat fruits and veggies in their natural state, blending them has its own advantages. When you make them into liquids, you help your body soak up more health benefits from the food. Just remember not to throw in too much extra sugar by sticking to whole foods. If you choose healthy ingredients and don’t overdo the portions, blending can be a smart way to make the most out of what you eat.
