10 Things You've Never Thought Of Putting In A Smoothie But Should Slideshow

The avocado, which is an excellent source of healthy fats, is an ideal substitute for nut butter in smoothies. Avocados contain essential oils necessary for high brain function and helps you feel full longer. 

Click here for the Avocado Smoothie recipe.

Cooked Navy Beans

Believe it or not, navy beans are surprisingly good in this Mango Protein Punch smoothie. The mango and honey mask of the taste of the beans, while the beans, which contain 10 to 11 grams of protein, will fuel your body for the day ahead.

Click here for the Mango Protein Punch recipe.

Cucumbers

Adding a few slices of cucumber adds a bright touch to smoothies. Rich with magnesium and vitamins B5 and K, cucumbers add more hydration to your mix and are great for skin care. Try this pleasing Strawberry Cherry Cucumber Smoothie that offers a delicious balance between savory and sweet.

Click here for the Strawberry Cherry Cucumber Smoothie recipe.

Herbs

Fresh herbs such as basil and cilantro are wonderful resources for additional antioxidants and vitamins to maintain a balanced diet. Plus, the distinct flavor of each herb offers more complexity to your otherwise ordinary smoothie. We've found a delicious, sweet, and tangy Cilantro Grapefruit Cucumber Smoothie perfect for incorporating herbs into daily drink blends.

Click here for the tangy Cilantro Grapefruit Cucumber Smoothie recipe.

Jicama

Sometimes called the Mexican yam, jicama can be used in pretty much any smoothie recipe. The sweet, mild, nutty flavor is an added bonus along with lots of vitamin C and fiber. Not to mention it is low in sodium, boosts digestive health, and adds great texture. It's easy to use, too. Simply peel, cube, and toss into the blender. Indulge in this super simple jicama recipe you can make in a flash.Click here for a Scandalously Simple Jicama Smoothie recipe.

 

Matcha

If you love green tea, you love matcha. Translated as 'powdered tea,' matcha is the whole green tea leaves ground into a powder. Since the entire leaf is used, matcha provides a stronger dose of nutrients compared to steeping the tea in hot water. Low in caffeine and high in antioxidants, this powder will increase energy and is delicious in our Banana, Almond Milk, and Matcha Energizing Smoothie. It's recommended to use with low-protein liquids like rice, coconut, or almond milk, or water. Don't mix with dairy milk because it will counteract the polyphenol, an important antioxidant found in matcha.

Click here for the Banana, Almond Milk, and Matcha Energizing Smoothie recipe.

Nut Butter

Many people use peanut butter in their healthy drinks, but there are more smooth nutty butters to try. Consider almond, cashew, walnut, and even brazil nut for starters. These are great ways to have wholesome calories and gives your blended beverage a rich, complex flavor. Give the refreshing Strawberry Banana Protein smoothie a whirl and use whichever nut butter you'd like.

 Click here for the Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie recipe.

Sea Vegetables

Be open-minded with this one and consider using powered sea vegetables like spirulina, wakame, and kelp. Commonly known as blue-green algae, spirulina is high in vitamins B 1, 2, and 3 as well as iron. Wakame, which  is a slightly sweet seaweed that hails from Japan, is packed with huge doses of essential vitamins like A, C, E, and K. You may be more familiar with kelp as it increases bone density and muscle strength thanks to its calcium and magnesium content. Each of these sea vegetables comes in powder form to easily include in daily smoothies. This Kelp Powder Smoothie is delightful and is the perfect recipe to try if you've never had any of these sea vegetables.

Click here for this Kelp Powder Smoothie recipe.

Spices

Spices such as cardamom and cayenne pepper are ideal options. For example, cayenne is, great for weight loss because it reduces your caloric intake, it lowers your blood pressure and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Cardamom is fantastic for digestion and is an anti-spasmodic that can be used to get rid of hiccups. Try this plum-perfect smoothie, which is loaded with tantalizing spices such as ginger, cloves, and cardamom.

Click here for the Sugar Plum Fairy Smoothie recipe.

Whey Protein

Whey is a protein is found in dairy milk, so this isn't for the lactose intolerant crowd. Yet, for those who can handle dairy, whey powder helps with weight loss, improves muscle dexterity, and aids in controlling cravings.