The Organic Green Monster-Smoothie

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

I am bringing to you a green smoothie, packed with vitamins, minerals and TONS of protein for the morning rush or a simple afternoon snack. A fully packed green monster. Before I give you the recipe for this exciting green monster, I would like to share with you the health benefits of spinach.

Spinach is one of the most healthiest foods you can consume because of the excellent source of bone-healthy vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, and calcium; heart-healthy folate, potassium, and vitamin B6; energy-producing iron and vitamin B2; and free radical-scavenging vitamin A (through its concentration of beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E. It is also a very good source of digestion-supportive dietary fiber; muscle-building protein; energy-producing phosphorus and vitamin B1; and the antioxidants copper, zinc, and E. In addition, it is a good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and heart-healthy niacin and selenium.

Did you know there are 11 and counting, health benefits to spinach? By simply having one cup of spinach per day, the provided vitamin k is almost 200% of the Daily Value in one cup of fresh spinach leaves and over 1000% of the Daily Value in one cup of boiled spinach (which contains about 6 times as much spinach), is important for maintaining bone health. Below are 11 reasons why spinach should find its way into your grocery basket next time.

Diet

One cup of spinach has nearly 20% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating.

Cancer

Flavonoids — a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties abundant in spinach — have been shown to slow down cell division in human stomach and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, spinach has shown significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory

Neoxanthin and violaxanthin are two anti-inflammatory epoxyxanthophylls that play an important role in regulation of inflammation and are present in unusual amounts in spinach.

Antioxidants

The vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, manganese, zinc and selenium present in spinach all serve as powerful antioxidants that combat the onset of osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure

By inhibiting the angiotensin I-converting enzyme, peptides within spinach have been shown to effectively lower blood pressure.

Vision

Both antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are especially plentiful in spinach and protect the eye from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Immunity

One cup of spinach contains over 337% of the RDA of vitamin A that not only protects and strengthens "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, but is also a key component of lymphocytes (or white blood cells) that fight infection.

Skin

The high amount of vitamin A in spinach also promotes healthy skin by allowing for proper moisture retention in the epidermis, thus fighting psoriasis, keratinization, acne and even wrinkles.

Bones

One cup of boiled spinach provides over 1000% of the RDA of vitamin K that can prevent excess activation of osteoclasts (the cells that break down bones), as well as promote the synthesis of osteocalcin, the protein that is essential for maintaining the strength and density of our bones.

Calcification

Vitamin K is a crucial component of the process called carboxylation, which produces the matrix Gla protein that directly prevents calcium from forming in tissue. Eating one cup of spinach contributes to this process that fights atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Brain and Nervous Function

The abundance of vitamin K in spinach contributes greatly to a healthy nervous system and brain function by providing an essential part for the synthesis of sphingolipids, the crucial fat that makes up the Myelin sheath around our nerves.

• 
  1 cup almond milk
• 
  1 banana
• 
  3-4 strawberries
• 
  1 tbsp peanut butter-no sodium
• 
  2 tbsp raw rice protein powder
• 
  1-1 1/2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 
  1-1 1/2 cups spinach
• 
  1 cup kale
• 
  Handful of ice cubes
• 
  Pitch of Stevia

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a blender making sure to place the almond milk in first.  Blend until smooth, taste and add additional goodies in to taste and blend again.  Serve and enjoy.