Smoothies are more than just a drink: they’re little parties in a glass. Creamy, colourful and packed with vitamins. Of course, you can make a hire a smoothie bar. Are you curious about our Smoothie Secrets? With the right ingredients and a good liquid base, you can whip up something in just a few minutes that will really brighten up your day.
1. What is the healthiest smoothie?
The healthiest smoothies combine vegetables, fruit and a good liquid for maximum nutritional value.
Highly recommended:
- Spinach → rich in folic acid and nitrate, good for blood pressure and blood circulation
- Apple → packed with antioxidants and fibre
- Cucumber → hydrates and adds a refreshing flavour
- Ginger → anti-inflammatory
- Coconut water → hydrates and contains minerals without being high in calories
Tip: Drink your smoothie straight after making it to get the most out of its vitamins and flavour.
2. What is the healthiest liquid to use in a smoothie?
The liquid you choose determines not only the texture of your smoothie, but also its nutritional value. Coconut water is hydrating and rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, whilst plant-based milks such as almond, oat or soya milk give your smoothie a creamy texture. Water is a neutral choice and always a healthy option.
Pro tip: Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness without any added sugar, making it ideal for a summer smoothie.
3. What is the basic recipe for a smoothie?
A simple recipe that always works:
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 cup of fruit of your choice (e.g. mango, pineapple or berries)
- 150–200 ml of liquid (coconut water, water or plant-based milk)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of seeds or nuts
Method:
- Put everything in the blender
- Mix until smooth
- Taste it and add extra fruit or honey if you like
- Pour into a glass and enjoy straight away
Extra tip: A little mint or ginger adds a surprising flavour boost.
4. What fun facts about ingredients do you already know?
Smoothies aren’t just tasty, they’re also surprisingly interesting:
Spinach:
- Raw spinach = high in folic acid and vitamin C
- Cooked = extra lutein for your eyes
- Nitrate = helps lower your blood pressure
Banana:
- Potassium = good for muscles and blood pressure
- Tryptophan = stimulates your ‘happiness hormone’, serotonin
- Fun fact: the banana plant is not a tree, but a herbaceous plant
Pineapple:
- Bromelain = breaks down proteins and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Vitamin C = stimulates collagen production
- Tip: plant the crown and grow your own pineapple!
Coconut water:
- Moisturises and contains minerals
- Low in calories and fat
- Did you know? During the Second World War, coconut water was even used as an intravenous fluid
5. Which types of fruit shouldn’t be mixed together in a smoothie?
Some combinations can make the smoothie taste less nice or become lumpy:
- Citrus + milk/yoghurt → may curdle
- Pineapple + milk → the bromelain in pineapple can cause milk to curdle
- Banana + strawberry → it can become a bit slimy, but is often actually lovely and creamy
Tip: Use coconut water or plant-based milk as an alternative – that way, your smoothie will always be smooth and tasty.
Smoothies are easy, healthy and fun to make. Start with the basic recipe, add your favourite fruit or superfoods, and discover your own signature smoothie. Every glass is a treat!
