Going Green with Smoothies for Seniors

Seniors should go green… go green with their smoothie!  I know, I know– green is not the desired color of choice for a smoothie for most people. As a matter of fact, many squirm and frown at the thought of it. I went through the same process. Greens blended to a creamy consistency reminded me of baby food. And then one day, I decided that I would finally buckle down, get serious about my health and I sucked it up…both figuratively and literally.  I was actually pleasantly surprised. Now, for all of you who were munching on kale out the womb, this post isn’t for you. It’s for the newbies to smoothie living, and specifically for seniors who are trying to pack a serious punch in their nutrition.

Why Green is the Thing for Seniors?

Green smoothies are packed with micronutrients.  Micro-nutrients are small chemical compounds like  zinc, magnesium, iodine, calcium, Vitamin B6 and VitaminB12 that assist in normal functioning of the human body, as well as achieving optimal health. (click here for most common micronutrients) They are separate from macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, and fats found in foods. Unlike macro-nutrients that can be consumed through our daily food intake, micronutrients are found in fruits and vegetables. Considering the abundance of processed and polluted foods made accessible to most  of us, it makes it challenging to get the nutrients and vitamins we need through whole, nutrient rich foods. This is especially the case for seniors who may face dietary challenges such loss appetite. However, the smoothie is a great way to pack in those nutrients through micronutrient enriched foods like leafy greens.

Leaf Vegetables:

Leaf vegetables are flowering plants that are packed with nutrients. This vegetable group include plants like spinach, kale, cabbage, collard greens, and broccoli. Consuming these types of foods will significantly impact your health. They are packed with fiber and you guessed it, micronutrients. Not only has micronutrients been credited for slowing the progression of memory decline, but are also considered cancer fighters. Leafy greens are also rich in phytochemicals that are known to be cancer fighting agents. They are also packed with antioxidants that fight off free radicals that cause cancer. Another lessor known benefit to consuming leaf vegetables is their chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a wealth of benefits including body purification, strengthening the immune system (which is very important to seniors), reducing bad breathe and body odors.

So there you have it… all the reasons seniors should consume green smoothies. Below I’ve provided a very simple smoothie recipe that incorporates leaf vegetables with spinach. You can also substitute kale. All you will need is a blender and a few ingredients, and you will be on your way to better health. Happy Smoothie Making!

Super Green Smoothies:

1 peeled banana

1-2  handfuls of spinach

1/3 mangos chunked

1/3 pineapple chunked

1/2  of a peach

1 tbsp. of Greek vanilla flavor yogurt

1/4  cup of 100% pineapple or orange juice

Makes a single serving.