Cranberry Berry Smoothie Recipe
Deliciously Tart Cranberrry Berry Smoothie
Most people when they think of cranberry recipes, they think of cranberry sauce, usually a excessively sweetened, over-cooked jelly, or cranberry juice - overly sweetened drink. In the past, I used to always prepare it as a side dish to a roasted turkey meat on Thanksgiving dinner. Then after I went vegan last year, I still love my cranberries in sauces, dressings and - especially - in green smoothies.
So, let's add some raw cranberries to your smoothie!
Cranberries add a slightly tart taste to green smoothies, so I definitely recommend adding very ripe banana or two, to balance the tartness. You can add other berries to cranberry smoothies - they would work excellent with strawberries (probably my favorite combination), as well as frozen mixed berries that I often buy at BJs. Begin with 1/2 cup of cranberries, then adding more to taste.
Cranberry Berry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups leafy greens, or more (such as kale, spinach, collards, etc), tightly packed, you may increase the amount of greens as you get used to drinking green smoothies
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 cup strawberries, or other sweet berries (I use frozen mixed berries)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 small avocado
- a small piece of fresh ginger root (optional)
- 2 stalks of celery (optional) (celery works well in green smoothies for beginners, because of its mild flavor and not-so-green color)
- 1 cup of water (use more or less, depending on how thick you want the smoothie to be)
Directions
- Blend all ingredients in your high power blender until smooth. If using a regular blender, start with tough ingredients first and blend with water on high for a few minutes. Then add soft fruits and avocado.
- Pour into a glass, drink and smile!
Health Benefits of Cranberries
I really love cranberries, and always buy at least two big packs at a time. You can use one and freeze the other for later.
These tart little berries provide lots of fiber and vitamin C, as well as some magnesium, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
Cranberries have powerful antiviral properties and are well known for their protective qualities against urinary tract infections. Their disease-fighting antioxidant properties are just what the doctor ordered for the fall-winter season!
Consuming them regularly cranberries helps with cardiovascular health, the immune system and protect against certain cancers, as well as reduce bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol.
Green Smoothies Are An Easy Way to Add Healthy Nutrients to Your Diet
Drinking Green smoothies are terrific to give your body a boost of healthy nutrients, without spending lots of money on ingredients or supplements, and without spending hours in the kitchen. They are much easier to prepare than juices, and much easier to clean up after. They are also much more filling, so you don't feel hungry immediately after drinking them.
What's important, they are also good for people with blood sugar problems. The fiber in the smoothie slows down the absorption of fruit sugars into the body, so even people with diabetes and blood sugar problems can drink them without problems - provided they add lots of greens, and no fats or animal products. If you have issues with blood sugars, use lots of greens, and low glycemic foods in your smoothies, such as cucumbers and celery tops, and cut down the fruits.
Really, a high power blender, such as Vitamix or Blendtech, although costly, can be your best friend in regaining your health, maintaining ideal weight, and feeling more energized. It's a great long-term investment in your health.
Drink a quart of green smoothie or more, and enjoy more energy, beautiful skin and improved health.
