A veggie smoothie is a blended drink that contains varying amounts of mixed vegetables that are usually accompanied by fruit. Smoothies of this type are often employed by those looking for a healthy alternative to meals or as a quick snack. Just about any type of vegetable can be added to a veggie smoothie. Common ingredients tend to be carrots, celery, mixed greens, and even kale.
Vegetable juice is a different beverage and is made by extracting certain parts of fruits and vegetables and leaving the rest out of the mixture. A smoothie uses all edible parts of the fruits and vegetables, leading many experts to assert that drinking a veggie smoothie is more beneficial than drinking only juice because of the extra nutrients found in the skin of fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots. By using the entire vegetable, smoothie drinkers consume more pulp and fiber.
Smoothies made from vegetables do not necessarily exclude other types of ingredients. In fact, most veggie smoothies begin with a fruit base. An apple or banana is typically added to the base to act as a thickening agent, giving a smoothie a thick, milkshake-like texture. Pineapples and strawberries are common additions to veggie smoothies and act as natural sweeteners. Mangoes, pomegranates, oranges, raspberries, and blueberries are also common ingredients in veggie smoothies.
Veggie smoothies offer a great deal of versatility when it comes to adding nutrients. Individuals who want to increase the amount of a certain nutrient in their diet can easily add the desired fruit, vegetable, or grain into their smoothie mix. Due to the varying textures, thicknesses, and tastes of a smoothie, supplements like protein powders are rarely noticeable.
Other additions to veggie smoothies include dairy products like yogurt, milk, and ice cream. These ingredients are not necessary in a veggie smoothie, but they do add some nutrients not found in fruits and vegetables and can lend a smooth, creamy texture that makes smoothies easier to consume. Soy milk and green tea are common dairy alternatives that are often used by vegetarians and vegans who have eliminated dairy products from their diet.
Recipes for veggie smoothies are numerous, and a number of smoothie recipes have become popular that focus on a specific set of ingredients, like the green vegetables used in green smoothies. A veggie smoothie is easy to make at home as it simply requires a blender and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. This ease of preparation makes these smoothies popular among health-conscious individuals who want to maintain a healthy diet that can be prepared at home.
