20 Jul 10 Best Smoothie Boosters
Smoothie boosters provide an easy way to up the nutrient status of your smoothie. Smoothies are quick and simple to make, they taste good and, when made right, they’re highly nutritious.
Here is a link to the berry smoothie recipe I make time and again. I have shared tailored versions of this recipe with many of my clients over the years. I know it’s a breakfast that many keep long term.
One of the best things about smoothies is the wide range of different boosters you can add to them to increase their health benefits without compromising the flavour. I’m sharing 10 of my favourites below. You can purchase these at Natural Dispensary using our discount code: PEARSON10 for 10% off at the checkout.
Collagen, creatine, maca, and inulin taste of very little and can be added to any flavour smoothie. Matcha and spirulina I add to green smoothies. Cacao, medicinal mushrooms, and MCT work well in a chocolate smoothie made with high quality chocolate protein powder. The first five boosters I list below I am currently adding to my berry smoothie. Of course, you can experiment and find what works for you.
TOP 10 SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS
COLLAGEN
Key benefits: skin and joint health
Collagen powder supports skin elasticity and hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion. It supports joint health by maintaining cartilage integrity and can help reduce joint pain.
Buy it here: Bare Biology berry flavour or unflavoured
CREATINE
Key benefits: muscle maintenance and energy production
We might associate it with bodybuilding, but creatine offers longevity benefits by supporting muscle mass maintenance, which is crucial for mobility and metabolic health as we age. It also supports cellular energy production, which can help improve energy levels and promote brain health, potentially protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Buy it here: Thorne
MACA
Key benefits: energy and stamina
Maca powder contains unique compounds called macamides and macaenes, which are understood to enhance energy and stamina. They have been credited with fertility-enhancing, neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, and anti-osteoporosis effects.
Buy it here: Creative Nature
INULIN
Key benefits: gut health
Inulin is a type of soluble fibre that acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting gut health. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves mineral absorption in the intestines.
Buy it here: Golden Greens
HASKAPA BERRY
Key benefits: antioxidant, gut and heart health
Haskapa berry powder is derived from antioxidant-rich haskap berries. It is a particularly good source of anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Anthocyanins can also positively impact the gut microbiome by improving diversity and the proportion of beneficial bacteria.
Buy it here: Haskapa
MATCHA
Key benefits: antioxidant and energy booster
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and improves focus without the jitters associated with other caffeinated drinks, such as coffee.
Buy it here: Clearspring
SPIRULINA
Key benefits: nutrient dense and blood lipid lowering
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae known for its high protein content, vitamins (A, B complex, C, and E), and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc). It is rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Studies show that spirulina has the potential to improve blood lipids.
Buy it here: Synergy Natural
CACAO
Key benefits: antioxidant, heart health and mood boosting
Cacao is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which support heart health by improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. It contains magnesium, iron, and zinc. Cacao is known to boost mood and cognitive function due to its content of theobromine and phenylethylamine, promoting a sense of wellbeing and mental clarity.
Buy it here: Aduna
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Key benefits: various depending on the type of mushroom
Medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of benefits depending on the type you choose. Lion’s mane is known for supporting cognitive function, while cordyceps are associated with increased energy, and reishi is renowned as the ‘mushroom of eternal youth.’ A medicinal mushroom complex can provide a variety of these benefits.
Buy it here: Hybrid Herbs
MCT
Key benefits: brain health and energy production
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fat, with supplements typically extracted from coconut. MCTs have been shown to promote satiety, provide sustained energy, and may improve brain function.
Buy it here: Planet Paleo
NOT JUST FOR SMOOTHIES
These boosters aren’t just for smoothies. They can also be added into yoghurt, milk and a range of other meals. Unflavoured collagen mixes well with everything from coffee to soup and it’s flavourless. It’s a great way to add protein into meals for fussy children. Haskapa powder turns things purple so you can add it to porridge, pancakes or yoghurt for a nutrient and colour boost. Inulin is sweet tasting so it makes a good alternative to sugar.
You can purchase the above products from Natural Dispensary using our clinic discount code PEARSON10 for 10% off at the checkout.
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