How to use fruits and berries for Smoothies and Juices

We have covered just about everything but Fruits & Berries to use in making Smoothies and Juicing.  At the end of the fruit discussion I’ll talk just abit about extra things that we can add for fun to our drinks.

Fruits and Berries Add Sweetness or Tartness to Smoothies

While many vegetables are quite sweet, fruit can take your Smoothies to the next level. And if you’re trying to break a sugar habit, a little fruit can help you make the transition to a low sugar diet. Here are just a few of the flavor packed fruits to consider adding to your shopping list.

• Berries – Whether you’re talking about strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or other types of berries, they’re all packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight disease and boost your immune system. They’re easier to add to Smoothies than a juicer. However, they’re a welcome addition to either.
• Cranberries – Yes, cranberries are a type of berry. However, they are quite different than most berries. They help prevent bacteria from forming in your digestive tract, bladder, and kidneys. They’re excellent for digestion as well. They’re sour, unlike other types of berries, and may need to be sweetened with other berries, grapes, or apples.
• Citrus – Mmmm, what’s better than a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice? Oranges, grapefruits, and other types of citrus are full of vitamin C. They also contain carotenoids and bioflavonoids as well as antioxidants.

These fruits are easier to juice than to add to Smoothies because the outer skin, once you peel them, can be bitter. ( You know the white part that holds it together )  A juicer will leave this bitter material behind, a blender won’t.

• Melons – Melons are natural diuretics and detoxifiers. They also have high water content and make juicing easy. Melons also blend well with a number of other flavors.
• Pineapple – Pineapple is rich in vitamin c and b. It’s also quite sweet and a little can go a long way. It often works better in your juicer because the fiber can be difficult to blend.
• Mango – Mango is a fruit that you’ll have to pit and peel but it’s worth the effort. It’s rich in B vitamins which are great for skin, hair, nails and for helping your body manage stress.
• Apples – You’ll find that many smoothie and juice recipes contain apples as one of their ingredients. Apples are sweet. They have fairly high water content, and they’re good for you. They’re packed with antioxidants and blend well with a wide number of other fruits and vegetables.
• Bananas – Like apples, bananas are high in B vitamins. They’re also high in potassium and can give Smoothies a creamy texture. Ripe bananas are extremely sweet and pair well with chocolate, nuts and nut butters along with other tropical fruits.
• Papaya – Papaya has a distinct flavor. Many people either love it or hate it. My son HATES it…but I LOVE it.  It’s rich in papain, an enzyme that helps breakdown protein. Papaya seeds can also be eaten. They have a taste that’s often described as peppery.

This list of fruits and vegetables is by no means exhaustive. There are many other fruits and veggies that you can try. Before we wrap up with a few recipes and tips for success, let’s talk about the add-ons you might want to consider.

Extras to Add into a Drink

• Protein Powders – Protein powders turn smoothies and juices into a meal.  I rely heavily on protein powders and use the drink as a meal.  They help your blood sugar maintain a healthy balance and protein helps you feel more satisfied and full. There are different protein powders to consider. They include but aren’t limited to:
• Soy
• Hemp
• Chia Seed
• Pea Protein

• Ginger – Ginger is used to aid digestion and detoxify. It’s also a great flavor to add to many juices. Just peel and pop a bit into your juicer.
• Nut butters – Nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, or even hazelnut butter, add a creamy texture to your Smoothies. They also add a bit of protein and of course different flavors.
• Cacao powder – If you like chocolate then cacao powder can be an excellent way to get a fix during your day. It’s tasty with bananas too.
• Honey, Agave, and Maple Syrup – While adding sugar to your healthy juices and smoothies generally isn’t recommended sometimes you just want a little sweetness. Honey actually has some antibacterial properties and is perhaps the best option when adding a sweetener. Maple syrup and agave are also options.
• Flavorings – Rum, Vanilla, Peppermint or any other flavors you like.

I hope you have enjoyed these posts on the benefits of  Smoothies and Juicing!