This post is all about the smoothie that made my skin glow.
Are you a milkshake or smoothie person? While I have absolutely nothing against milkshakes, I’ve always been a smoothie girl.
There’s just nothing like the refreshing taste of a tangy, pineapple-banana or a classic green smoothie.
Smoothies are an incredibly delicious, convenient way to consume many of the nutrients we need to stay healthy.
Recently, I blended one of these fruity concoctions and noticed something truly amazing.
In the days that followed, not only was I filled with more energy but my skin also appeared much brighter and clearer than it had before.
So, in this post, I’m excited to share the very smoothie that made my skin glow!
Are Smoothies Healthy?
There is a common misconception in the wellness industry that smoothies are a healthier option than some snacks and other meals. But, this isn’t always the case.
Smoothies tend to be high in sugar, which can spike your blood sugar potentially leading to type II diabetes over time.
However, if you are mindful of your ingredients and portion sizes, smoothies can be quite nutritious.
For instance, adding fibrous foods to your smoothies and cutting your ingredients by half can greatly reduce the sugar rush.
Personally, if I know I can’t consume all my ingredients in one serving, I likely won’t blend them into my smoothie. But that’s just my rule of thumb.
Skin Glowing Ingredients
Nothing contributes to the health and appearance of your skin more than the food you eat.
Below, I’ll share the ingredients I mix into my smoothie and why they are so good at making your skin glow!
Spinach
Spinach is always a great choice to blend into a smoothie. They are bursting with antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which may help protect your skin from free radicals.
These problematic molecules can damage your skin cells contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, thus making it appear less firm and supple.
The high vitamin C content in spinach may reduce melanin production, giving you fewer dark spots and a more even skin tone.
Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, keeping your skin youthful and vibrant.
Apple
I don’t know about a medical doctor, but an apple a day could probably keep the dermatologist away. See what I did there?
Apples offer a potent cocktail of vitamins, including A, B complex, and C. Vitamin A works to repair skin damage while shielding it from harmful pathogens.
The B vitamins may help hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation, encourage cell growth and control oil production. Good news for those on the oily side!
Lastly, apples can promote brighter, balanced skin while diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Banana
Bananas are another fruit packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and amines, which protect against oxidative damage.
These antioxidants also assist in reducing redness and promoting healthier, glowing skin. The potassium and magnesium in bananas work to keep your skin balanced and moisturized.
On top of all that, bananas are even good for decreasing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
Avocado
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The monosaturated fats maintain the skin’s moisture levels so you look youthful longer.
The vitamins and antioxidants like vitamins E, C, and A all help improve your skin, shielding it from sun damage as well as inflammation.
Avocados also act as a natural moisturizer, preventing dry skin.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is one of the best things you can use for your skin.
Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, oat milk helps to repair the skin while protecting it from daily wear and tear.
This plant-based milk hydrates your skin, keeping it plump and soft.
The antioxidants in oat milk, like vitamin E, further protect the skin from free radicals, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Oat milk also contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that has anti-inflammatory properties to calm and soothe your skin.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is great for keeping the body hydrated which is important for the elasticity and suppleness of the skin.
The vitamin C in lemon juice shields the skin from oxidative stress and supports collagen production.
This leaves your skin with fewer signs of aging and improves its texture.
Furthermore, lemon juice helps detoxify your body, ridding the skin of toxins and breakouts.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a useful add-in for smoothies.
High in omega-3 fatty acids, these seeds keep your skin’s moisture barrier intact so it remains hydrated.
Flaxseeds also contain lignans (compounds) as well as other antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and premature aging.
Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of flaxseeds help soothe irritated skin and relieve redness.
Chia Seeds
You know that slogan “I put that sh*t on everything”? That’s me but with chia seeds. Besides their other wonderful health benefits, chia seeds are also amazing at retaining water.
This aids in our own hydration, keeping the skin plump and youthful. Moreover, they’re rich in antioxidants and other essential nutrients, like calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
These nutrients fight off skin damage and other signs of aging.
Finally, chia seeds are another ingredient on this list containing omega-3 fatty acids useful for reducing inflammation which may improve skin conditions such as acne.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a staple in my smoothie ingredients list. I love sprinkling them on top after blending my beverage and it’s not hard to see why.
Rich in essential fatty acids, they too, contribute to your skin’s overall moisture and elasticity.
The antioxidants inside, combat damage and encourage cell growth.
Moreover, hemp seeds help relieve inflammation and ease skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How to Make My Skin-Glowing Smoothie
Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to blend them. It’s super quick and easy to make. Also, feel free to include whatever else you’d like. I mean… it’s your smoothie.
1 to 2 cups of Spinach (I add 2 cups)
½ a Ripe Banana
½ an Apple (I like Pink Lady apples but you can use whatever you like)
½ an Avocado (The avocado will make the smoothie very thick. To prevent this, pour in more milk or add less avocado)
1 to 2 cups of Oat milk
Lemon juice (Squeeze to taste. I use lemon to balance the sweetness. Try ½ a lemon to start).
½ to 1 tbsp of Chia Seeds
1 tbsp of Flaxseeds
Blend.
I sprinkle hemp seeds on top after blending all the ingredients.
If you like your smoothies cold, freeze your fruit ahead of time (peel and slice the banana and avocado first) or throw in a cup of ice.
Sometimes, I add a swirl of maple syrup before mixing to make it sweeter—usually about ½ to 1 cap full. You can also include yogurt, nut butter, or anything else you like to make it more filling.
Within a week of drinking my smoothie, I notice my skin looks smoother and brighter. I have gold, reddish undertones, so when I look in the mirror, my skin actually appears to glow.
Make Your Own Skin Glowing Smoothie!
There you have it! Your skin glowing green smoothie. I love making it during the day or toward the evening as a snack to help me sneak in more veggies.
I always feel great after drinking it but I do want to note one thing.
This smoothie is loaded with nutrients, so if your body isn’t used to consuming a lot of veggies and fruits, you might experience some bloating or gas.
In that case, it might be best to consume half the smoothie and save the rest for later. Happy blending and enjoy!
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