Maca Root

Maca Root has been around for thousands of years and has often been used for its medicinal properties. However, it has just recently gained popularity, and along with it, a superfood status. Maca Root is a type of vegetable that is similar to a radish or turnip in appearance, and is typically sold in health food stores as a powder that you can add into your food or drinks. Maca Root, which is rich in antioxidants, balances estrogen levels, and improves mood, memory, and energy, which is ideal if you are sipping a healthy smoothie before a morning at the gym.


Kava Kava Root

Kava Kava Root, which is usually a powder form of a plant that is found on islands within the Pacific Ocean, is perfect for mixing into a smoothie. Not only does it blend in well with drinks, it offers a lot of benefits to the person who ingests it, including stress relief, anti-anxiety effects, insomnia relief, and relief from the symptoms of PMS. It is important to only add small amounts of Kava Kava Root to your smoothies, however, as there are several side effects from ingesting too much, including headaches and fatigue.


Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are used in a variety of drinks and foods, including baked goods, to boost their nutritional properties. Flax seeds are small golden seeds which are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, with a superfood label that has plenty of other nutrients. Other nutrients in flax seeds include manganese, thiamine, magnesium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can eat flax seeds whole (such as on muffins), but they can also be ground into a powder and added to smoothies for an extra nutrition kick.


Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are probably one of the most popular superfoods on the market right now, and with good reason. They can be used for a variety of things, such as baked goods, puddings, and even smoothies, in order to give your body a health boost. Some benefits that come from chia seeds include healthy skin, an energy boost, support for the heart, support for the digestive system, and even a reduction in visibility in the aging process! Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such manganese, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and potassium, these tiny little seeds pack a big punch!


Leafy Greens

Leafy greens might not sound like the most appetizing ingredient for a smoothie, but in fact, they are quite good! Raw greens such as spinach and kale offer quite a boost to the immune system and give the body a great dose of fiber, iron, and potassium - not to mention other essential vitamins and minerals! When mixed with fresh fruit, such as pineapple and bananas, leafy greens offer a healthy boost to your day and can be customized to taste any way you like!


Soy Milk or Almond Milk

Soy milk and almond milk offer healthier alternatives to regular milk, with a boost of calcium and protein. As long as you are using the plain versions of these milks, it won't be adding too much extra sugar into your smoothie, and it is easier and more gentle on the stomach than regular milk.


Fruits

Fruits are one of the key ingredients people think of when planning out a smoothie. Use fresh or frozen fruits to get the most nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from your fruits. Using fruit that is in season or purchasing at your local farmer's market is a great idea, as you can always freeze the fruit for later in the year.


Making your own smoothies can be fun and a great healthy start to your day. Remember to use ingredients that offer health benefits and to ditch those that do not. For example, don't load up your smoothie with too much sugar or ingredients such as ice cream, but instead load them up with fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items such as chia seeds, Maca Root, leafy greens, and soy or almond milk.