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A raw plant-based nutritious smoothie recipe is an excellent way to get your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Plus it’s an affordable, delicious, and quick way to meet all your daily nutrition needs. It’s also a simple way to form a nutritious meal recipe; no cooking or baking required.
Because smoothies tend to be made with blended ingredients, they are often assumed to have little or no nutritional value. However, this is not the case!
Choose the right combination of ingredients and keep them raw, whole, fresh, and organic. This way you can create a delicious and healthy smoothie that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
The key is to choose high-quality ingredients as well as variety in your smoothie recipes. If you want to make a smoothie that packs a punch with nutrition, keep reading for our best smoothie recipe with the top 10 ingredients!
Add Bananas- Frozen- to a Nutritious Smoothie recipe
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in smoothies and for good reason! They are inexpensive, readily available, and have a sweet and natural taste that pairs well with a wide variety of other ingredients.
Bananas are high in calories, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays a role in regulating blood sugar and amino acid metabolism, which aids in protein synthesis and the breakdown of muscle tissue during exercise.
While bananas are excellent sources of vitamins B6 and C, they contain relatively small amounts of other essential nutrients.
Bananas can be a great source of energy. Bananas are rich in potassium, which can be particularly beneficial if you are experiencing leg cramps or have high blood pressure.
A ripe yellow banana is recommended. To maximize the health benefits and taste of your smoothie, you may also want to consider using a frozen banana in place of ice cubes.
Add Berries – Frozen – to a Nutritious Smoothie recipe
What’s better than a smoothie made with fresh, ripe strawberries, blueberries or raspberries? A smoothie made with fresh, ripe berries!
Berries are widely considered the best fruits for smoothies because they hold their shape, flavor and texture when blended with other ingredients. However, keep in mind that frozen berries are often more cost-effective and can be used year-round.
Strawberries are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps with the formation of collagen, promotes healing after exercise, and helps with iron absorption.
Blueberries are also high in vitamin C, and fiber. Raspberries contain more fiber per serving than strawberries or blueberries. Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries and blackberries are not only delicious but loaded with antioxidants.
Blueberries, in particular, have even been shown to help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. To get the most out of the berries in your smoothie, you may want to freeze them, as they have a high water content that can make a smoothie watery.
To freeze the berries, simply place them on a tray and put them in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer bag when they’re firm enough to transfer.
Add Baby Greens Like Spinach, Kale or Arugula to a Nutritious Smoothie Recipe
You can add some leafy baby greens to your smoothie for a nutrient boost. Spinach and kale are the most popular greens that are used in smoothies. They are both high in vitamins A, C and K as well as protein.
One cup of either of these greens will provide you with nearly your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A! Arugula is another great smoothie green because it contains nearly twice as much vitamin A and C as kale or spinach.
A one-cup serving of baby spinach contains 7 calories, 95% of your daily value of vitamin A (retinol), and 17% of your daily value of vitamin C. Vitamin A aids in immune function, vision and reproduction.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps with the formation of collagen, promotes healing after exercise, and helps with iron absorption.
Add Pineapple- Frozen – for a Deliciously Nutritious Smoothie Recipe
Pineapples are delicious fresh fruits that are frequently used in smoothies. They are high in fiber as well as enzymes that help to cleanse the liver.
Fresh pineapple contains vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps with the formation of collagen, promotes healing after exercise, and helps with iron absorption.
An enzyme that is often discussed when talking about pineapple is bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that breaks down proteins like meat and dairy. A surprising bonus is that it also aids in the breakdown of toxins in the body, which makes it a great addition to a liver-friendly smoothie!
Add Mango – Frozen – for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Mangoes are tasty tropical fruits that contain vitamin C, fiber, and minerals like potassium. Mangoes are generally high in calories, vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that helps with the formation of collagen, iron absorption, and immune function.
Fiber is essential for a healthy diet because it helps to regulate blood glucose levels and helps to prevent constipation. A ripe mango is yellow with a slightly squishy texture, but you can also use unripe mango in your smoothie if you prefer a more tart flavor.
Add Lemon – for a Deliciously Nutritious raw meal recipe
Lemons may be small in size, but they are bursting with nutritional benefits and refreshing flavors. These citrus fruits are not only packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, but they also offer cleansing benefits for our body’s digestive system and kidneys.
Lemons are known to stimulate the production of bile, which aids in digestion and helps break down fats. Additionally, their natural acidity can help balance the pH levels in our stomach, promoting better digestion.
Lemon water is often used as a natural detoxifying drink due to its diuretic properties, which can support kidney function and promote the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. So, the next time you’re craving a zesty twist in your water or adding a tangy kick to your smoothie, remember that lemons not only add a burst of flavor but also provide valuable nutrients and gentle cleansing benefits for your digestive system and kidneys.
Add Herbs Like Ginger or Mint- for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Fresh herbs like mint and ginger add both flavor and nutrition to your smoothies. Both of these herbs are potent antioxidants that help with reducing inflammation. Additionally, they help improve cardiovascular health, and assist with the removal of toxins from the body.
Try adding one tablespoon of fresh chopped ginger or mint per serving to your smoothie. You can also use dried herbs, but they are more potent and you will likely need to use less than fresh herbs.
Herbs like ginger and mint can give your smoothie a bit of a kick and can be a great addition to any recipe. You can also try cardamom, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper if you are looking to add a bit of flavor.
Ginger, in particular, is a great herb to use in smoothies as it can aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. And if you’re worried about the taste, don’t worry: ginger is often used in savory dishes, but it’s not overpowering in a sweet smoothie.
Add Coconut Water- for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Coconut water is a great addition to any smoothie recipe. If you’re not familiar with the product, it’s simply the water from a young coconut, and it’s a great source of electrolytes.
Electrolytes are important for hydration and can help prevent kidney stones, cramping and muscle fatigue, especially for those with an athletic lifestyle. Coconut water has a sweet taste, so you can add it at the end of your recipe or add it to a sweet smoothie.
Coconut water is a natural beverage that is often used as a sports drink. It contains electrolytes that are beneficial for hydration and muscle repair. A one-cup serving of fresh coconut water contains few calories, potassium, manganese, and sodium.
Potassium is an essential mineral that aids in muscle function and regulation of blood pressure. Fresh coconut water also contains unrefined sugar and fiber.
Add Chia Seeds for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Chia seeds are an excellent source of a complete plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds also contain magnesium, iron, fiber, and calcium.
Magnesium and calcium are essential minerals that are involved in many bodily functions including muscle contractions, blood vessel health, and nervous system function.
In addition, chia seeds contain minerals like zinc, which is involved in immune function and protein metabolism. Chia seeds are a great addition to any smoothie recipe because they’re high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
You can also try hemp seeds, which have a similar nutritional value. When adding chia seeds to your smoothie, you can try mixing them with coconut water before adding them to your recipe.
Add Brazil Nuts for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Brazil nuts are the tasty nut that is high in minerals like selenium, magnesium and zinc. One serving of fresh Brazil nuts, about 1-3 nuts, contains more than your entire daily value of selenium!
Selenium is an essential mineral that is involved in immune function and may have anti-cancer properties. Selenium is also important for heart health and can help prevent cognitive decline.
Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health. It can also be a good addition to a smoothie for those who are trying to increase their daily fiber intake. If you’re not a fan of Brazil nuts, you can also try cashews or almonds.
Add Sunflower Seeds for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Sunflower seeds are small but mighty when it comes to nutrition. These little powerhouses are packed with healthy fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health and provide essential fatty acids for our bodies.
Not only that, but sunflower seeds are also a great source of B vitamins, such as thiamine, niacin, and folate. These B vitamins play important roles in energy production, nervous system function, and the production of red blood cells.
Additionally, sunflower seeds are a fantastic source of zinc, a mineral that is involved in various bodily processes, including immune function, wound healing, and cell growth. So, whether you sprinkle them on salads, add them to your smoothie, or enjoy them as a standalone snack, you’re treating yourself to a nutritious boost of healthy fats, B vitamins, zinc and more.
Add Avocado for a Deliciously Nutritious Raw Meal Recipe
Avocados are not only delicious but also pack a powerful nutritional punch. These green gems are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can help support heart health and improve cholesterol levels.
These healthy fats also aid in nutrient absorption, as certain vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble and require fat for proper absorption. Speaking of vitamins, avocados are a fantastic source of B vitamins, including B5, B6, and folate.
These vitamins play crucial roles in energy production, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells. So, next time you indulge in a smoothie, add avocado and know that you’re not only savoring a delicious treat, but also nourishing your body with beneficial fats, essential B vitamins and more.
Conclusion
A nutritious plant-based smoothie is the perfect breakfast for gut health and boosting your immune system. Raw fruits, baby greens, nuts, seeds, and coconut water are full of fiber and vitamins that can keep you feeling full and healthy all day.
Make sure to use raw, whole, organic, fresh ingredients, and you can enjoy all the benefits of a nutritious smoothie while still saving time. The key is to choose high-quality ingredients.
References:
Rogers, P., & Shahrokni, R. (2018). A Comparison of the Satiety Effects of a Fruit Smoothie, Its Fresh Fruit Equivalent and Other Drinks. Nutrients, 10(4), 431. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10040431
Smoothies and Nutrition: The Latest Research | NutritionFacts.org. (n.d.). Nutritionfacts.org. https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/smoothies/










