This dark leafy greens smoothie is very nutritious and full of potassium! The mix of spinach, almond and banana provides lots of minerals, fibers, proteins, vitamins and healthy fats.
Spinach and almonds are seen as superfood, as they are loaded with tons of nutrients. Bananas are also a good source of carbs and fiber.
The potassium boost
Did you know that potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body?
Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of all cell. It regulates the heartbeat, ensures proper function of the muscles and nerves, and it may help reduce blood pressure.
Note: if you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) you may have to limit consumption of potassium.
Ingredients for this spinach, banana and almond smoothie
- A hand full fresh raw spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup of almond milk
How to make your own almond milk:
For one cup of almond milk;
Soak 1/4 cup almond (around 20) in water for 1 night
The next day, rinse them and put them in a blender or food processor with ¾ cup water. Blend for about 2-3 minutes until the nuts are fine. Pour the juice into a sieve to filter out the nut bits.
See also my blog: make your own almond milk including instruction video.
Directions for the blender or food processor:
- Put the spinach, banana and almond milk all together in the jug or jar.
If necessary, add the spinach a little at a time if the jug is already quite full. - Mix till all is smooth and done.
If it is too thick to your liking, you can add some more almond milk or some water.
Some nutrition facts and benefits of spinach, banana and almonds
Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable and has a lot of potassium. Also, good amount of iron, calcium and magnesium. As well vitamin A, C and K1, folic acid and antioxidants.
Bananas are rich in potassium and a source of carbs and fiber. They are high in Vitamin B6, and C, but isalso a suggarly fruit, for that better not to eat to many. 1 -2 a day is seen as moderate intake for healthy people.
Almonds are super healthy. It contains a lot of vegetable proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and B2.
How long can you store this drink?
Easily you can keep it in de fridge up to 48 hours.
Spinach smoothie in the freezer
When you make this juice with fresh raw spinach you can freeze it in for one time.
it is better not to refreeze spinach after it has been thawed, because bacteria then get the chance to develop.
When you freeze a smoothie, don’t forget to keep some room at the top of the glass or jar for expansion while freezing
Freezing a fresh juice does not destroy the minerals, vitamins or enzymes.
And the flavor does not decrease either.
It seems you can store the drinks up to 3 months without degrading the nutrition or the flavor. Some say it can be even up to 6 months
Is this drink a smoothie or a juice?
I call this drink smoothie as well as juice. The difference between these two is that with a smoothie pulp and generally the skin of vegetables and fruit is not removed, and therefore often has more nutrients. With a juice, the pulp is filtered and you have a clearer drink.
In this recipe, only the almond pulp is removed.
What to do with the almond pulp?
When I make almond milk, I always keep the pulp and add it for example to yogurt or porridge. You could also add it to cakes etc.
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Hi, my name is Jolinda, and I work as a holistic health practitioner. I provide mindfulness training, happiness coaching, yoga and meditation classes and massage and Reiki treatments.
With my blogs I hope to inspire you to make positive changes into your life. For more ideas and tips check out my page Jolindas inspiration. Free trainings and videos you can find at free downloads and videos