1. “Perfect Pear” Smoothie
Pears are full of phytonutrients, including anti-inflammatory and anti-aging flavonoids. Their impressive profile includes high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and boron. Collectively, they help improve skin health by protecting skin from free-radical damage, bolstering skin’s collagen, and keep skin hydrated. Another little-known fact is that pears help treat oily skin when used as a facial paste because they reduce sebaceous gland oil secretion. So, make it into the blender, place on your face with some honey and coconut milk!
Ingredients
- 1 pear with skin on (Bosc or Plymouth are best for skin-boosting properties)
- 8 ice cubes (or about 1.5 cup)
- 1.5 cups of water (or almond milk, if desired)
- 1 medium banana
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tbs. freshly chopped ginger
Instructions
- Wash the pear and skin before using. Core the pear and place in the blender.
- Peel a small 1-inch nub of ginger, which will yield approximately 1 tablespoon of ginger. It is easiest to skin the ginger by dragging a spoon across the surface, taking off the peel. Roughly chop and place in the blender.
- Add the banana, ground cinnamon, and ice cubes.
- Cover with 1.5 cups of water, or almond milk.
- Blend on high for thirty seconds. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later in the day. Creates enough for one large shake or for two servings.
Nutrition Information (if using water, not almond milk)
- Calories: 209
- Protein: 2 g (3%) *
- Carbohydrates: 55 g (18%)
- Dietary Fiber: 9 g (32%)
- Sugar: 31 g
- Fat: 0 g (0%)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Potassium: 691 mg (15%)
- Sodium: 5 mg (0%)
- Vitamin A: 194 IU (4%)
- Vitamin C: 22 mg (25%)
- Calcium: 70 mg (7%)
- Iron: 1 mg (3%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet
By Alexandra Davis, Co-Creator of Ryan and Alex Duo Life, a wellness and health site for couples
2. Super Veggie Smoothie
Carrots support healthy liver, nails, skin and hair. Radish, garlic, and beetroot cleanse the liver and gall bladder, the organs and tissues that are working hard to break down stored fats, oils, and sugars. Basil is a good source of vitamin A, which keeps free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing the cholesterol from building up in the blood vessels. Fresh lemon juice is chock full of Vitamin C, an essential component of beautiful, healthy skin.
Ingredients
- 6 carrots (with tops if possible)
- 1 or 2 radishes
- 1 beet, cut into pieces
- 1 soft avocado
- 1 clove of fresh minced garlic
- 5–7 basil leaves
- ¼ to ½ cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 lemon slice (to squeeze at end)
- 1–2 cups purified water (more for a thinner consistency)
Instructions
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Squeeze an extra dash of lemon into the drink for brightness, a sprinkle of cayenne for kick.
By Holistic Wellbeing Expert, Randi Ragan, founder of GreenBliss EcoSpa and author of A Year of Living Mindfully (Motivational Press)
3. Paleo Green Smoothie
Kale is the world’s best resource for Vitamin K. Spinach carrying high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Strawberries are delicious and a great source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. Bananas aid digestion, provides energy, and are good for skin. Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and Hemp seeds contain plenty of protein, healthful fatty acids, and fiber.
Ingredients
- ½ to 1 cup dairy-free milk from a carton
- 2 cups curly kale
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium banana, fresh or frozen
- 6 pieces strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp hemp seeds,
- 1 to 1 ¼ cups ice
Place all ingredients in a high speed blender. Blend 1 minute or until creamy smooth. Add more milk or ice cubes for thinner smoothie.
Nutritive information:
For 1 cup of green smoothie
calories: 113kcal | carbohydrates: 15g | protein: 5g | fat: 4g | sodium: 158mg | potassium: 592mg | fiber: 3g | sugar: 4g | vitamin a: 8250iu | vitamin c: 81.3mg | calcium: 240mg | iron: 2.7mg
By ChihYu Smith, Founder of I Heart Umami
4. Pomegranate Booster
Pomegranate has high levels of Vitamin C, one of the primary anti-aging agents, and includes a host of powerful antioxidants that are equally important to keep the skin revitalized. The “secret ingredient” anti-aging compound found in pomegranates is called punicalagin, which helps preserve the collagen in your skin, thus slowing the effects of aging.
Ingredients
- 1 cups of baby spinach or kale
- 1 banana
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds (or juice)
Directions
- Blend almond milk with the banana first, and if it’s too thick add more milk, if it’s too thin add another 1/2 banana (or more if you prefer a thicker smoothie)
- Add a 1/4 of pomegranate seeds
- Add the spinach leaves slowly, allowing time for the blender to chop up the leaves into tiny bits
Nutritional info:
1 cup of baby kale: 3 grams of protein. 2.5 grams of fiber, iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and K (33 calories)1 banana: 1 gram of protein, 2.6 grams of fiber, potassium, 12.2 grams of sugar (89 calories)2 cups of almond milk: 2 grams of protein, 0.7 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar (60 calories)1/4 cup of pomegranate: 3 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, vitamin C, K, potassium, and folate
By Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, MD, Medical Advisor
5. Green Beauty Smoothie
Green tea helps protect the skin from aging and sun damage because it contains catechins, compounds that work to improve the health of your skin.
Oranges contain vitamin c which is necessary for creating the protein collagen that keeps skin firm and young. Berries are full of antioxidants which help to fight free radicals and help to keep skin hydrated. Walnuts and flax meal contain omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation in the body and skin.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh washed spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen berries (if you like a thicker smoothie)
- 1/2 cup sliced oranges
- 1 cup green tea
- 1/2 cup almond milk or nonfat milk
- 1 tablespoon flax meal
- 2 tablespoons cocoa protein powder or chopped walnuts
Instructions
Use a high-powered type blender to mix and match any of these ingredients to blend a smoothie that is as healthy for your skin as it is delicious.
Nutrition facts:
Amount per serving- Calories: 312, Total fat, 7 g, Saturated fat >1-gram, Cholesterol 0 if use almond milk, Sodium 87 mg, Potassium 644 mg, Total Carbohydrates 37grams, Fiber 9 grams, Sugar 32 grams, Protein 16 grams.
By Lynell Ross, Founder and Managing Editor – Zivadream
6. Skin Shine Smoothie
Lemon Juice is packed with vitamin C and citric acid which promotes skin shine and elasticity – Coconut Milk also offers a high level of vitamin C. Flax Seeds helps to regulate sebum production, limiting oily skin and balancing skin for an even tone. Bananas meanwhile help to naturally promote skin moisturization and moisture retention, while Kale is rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid which help maintain healthy skin. Finally, Almond Milk is rich in vitamin E, promoting skin protection from UV rays, while dates and honey provide natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Flax Seeds
- 1 Tablespoon Organic Honey
- 1 Banana
- 4 Dates
- 1/4 Cup Coconut Water
- 1 Cup Kale
- 1 Cup Almond Milk
Fruit can be frozen or unfrozen depending on preference.
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Add ice if preferred and add more almond milk if the smoothie is too thick for your tastes.
Nutritive Information
Amount per serving:
- Calories 450
Daily value based on 2,000 calorie diet:
- Total Fat 30.1g 39%
- Saturated Fat 25.7g 129%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 68mg 3%
- Total Carbohydrate 47g 17%
- Dietary Fiber 7.3g 26%
- Total Sugars 31.4g
- Protein 5.8g
- Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
- Calcium 83mg 6%
- Iron 4mg 22%
- Potassium 919mg 20%
The Skin Smoothie is best consumed in the morning although it can be enjoyed at any time of day!
By Jamie, Head of Practice, Acupuncture Jerusalem
