Spinach retains less lutein, the longer duration of boiling. I recommend chopping them first, and blending a little at a time until you have added the desired amount. If using frozen spinach pucks for smoothies or anything pureed, removing stems is not necessary. If you cook your spinach before sneaking it into your smoothies, avoid boiling it -- the water leaches important nutrients. The goal is to pack in a lot of healthy greens. I simply place a stainless steel colander inside of a larger pot with a bit of boiling water in the bottom. Remove the steamer basket from the ice water bath and put the greens into a strainer to drain. Now, new research from Linköping University in Sweden reveals that eating spinach in the form of a smoothie or juice, combined with some fat, is actually the most efficient way to absorb lutein from spinach in our diet. Strawberries promote good eyesight and decrease symptoms of arthritis. Their research demonstrated that that lutein can be stored in immune cells, allowing the body to build up a reserve of lutein. However, it is not necessary since processing the leaves into a smoothie already produces an edible and ready-to-drink beverage. Two tablespoons of flaxseeds in this bright green drink … You may opt-out by. Should You Boil Spinach For Your Smoothie? And is doesn’t have to just taste “ok” to make it healthy! Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that we all know to be really healthy, due to the presence of high levels of antioxidants in it. But the researchers found that it’s better not to heat spinach, if you can avoid it. It's not just for Popeye — spinach can be enjoyed by anyone, whether it's cooked or raw. We have also investigated methods of preparation in which the spinach is eaten cold, such as in salads and smoothies", said Lena Jonasson, professor in the Department of Medical and Health Sciences and consultant in cardiology. Ingredients for the Strawberry Spinach Smoothie: 1 cup mango juice (Orange Juice also works well) 1/2 cup yogurt 1/2 lb fresh or frozen strawberries, halved or quartered 1/2 lb fresh or frozen blueberries 1 banana 1 cup packed fresh spinach Drizzle of honey (about 1 Tbsp) How to Make a Strawberry Spinach Smoothie: Kale is fine (both raw and cooked), however you should avoid soy products and large amounts of raw spinach as both of these are not good for people who are hypothyroid. It also contains valuable nutrients and minerals including iron. The best way to consume spinach is raw, so it keeps all of the nutrients. Blanched spinach – serves 2. Swap the spinach … But similar to many other nutrients, lutein is also degraded by heat. Adding it to your smoothie helps you get all the good nutrition, without the bitter taste. In a blender, place the water and spinach (add in flax seed for more fiber right now if you want) and blend until smooth. This delicious, energy giving smoothie helps you fight … "What is unique about this study is that we have used preparation methods that are often used when cooking food at home, and we have compared several temperatures and heating times. Andre Enderson says. Measuring this degree of inflammation is important since it is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder or an unflavored protein powder. On your second day, have green smoothies for breakfast and lunch but a light healthy meal, such as a salad, for dinner. Your email address will not be published. Strawberry Kale Smoothie. The antioxidant, lutein, is responsible for these beneficial anti-inflammatory effects . Kale leaves are tougher and may be more difficult to blend in a low-end blender. Since warming up meals in a microwave oven is obviously quite common, the researchers discovered that reheating the food in a microwave, to some extent, compensated for the loss of lutein in cooked food. "Best is not to heat the spinach at all. Besides, studies have found out that boiling spinach will … Strawberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe Variations. I also serve as an adviser and editor to Medscape Emergency Medicine, an educational portal for physicians, and an affiliate of WebMD. Kale is a nutritious green to use for smoothies and a great source of plant-based calcium. Blend until smooth. 00:00 Besides the spinach, I use a banana and frozen mangos in this smoothie recipe, and each fruit has its own health benefits. Since elevated levels of fat-soluble lutein are found in dark green vegetables, researchers decided to compare various ways of preparing fresh spinach to maximize the lutein content in the finished food product. Pour the spinach mixture into ice cube trays and … And even better is to make a smoothie and add fat from dairy products, such as cream, milk or yogurt. Was wondering how to use spinach and not get a green colored smoothie! Place as much spinach as will fit into your steamer (or pot + colander over boiling water). But the researchers found that it’s better not to heat spinach, if you can avoid it . Spinach, avocado, and pineapple smoothie. Lots of freggie servings, vitamins, and fullness to get me through my mornings. The benefits of eating spinach are related to its role as an antioxidant compound which serves to reduce inflammation in our body, chiefly in our blood vessels. Spinach smoothie benefits. (packed into the cups - smash as much as you can in there), green apple peeled and cored and cut into chunks. Check out these simple tips and tricks to make a simple yet delish smoothie for breakfast, lunch, quick energy boost, or just whenever! Kale is one of the most popular smoothie greens after spinach. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. If you’re wondering what are the benefits of spinach smoothies, here are just a few of the many perks this leafy, green vegetable brings to the table according to Healthline:. For many, spinach is a tough vegetable to swallow. I usually run it twice to get it nice and smooth. Remove from the heat. My other time is spent with my private house call practice, DR 911, providing medical care to both travelers and residents in Manhattan. 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My smoothies are usually 1% milk, spinach, a small banana or half or a large one, 1-1.5 cups of frozen berries, and a tablespoon of flax seeds (which get ground up nicely in the blender). Allow water to return to full boil then set timer for 2 minutes. When the water is boiling throw in the spinach use a spoon to lightly push the spinach down so it is all down in the water. I have a keen interest in medical technology and public health education. several of them on sale right now for a great price. When the spinach is chopped into small pieces, more lutein is released from the leaves, and the fat increases the solubility of the lutein in the fluid", said Rosanna Chung, lead  author of the study. I also serve as an adviser and editor to. A good fruit smoothie recipe doesn’t have to be rocket science! However, the best way to … Add the zest of 1 orange or swap the almond milk for freshly squeezed orange juice. They noted that one of the best ways to maximize the amount of lutein is to make a smoothie and add healthy types of fat from dairy products. 400g-450g spinach or 250-300g baby spinach; butter or olive oil; salt and pepper We know that people with coronary artery disease (CAD) (narrowing of the arteries caused by fatty plaques) have chronic, low-grade inflammation that can be measured in the bloodstream. To reduce the goitrogens as much as possible, it's best to boil (and it works great to add to a smoothie), but for sautéed dishes, such as the Creamed Kale and Eggs the … Strawberry Spinach Protein Smoothie. Yet, it’s the way food is prepared that ultimately determines the net absorption and availability of valuable compounds from foods such as spinach, which we have commonly been taught is a nutritious and beneficial food in our diet. In the new study, the researchers decided to figure out the most effective food preparation method to maximize lutein, using spinach since it contains relatively high levels of lutein and is widely consumed. Pineapple juice – this plays a role in masking some of that broccoli flavor; plus pineapple juice is just really really good. If the mixture seems too thick, add in extra coconut water. Citrus-flax green smoothie. Instead, steam the leaves for a … And even better is to make a smoothie and add fat from dairy products, such as cream, milk or yogurt. The amount of potassium in bananas also makes it a good fruit that can help to decrease kidney stone. How to make a Broccoli Smoothie. Spinach is a wonderful leafy green, a real workhorse of an ingredient ready to whizz into soups, stews and smoothies, plus it cooks in no time.So when in season, turn your fresh spinach bounty into manageable portions, and store in the freezer ready for throwing … Facebook Twitter If not, just switch to the modified cleanse for the remainder of the cleanse period. How to prepare and cook spinach. Disclosure | Privacy Policy. The study revealed that heating time is crucial, especially when spinach is boiled. Day Green Smoothie Cleanse . I use my blancher but a large pot will work as well. Cover the spinach and steam for 1 minute. Nothing fancy, but it works! Add spinach and coconut water to a blender, and puree until smooth. Typical vegetables included in green smoothies are cruciferous vegetables like kale, broccoli, collard greens, maca (usually as a supplemental powder) as well as others like spinach, swiss chard, celery, and parsley. Green smoothies are made by blending large amounts of raw leafy green vegetables with fruit to soften and sweeten the taste. Add in the banana, cut up apple, and ice. Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in iron. Great share!!! © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. Spinach retains less lutein, the longer duration of boiling. So, if you are not a salad person, then a sweet, cold, and delicious smoothie is the best way to enjoy it. But the method of preparation is also critical:  when spinach is fried at high temperature a large amount of the lutein is degraded after only 2 minutes. They then proceeded to measure the lutein content at different times of food preparation. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Orange Strawberry Spinach Smoothie. The older leaves might need a more thorough wash in cold water and you may also want to trim or tear off any woodier stems. Using fresh baby spinach, they used steaming, frying, or boiling it up to 90 minutes. Bring large pot of water to boil, add spinach when water is boiling vigorously. May 21, 2014 at 6:19 am. Apple Spinach Green Smoothie Recipe - Spinach Apple Smoothie Bring enough water to cover your spinach to a boil. Foods to avoid with 1. Yummy Smoothie with Spinach. By the third day, you should be ready to resume with green smoothies all day. I am an emergency physician on staff at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, where I have practiced for the past 15 years. Researchers compared different temperatures and heating times in food preparation, since spinach cooked in a soup or stew is not heated to as high a temperature or for as long as spinach in a casserole. Blanch for 2 minutes. Fresh spinach – I love spinach in my smoothies! Reply. Increasing dietary intake of lutein would therefore be a reasonable approach to increasing lutein levels. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. 1-2 ripe bananas (or ones that you have frozen) a handful of spinach leaves (I buy the already-washed organic baby spinach that comes in a package) about 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (frozen ones are cheaper, plus this is what makes the smoothie cold and icy without having to add ice) Remove the steamer basket from the boiling water and immediately plunge into an ice water bath. Baby spinach leaves need no more than a quick rinse before use. You may do so. Just started using smoothies. It turns out that lutein is released from the spinach as the plant structure is degraded by the microwave. Chopping the spinach, before preparing the smoothie, was found to release the greatest amount of lutein . Set up a pot of boiling water with a steamer basket insert. Instructions. The researchers embarked on various methods of food preparation to figure out the most efficient way to retain the highest levels of lutein from spinach. You seem to be on a relatively low dosage so you should be fine. Previously, researchers at Linköping University had studied the role of lutein in reducing inflammation in blood vessels, particularly in the immune cells of patients with CAD. "Best is not to heat the spinach at all. The findings were published in the journal, Food Chemistry. Healthy Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe, strawberry cheesecake protein shake recipe. Place the lid on to hold in any steam. Leaves into a smoothie and add fat from dairy products, such as cream, milk or yogurt smoothies! Spinach in my smoothies third day, you should be fine goal is to pack in lot! I use my blancher but a large pot will work as well my smoothies different! Has its own health benefits for Popeye — spinach can be stored in immune cells, the. 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