Cool off with this quick, nutritious summer smoothie

By ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News

Bluey smoothie

Who needs ice cream this summer? A nutritional blended drink like the bluey smoothie can be the ultimate treat to cool off.

"Using whole fruit to make this smoothie is a great way to get all of the properties of fruit you don't get from juice – including antioxidants and fiber – while also taking in other essential nutrients like calcium," said Marie-Pierre St-Onge, an associate professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University in New York.

In addition to blueberries, peaches and spinach, the recipe's other main ingredient is fat-free milk, an excellent source of protein. St-Onge suggests upping the protein level by mixing in Greek yogurt and boosting the fiber content by adding flax seeds or oats. She also recommends adding nuts to keep you feeling full longer.

Another selling point of the bluey smoothie recipe is how simple it is to make. Grab frozen fruit and spinach from the freezer and you're halfway there.

"Frozen fruit is good because it retains the nutritional value of fresh fruit, and it makes it easier to have a cold beverage with a thicker consistency," St-Onge said. "I'm not usually a proponent of liquid calories, but I understand the appeal of nutritious beverages for on-the-go nutrition."

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].


·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News Stories

·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News stories reflect the official position of the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ scientific journals or presented at ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.