Healthy Green Detox Smoothie

So thick and creamy you can’t sip it through a straw, this healthy green detox smoothie is bound to change the way you feel about green concoctions that claim to be good for your health. It’s made with only 5 easy-to-find ingredients that are packed not only with nutrients, but flavour as well.

If the thought of green smoothies makes you shudder with unpleasant memories of bitter tasting, bland and watery drinks you’ve had to force yourself to chug down in the name of health, this smoothie isn’t for you. Despite the (notorious) green hue, it actually tastes more like a creamy banana smoothie, with a touch of oranges, and yes, a healthy twist.

Why Add Kale to This Healthy Green Detox Smoothie?

It seems that in the past decade or so, kale has outgrown its status of a simple leafy green; it’s now a symbol, a statement, a way of life even for some people (or is that going too far?)

But that’s not why you should include it in this smoothie. Simply put, kale is healthy. It does not have magical properties, and it does not taste like candy no matter what the word on the street may be. But, it will give your body a boost of important nutrients, including:

• Plant-based protein
• Fibre
• Vitamins A, C and K
• Folate, a B-vitamin that is key for brain development
• Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid

If you simply can’t stand the taste, I’m not here to shove it down your throat. But this smoothie is the perfect solution for kale haters - you won’t taste it at all.

What Is Flax Meal?

This smoothie recipe calls for a tablespoon of flax meal, or ground flax seeds. If you're new to the whole green smoothie game, you may wonder why add flax seeds at all.

Flax seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats, including omega-3 fats, antioxidants and fibre, as well as some important vitamins and minerals. Plus, they make the smoothie even thicker and creamier.

The Liquid Component

Every smoothie needs a liquid component to give it just the right texture. In this recipe, I opted for almond milk because it’s low in calories, has a very neutral flavour, but is not too watery.

If you prefer, you can use a different kind of milk, as well as water or even more orange juice to give the smoothie a more citrusy feel. Feel free to also chuck in a few cubes of ice to make the smoothie more refreshing.

Still Not a Fan of Kale?

Don't worry, not all green smoothies are made with kale. If you're looking for a healthy dose of something green, I highly recommend this classic green smoothie with spinach, or even a spirulina smoothie.