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While my smoothies typically have one or two superfoods in them, today I’m whipping up this Superfood Smoothie with four superfoods! I love it when a superfood smoothie recipe can taste delicious and do a whole lot of good in one jar.
Let’s learn how to use superfoods to give our bodies the boost they need.
Packing nutrition into your daily smoothie isn’t hard to do. Yet superfoods can take that smoothie’s nutrition, and your health, to the next level.
Table of Contents
Rawkstars Matt and Amanda entered one of our giveaways a few years ago. They shared how Amanda started making superfood smoothie recipes to help Matt, her husband, in his battle against brain cancer.
Amanda’s research led her to new ingredients that she began adding to their daily smoothies. In addition, our community requested some of their recipes and they graciously shared their favorite smoothie below, along with their research.
Recipe Ingredients + Health Benefits
This citrusy fruit smoothie recipe was created to maximize health benefits as well as be something that Matt could easily gulp down. Here’s what they’re blending:
- Orange and Lime: The peel of oranges (well washed, please!) contain three times the amount of vitamin C than the inner fruit. Crazy, right? The peel also contains polyphenols, which can help with chronic conditions like Type II Diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The inner fruit of citrus provides large amounts of vitamin C, fiber and several other vitamins and minerals that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Bananas: Bananas are full of fiber, magnesium and potassium. These minerals release energy slowly to prevent blood sugar spikes. Also, bananas contain vitamin B6 which can help keep blood levels stable during chemotherapy. And bonus! The natural sweetness gives this superfood smoothie a delicious boost.
- Coconut water: Coconut water is hydrating and replenishes the body, containing 16% of the RDI of electrolytes, which Amanda says is important for Matt during chemo. She buys the Symbiosis Brand brand because it’s free from preservatives and additives. In addition, it’s also not packaged in boxes lined with BPA.
- Goji berries: Goji berries aren’t new. They’re a superfood used in ancient medicine all over Tibet, India, Mongolia, and regions of China. They help stabilize blood sugar and protect the skin. This study found that drinking goji berry juice can help battle depression.
- Hemp hearts + chia seeds: Healthy fats, protein, alpha-linolenic acid and linolenic acid found in hemp hearts give the lymphatic system a boost. Both of these superfoods are gaining popularity and can be found in most grocery stores (and are the main ingredients in my protein powder recipe). Chia seeds add antioxidant power and slow absorption of sugars, and protein. Mayan warriors and Tarahumara ultra runners both use chia seeds for endurance support.
- TOCOS powder: TOCOS, or tocotrienols, are super-charged with vitamin E. Studies show that forms of vitamin E have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why Amanda started adding this powder to Matt’s smoothies.
Fun fact: Eating citrus fruit can lower your risk of kidney stones!
More Boosters
As you can see, this orange smoothie is a powerhouse of benefits. Yet if you feel like adding even more then go for it! Toss in some spinach or kale to get in your daily dose of leafy greens. Add turmeric root, ginger root or fresh ground cinnamon for a flavor and nutrition boost.
Blueberries, strawberries or blackberries can work alongside goji berries, or replace them if you aren’t able to find the more uncommon goji berries at your grocery.
Bananas can be replaced with avocado or cauliflower to keep the creaminess level high and lower the natural sugar in this superfood smoothie recipe.
How to Make a Superfood Smoothie
Grab your blender and whip up this dairy-free smoothie in minutes! It’s super easy to make, especially if you’re using a high-powered blender.
- Add all ingredients except for ice to your blender and blend on high until smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed to eliminate any chunks. If you aren’t using a high-powered blender, be sure to peel the citrus fruit well as the white pith won’t blend up as easily.
- Add the ice and blend again. Alternatively, use a frozen banana or frozen berries in place of the ice for a refreshingly cool beverage.
Be patient if you want a chunk-free result. It will happen! Feel free to top your smoothie with a few extra chia seeds or hemp seeds.
FAQs
Yes! Smoothies made with whole fruits and vegetables and boosted with foods like hemp hearts, chia seeds and more can add healthy fat and protein along with a wide variety of nutrients. Stick to real ingredients, minimally processed, for the best results.
Honestly, the healthiest ingredient in a smoothie depends on the person! Make smoothies with a variety of fruits and vegetables vs. making the same smoothie every day. Variety is most important! Choose different colors of fruit, try a leafy green from another family, boost with hemp hearts one day and chia seeds or avocado another.
There are so many great superfoods that can easily be added to smoothies. Hemp hearts, chia seeds and flaxseed add fiber, healthy fat and protein. Other seeds and nuts can add a wider variety of nutrients targeting specific needs you have like brain health, help with inflammation, the ability to lower blood sugar and more. And in different berries for even more nutrition, cacao for natural energy (and a chocolatey treat). Play around and find combinations that taste good to you as well as advance your health goals.
More Superfood Smoothie Recipes
Here are five more recipes that use superfoods to enhance the healing process and boost the immune system naturally.
- Flaxseed Smoothie: A protein smoothie to start the day with energy.
- Vanilla Matcha Smoothie: An afternoon pick-me-up that can easily replace that energy drink or third cup of coffee.
- Peach Probiotic Smoothie: Drink to your gut health with this unique smoothie recipe.
- Cherry Beet Smoothie: While this may not sound appetizing, you’ll be surprised how delicious it is!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie: Another recipe that will give you natural energy and healthy fats through nut butter and cacao powder.
Don’t forget to rate + review this recipe once you’ve tried it. I’d love to know what you think!
Orange Superfood Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 orange peeled and seeded
- ½ banana
- ¼ cup coconut water
- 1 tbsp goji berries
- 1 tbsp hemp hearts
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp TOCOS soluble rice bran powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ cup ice
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Blend the oranges and other ingredients, except the ice, until smooth.
- Add the ice and blend again. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Use one frozen fruit to make this smoothie cold (the banana is a great option!). Learn how to freeze bananas so you’ve always got some on hand.
- Add up to one cup of leafy greens for added nutrients.
- Swap coconut water with regular water.
- TOCOS powder is added for its high concentration of vitamin E. Swap with pumpkin seeds, almonds or peanut butter.
Orange superfood smoothie – more vitamin c in the peel you say but then in recipe it says to peel the orange. Are we supposed to use the peel or not? Is it safe to eat it?
Hi Synthia! You could make it either way! Definitely depends on if the blender can handle it or not.
I am wanting to try this recipe but very unfamiliar with TOCOS powder. Actually, I’ve never even heard of such an ingredient. So, can you recommend a reputable brand(s) to use? I’m totally clueless and would love some guidance in this department. Thank you.
I made this with unsweetened shredded coconut instead of the seeds and skipped the tocos. I also had 1 tbsp collagen powder instead of homemade protein powder. It turned out great!
This is such a fun smoothie! Love the color + flavor.
Same here! It’s definitely a great one. 🙂
Can you recommend a good smoothie for type 2 diabetes ?
Hi Frankie! Since we are not doctors or nutritionists, we suggest to any member of our community with health concerns they speak with their healthcare provider to confirm that green smoothies and the natural sugars are okay for their eating plan. We want what’s best for you, and your personal physician can help you determine what’s best for you + your body. In the meantime, here’s a link to our favorite low-sugar fruits. It may be a great resource to share with your doctor. 🙂 https://simplegreensmoothies.com/low-sugar-fruits
Hi there! I found you through google search and im intrigued and excited to try some of your smoothies! I am just a bit of a loss as to where can I find TOCOS? I’m doing research on smoothies because my 2 and 4 year old boys love them and they are a great way to sneak in all the good stuff they need to grow big and strong. Thank you for all the information you share! This is a very neat website!
With Love,
Oliver’s and Sebastian’s Mama
Hi just another mom of 2 and 4 year old boys, looking for a better way to fit nutritious foods into my kids diet! Was just going to let you know you can find TOCOS on Amazon.com for around $18!
Yes, what Amanda said! You can get these right off Amazon.
Enjoy 🙂
I have frequent stomach pains, do you have any problem to solve this problem? Thank you
Hi May,
Oh no! I am so sorry you’re suffering frequent stomach pains. I wish I could offer more, but unfortunately because I’m not a doctor or nutritionist, I’m not the best person to help. But I’ll definitely be sending plenty of healing vibes your way + hope you feel better soon!
Hellomy sister has been diagnosed w glioplastoma brain cancer .what is the best smoothie that can reduce the rapud growth of this cancer. .she has to wIt 2 weeks before she s seen for treatment
My husband was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Do you have any specific recipes you’d recommend?
Hi Laura,
I’m so sorry to hear of your husband’s diagnosis. We’ll be sending plenty of healing vibes your way!
You may be interested in reading Amanda + Matt’s story + their green smoothie story.
Also, this is a recipe Amanda made for her husband while he was going through cancer treatment…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/superfood-smoothie
Hi I just got diagnosed with lymphoma and begin radiation soon, I had a question about the smoothies, should these be meal replacements or additions to my daily diet? Thank you.
Hi Jennifer,
Spending plenty of love + healing vibes your way! Our recipes can be used as a healthy snack option in addition to your regular diet or as a meal replacement. When using your green smoothie as a meal replacement we suggest adding protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Learn more about our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie
i’m trying to find new recipes with goji berry powder. I find the taste of goji berries strong and not fond of it but it is good for you so do you have any other recipes that hide the flavor of goji berries?
Thanks,
Heather
Hi Heather,
While we don’t have any other goji berries at this time, goji berries are the perfect compliment to our Cucumber Grape Punch Green Smoothie!
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/recipes
Also, what about juicing an orange versus putting the peeled orange in the smoothie? What’s the difference there?
Hi Holly,
Thanks for reaching out. We love blending the entire fruit, so you don’t miss out on any of the fruit’s healthy benefits. When juicing you’re missing out on the fruit’s fiber that helps your body feel full + satisfied.
Cheers!
What happens if you leave the seeds in fruits like oranges?
Hi Holly,
Great question! Citrus seeds can be pretty tough on your blender, so we suggest removing them to ensure your smoothie is blended to creamy perfection. Also, some seeds may have small amounts of toxins (to prevent them from being eaten by birds or other animals) which can be tough on your digestion.
Hope this helps!
Hi! I live in a very small country and there are a lot of ingredients that are very difficult to find!!
How can I substitute hemp seeds and TOCOS?
Hi Cecilia,
Feel free to swap out the hemp seeds and TOCOS for another healthy fat + protein :). Here our some of our favorites:
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie
Amazon.com is also a great resource for any hard to find ingredients!
Just made this (minus the TOCOS, thinking about ordering) and O M G was it amazing! Seriously, way better than I was expecting (and I love smoothies!). Try this out whether you have the TOCOS or not!
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for taking the time to reach out + share your smoothie love!