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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.
Not a fan of the coconut water. It has a diuretic effect on me. I replaced it with green tea, and while it is also a diuretic, it wasn’t so extreme. How does that affect the nutrition combination?
Hi Theresa,
We love switching up our liquid base options + green tea is a great option for this recipe! It contains a high concentration of polyphenols, which are a specific type of antioxidant. These antioxidants are also known to rejuvenate skin cells and give you a clearer complexion. The caffeine kick will also help if you’re trying to kick a coffee habit!
Learn more about our favorite liquid base options here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/dairy-free-smoothies
Would you or have you used MACA powder in any of your smoothies?
Hi Ann,
We love adding raw maca powder to green smoothies! Not only will it add a slighty, sweet, malted flavor to your smoothie, but it also works as a natural pain reliever and mood and energy booster!
Try adding some raw mighty maca powder along with creamy ingredients like bananas and avocado to your next green smoothie. And just an FYI: taking too much maca may throw your hormones out of whack, so make sure to consult with your health care provider before incorporating this into your green smoothie routine.
After consulting your health care provider, we suggest adding 1/2 tsp to your smoothie.
Cheers 🙂
Hi,
Can i check how long can a smoothie be kept?
Thanks!
Hi Sam,
Thanks for reaching out! Our recipes will keep in your fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. We suggest adding a small amount of lemon juice to help preserve all of their green goodness!
Cheers 🙂
Hello ladies! Saw you on the Drs. today. I have been trying to figure out a healthy choice for breakfast in the morning. Really want it be healthy, filling and easy. The green smoothie looks like it fits the bill! I’ve been avidly reading your information on this webpage. Can the green smoothie be made the night before?
Hi Patty,
YAY! We’re so excited to hear you saw us on The Doctors today! Our Goji Berry Orange Smoothie is a power-packed recipe! You can turn any of our recipes into a delicious, healthy, simple + quick meal replacement by adding protein + healthy fats. We suggest adding protein + healthy fats to ensure you’re fueling your body with a complete meal. Check out our favorite meal replacement booster combos here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/meal-replacement-smoothie
You can definitely make our recipes the night before! They’ll keep in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to two days. Adding a small amount of lemon juice will also help preserve all of their green goodness.
Cheers 🙂
hi
I noticed this recipe has coconut water but I am sure I read somewhere that people with kidney disease shouldn’t drink coconut water. My husband has kidney cancer and I just wanted to make sure it was safe for him before giving it to him.
Thanks
Hi Gianna,
We’re green smoothie lovin’ rawkstars all right, but we’re not doctors or nutritionists. We suggest you talk with your doctor about any health concerns— I’m sure they can help you decide what is best for you and your husband.
Cheers to health + happiness!
I am really interested in the Tocos! I went to Amazon and read reviews and one person said it is high glycemic load. Are you able to post information on this? Loving all of your recipes…trying new ones is so fun!! Thanks!
Hi Laura,
The Chalkboard has a great post on Tocos! Check it out here…
is there also a substitute for TOCOS? Hope to hear from you soon 🙂
Hi Fenna,
Thanks for reaching out! We love TOCOS because it’s packed with Vitamin B + D, and it’s delicious vanilla flavor. Looking to substitute TOCOS but still get the same benefits, adding avocado + oats is a great option! Add a splash of vanilla extract if you want to get the same flavor!
Hope this helps!
Hi,
I found this recipe to be a bit bitter, was it b/c of the orange zest? If I didn’t add them or added only zest of one orange maybe it won’t be as bitter.
Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are pretty good.
Christina
Hi Christina,
You may be right. Adding zest is a great way to pack this smoothie with nutrients, but the flavor can be overpowering. If you’re finding the recipe too bitter, cutting back to one orange zest or simply using the oranges for their juice may help! You can also balance the flavors by adding a little bit of a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, banana, or dates.
Hi, this is an awesome recipe, made it for brekkie this morning 🙂
Rawesome! Thanks for blendin’ with us, Sabine! 🙂
Hi.
Thanks for alll these wonderful ideas. I’m a juicer. I have been using the nutribullet everyday for the past year. These posts just keeps me motivated to experiment with different ingredients.
I notice that you dont have many recipes with honey. Any particular reason?
Hi Shanaaz,
We love honey, it’s a great natural sweetener and the perfect addition when you’re looking to sweeten up any recipe. Learn more about our favorite natural sweeteners here…
Haha for some reason when I saw “soluble rice bran powder” out of the corner of my eye I read soluble brain power! Woot! I will definitely be trying this smoothie =]. Love all of you recipes AND the cleanse. Will be buying your smoothie book soon :D.
Hi Shelby,
I bet this recipe will give you some great brain power! Enjoy this recipe + thank you for your support! We can’t believe our book will be hitting shelves in just a few days!
Cheers 🙂
Just made this and it is fabulous. I get canker sores with too much citrus so couldn’t do it every day but I sure enjoyed it for lunch today.
Hi Robin,
YAY! Thank you so much for reaching out + letting us know you enjoyed this recipe! 🙂
Where can I buy TOCOS?
Hi Meaninc,
Pick up TOCOS on Amazon.com through the link here…
Hi,
WHat can I substitute TOCOS with and still get maximum benefit?
Thanks
Hi Shalu,
Thanks for reaching out! We love TOCOS because it’s packed with Vitamin B + D, and it’s delicious vanilla flavor. Looking to substitute TOCOS but still get the same benefits, adding avocado + oats is a great option! Add a splash of vanilla extract if you want to get the same flavor!
Hope this helps!
Hey this Recife seems super-tasty and nutritious!
But very superfoody too.
Could you recommend swabs due to me not having everything in the House yet?
Love
Hi Sydney,
Of course! Which ingredients are you looking to substitute?
I would like to sustitute the gojis and the TOCOS.
Through about swapping them with other type of berries ans Vanilla Extrakt.
Hi Sydney,
You’re definitely on the right track! When looking to substitute gogi berries, other berries like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries provide great antioxidant benefits! You can also use acai (however this isn’t cheap either). Raw cacao powder would also provide some similar phytochemicals as well as essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.
We love the vanilla flavor + major vitamin boost TOCOs adds to your green smoothie, but if you don’t have it on hand or not a fan of the price tag, vanilla extract is a great option!
Hope these tips help!
Hi,
can this recipe be used to boost immunity in the kidney?
Hi Marsha,
Bioflavonoids are important for boosting immunity in your kidneys. The citrus in Amanda’s Goji Berry Orange Smoothie will add some major support for your kidney health!
Cheers 🙂