Smoothie or not to Smoothie?

Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash

The smoothie has been around for a while now. Like a gorgeous garden in spring, recipes galore flooded the inter web. They came with great promise and delivered. A wave of change in eating habits began its slow rumble. Till time brought in its wake a slew of weeds as the sceptics slowly raised their heads.

So what were the objections? Let see: #3 is the most frowned upon.

1. Blending fruits, vegetables and herbs, oh wait, nuts and seeds too is in fact “processing” them. So, it’s not like biting into a raw piece of fruit or vegetable. The integrity of the fibres is lost and it may cause blood sugar spikes.
2. The gulps of the drink brings food to the stomach quicker than the regular bite-and-chew process. That is unnatural and can be overwhelming to the system.
3. Most blenders heat up during blending and the nutrients can potentially be oxidized before one really gets to the smoothie. This could cause a drop in the effective antioxidant value of the drink.

In light of all of the above, the haloed smoothie and its health rendering potential has been challenged. These objections are valid in many ways.

However, the smoothie was never meant to be the cornerstone of a diet. Its role emerged from a need to add more fruits and vegetables to a plate (or glass in this case). It was meant to take away space allocated to fast food and store-bought processed quick meals that were loaded with sugars, salt , trans fats, preservatives and a host of other non-pronounceable ingredients. It was an answer to turn around on its head, health gone so bad that some change had to be made. Just so, the body would have the opportunity to respond with health and vitality.

Having said that, here’s why I believe the smoothie is here to stay.

Objection #1: ”Blending fruits, vegetables and herbs, oh wait, nuts and seeds too is in fact “processing” them. So, it is not like biting into a raw piece of fruit or vegetable. The integrity of the fibres is lost and it may cause blood sugar spikes.”

Counter: True. Here’s a thought. When the nutrient-carrying vessels in the plant body are pulverized the nutrients are free-flowing and readily available for our body to absorb and assimilate. But all of it is a clean, available nutrient-dense portion that is devoid of any man-made additives. (Here we are referring to good, wholesome home-made smoothies )

Make it better: We all know that nature makes fibre in soluble and insoluble forms. While the blender blades will pulverize the insoluble fibre, the soluble fibre therein will ensure the drink does not rock the blood sugar boat.

Try: Cauliflower-raspberry smoothie with basil seeds.

Objection #2: “The gulps of the drink brings food to the stomach quicker than the regular bite-and-chew process. That is unnatural and can be overwhelming to the system.”

Counter: Couldn’t agree more. Hmm, here’s how I like to drink my smoothie. I drink my smoothie SLOW. I will intermittently mimic chewing (although its blended, but the toppings make for a fair chew). So the pulverized drink reaches my belly at a fairly okay pace (maybe it’s a wee bit faster than eating up the veggies, but its definitely not done in a few gulps).

Try: Avocado-spinach-passion fruit smoothie

Objection #3: “Most blenders heat up during blending and the nutrients can potentially be oxidized before one really gets to the smoothie. This could cause a drop in the effective antioxidant value of the drink.”

Counter: Yes, I have seen blender blades heat up. But do I see that it renders the drink a complete bust. Not at all. A good blender that does not heat up when used, comes at a price. Till you are not ready for that commitment stick with what you have and eventually you may choose to graduate to a more efficient tool.

Here’s a bonus one for the hard-core sceptics.

Objection #4: “The centrifugal movement of the ingredients as it blends, circulates enough air to oxidize the nutrients.”

Counter: The body is the best judge of that, I would say. You may lose some air-sensitive nutrients along the way. But you still have the rest to empower you.

Try: Frozen Pina-colada smoothie (surprise veggies inside)

Smoothies are most certainly here to stay. Sometimes a smoothie works just fine when chowing down on a bowl of salad is not the preferred option. C’est la vie! And it is all okay.

Besides, I sneak in veggies into a smoothie that I may not necessarily cook with. I love to play a game with my family when I serve up a smoothie. It is called: “Pop quiz: what’s in your smoothie?!”

Do your bit. Try different things. Every step takes you closer to health and wellness. Our bodies always have a way to let us know what works.

Do you have some unconventional yet nutritious foods that go in your smoothie? Tell me in the comments below.