The #1 Best Smoothie to Slow Aging, Say Dietitians
You've likely seen the commercials or magazine ads with celebrities promoting the latest anti-aging serums. Maybe you've even splurged on some of the products yourself. But as we all know, there isn't one magic elixir that will completely reverse the inevitable effects of aging.
However, there are several ingredients you can incorporate into your diet that can assist with the aging process. And what better way to do that than by blending them together in a refreshing smoothie?
According to our medical expert board members Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, also known as The Nutrition Twins, the best smoothie to combat aging is a wild blueberry chai protein smoothie.
Jam-packed with nutrients, this beverage covers several bases when it comes to looking and feeling younger. Read on to discover the benefits of each ingredient. And for more anti-aging tips, check out The 5 Best Lifestyle Habits That Will Keep You Feeling Young, Science Says.
Wild Blueberries
There's a reason why these little blue gems have been popularized as a "superfruit." Blueberries are revered for their potent antioxidant content, and wild blueberries take things up a notch. Despite being small, they have twice as many antioxidants and 33% more healthy anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid) than ordinary blueberries
"All this antioxidant power is a big deal when it comes to keeping the skin youthful, since antioxidants mop up free radicals that damage and age the skin," the Nutrition Twins say.
These antioxidants are known to help decrease inflammation, which, in turn, prevents some of the cellular damage that naturally comes with age.
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Protein
Protein is crucial for collagen production, which helps keep the skin supple, elastic, and youthful. The Nutrition Twins' go-to ingredient for this smoothie is pea protein powder, but this can also be substituted with chickpeas. Pulses like pea protein and chickpeas are also great sources of plant-based protein and fiber, so they help keep you full, which can ultimately aid in weight loss.
While these protein sources help with looking younger on the outside, like blueberries, their anti-inflammatory properties fight aging on the inside, as well, say The Nutrition Twins.
Spices
Spices are celebrated for their plethora of health benefits, and this chai spice blend is chock-full of them. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom not only elevate the smoothie's flavor, but they also contain powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation and protect cells against diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer.
While the spice trio actively works to defend and repair the body's cells, cinnamon plays an especially notable role in lowering blood sugar, too.
"Continuous high levels of sugar in the blood are likely to react with proteins in the body like collagen and can cause a loss of elasticity, premature wrinkling, and can create brown spots or 'age spots,'" say The Nutrition Twins.
Related: 33 Best Foods for Glowing Skin That's Blemish-Free
Make it yourself!
Ready to whip up this delicious and healthy anti-aging concoction? Here's what you'll need:
- 2/3 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/2 small banana
- 1 scoop (20 grams) plain pea protein powder (or a flavor like vanilla)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch of ground cardamom
- 3 ice cubes
Optional add-ins for your smoothie can include water (to thin smoothie to your desired thickness), 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (for an extra antioxidant/anti-inflammatory boost), 1 to 2 drops of liquid stevia (for extra sweetness if your banana isn't very ripe or you want some extra sweetness when using unflavored protein powder)
To substitute canned chickpeas, omit protein powder and substitute 1/2 cup unsalted canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
For more healthy eating news, check out 10 Easy Recipes To Make To Lower Your Cholesterol.
