Green smoothies are all the rage these days with many people
consuming them every day or at least several times a week in an attempt to get
healthy and “alkalize” the body.Whenever I visit the cafe of my local healthfood store, there
are usually several people in gym clothes lined up to order a green smoothie to
sip after their workout.Green smoothies are made by blending large amounts of raw leafy
green vegetables with fruit to soften and sweeten the taste.Typical
vegetables included in green smoothies are kale, spinach, swiss chard, collard
greens, celery, broccoli, and parsley.
According to Ayurveda,
every food can be both a medicine or a poison depending on how and when it is
consumed and who is consuming it. The basic rule of thumb in most ancient
healing traditions is that like increases like, and opposites balance. Green smoothies
are not inherently bad or good. They do however have certain qualities that can be helpful or
harmful depending on each person. In general, green smoothies are heavy,
cold, sweet, sticky, smooth, and liquid in nature. If a person has a weak digestive capacity, then a green smoothie might not be the best choice for
them. Also, we must take into consideration the season, time of day the
smoothie is consumed, and the overall current state of health of the person
consuming the smoothie.
For example, if a person who is Kapha dominant drinks a smoothie in Spring Time
when Kapha is naturally higher than usual it has a potential to create further
disturbance in the body. However if a person with a strong digestive capacity
consumes the same smoothie in the proper season, it can be beneficial.
If you are one of those people who is addicted to your green smoothie, I would like to offer a few tips on how to make it more digestible and balanced.
2. Never use frozen fruits and vegetables. Try switching to fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
3. Don't make it
too thick. If it is on the thinner side, it is easier for your body to digest.