6 On Your Side: Consumer Confidence, Fabulous Fall Smoothies
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(ABC 6 News) – Smoothies may make you think of icy berry-filled summer drinks but think again.
Fall is here, and Consumer Reports nutritionists share some recipes to help you get a healthy boost from autumn apples, pumpkins, and the warm spices that go with them.
What’s so fabulous about Fall smoothies? Should we really be drinking our fruits and veggies? If they’re made the right way, with the right ingredients, there are plenty of nutrients in every smoothie sip.
Take pumpkin! Your body converts pumpkin’s beta carotene into Vitamin A, to boost eye and skin health. Toss in Pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and you’ll add even more antioxidants.
A medium apple supplies about 20% of your daily fiber needs if you leave the skin on.
Smoothies may make you think of icy berry-filled summer drinks but think again. Fall is here, and Consumer Reports nutritionists share some recipes to help you get a healthy boost from autumn apples, pumpkins, and the warm spices that go with them.
How about… beets? The nitrates in these fall beauties can help lower your blood pressure. Blend with fresh or frozen berries for sweetness… and their own rich rewards.
“There are so many health benefits to berries,” explains Consumer Reports’ Tricia Calvo. “Overall, they can help protect you against heart attack and type-2 diabetes. And in the cooler months, frozen berries are a good option because they are less expensive than fresh, and that way you get to enjoy the flavor of berries year-round.”
And blending in some oats not only makes your smoothie more filling; the soluble fiber in oats can help lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease.
“If you want to blend your smoothie with plant milk, consider adding chia or flax seeds to bump up the protein content,” says Calvo.
For the smoothest smoothies, Consumer Reports recommends the NutriBullet Smart Touch, which excels at pureeing and even crushing ice.
Another smoothie benefit? Easy cleanup!
Find three easy fall smoothie recipes here!