Smoothies have been popular for decades and show no sign of going anywhere. The US smoothie market was valued at $5,846.7 million in 2021 and is projected to grow by 5.2% over the next five years.
If you’re thinking of adding a commercial smoothing maker to your restaurant, you’ll be giving the people what they want. But what exactly are the benefits of drinking smoothies every day? Knowing the answers can help you offer smoothie combos customers love and benefit their health.
Let’s dive into four reasons why drinking smoothies every day is a great idea!
1. Boost Your Fiber Intake
Let’s clear one thing up right away. When we’re talking about the health benefits of drinking a smoothie, we’re not talking about an ice cream-based one. We mean smoothies that contain plenty of whole fruits and vegetables.
The American Heart Association recommends eating 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day from food sources. It should come from a variety of sources. Smoothies can be a great way to consume fiber in an easy and appealing form.
To boost your fiber intake, include the following foods in your smoothies:
- Legumes, such as beans
- Fruits, like raspberries and pears
- Vegetables, like carrots and cruciferous veggies
- Nuts
- Oats
- Seeds
In addition to fruit and vegetable sources of fiber, you could offer high fiber add-ins. These include inulin, chia seeds, and psyllium husk powder. The right commercial blending equipment can make silky smooth beverages from hard and frozen ingredients.
2. Increase Intake of Vitamins
If you drink the right kind of smoothies every day, you can naturally increase your intake of essential vitamins. Veggies aren’t all nutritionally equal, so here are the best ones to include for the most health benefits:
- Spinach – high in vitamin A and K, as well as antioxidants
- Carrots – rich in vitamin A, C, K and potassium, as well as beta carotene, an antioxidant
- Kale – packed with vitamins A, B, C, and K, along with several essential minerals
3. Up Your Protein Intake
Protein is important for maintaining healthy muscles, organs, skin, and much more! It can even boost your metabolic rate, helping you to burn more calories. When you drink a smoothie that’s high in protein, you’ll also feel fuller for longer, which can reduce the temptation to snack.
But you won’t get enough protein in a smoothie just from fruit and vegetables. You’ll need to include protein-rich foods and supplements, such as:
- Nut butters
- Whey or other protein powders
- Greek yogurt
- Tofu
- Chia seeds
Don’t overdo it with nut butters and seeds as they can drive up the calorie content of the smoothie. Stick to about one tablespoon per smoothie.
4. Boost Immunity
Including foods like ginger, turmeric, and spinach in your smoothies are a great way to give your immune system a helping hand. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals and may have properties that reduce inflammation in the body.
Why We Should All Be Drinking Smoothies
Drinking smoothies can be an easy way to improve our health. If we include the right healthy ingredients, they can support our immune system and help us to reduce our calorie intake.
A commercial smoothie maker could be a great addition to your restaurant. It can help you to appeal to health-conscious Wisconsin customers. With their advanced blending power, they can prepare delicious and nutritious drinks in seconds.
Check out our MagnaBlend frozen beverage station range today!