Discover the best liquids for maximizing lutein liberation in spinach smoothies. Find out how coconut milk and high-fat milk boost antioxidants' benefits.
Highlights:
Spinach is one of the most popular sources of "green" in a green smoothie. It contains vital plant chemicals such as the antioxidant lutein, in addition to a wide range of minerals. Lutein's anti-inflammatory qualities benefit both eye and heart health.
- To get the most out of the antioxidants in spinach in a green smoothie, use coconut milk or medium- or high-fat milk in the drink
- One particularly important antioxidant is lutein, a carotenoid linked to improved eye and heart health that must be extracted from the spinach before it can be absorbed by the digestive system
- Soy milk, whipped cream, and Greek yogurt all performed badly in terms of lutein liberation
Impact of Different Smoothie Liquids on Lutein Liberation from Spinach
A recent study examined 14 typical smoothie liquids to see which ones were best at freeing lutein from spinach for absorption by the human colon. It demonstrated that not all green smoothies made with spinach are created equal. The results suggest that spinach smoothies with or without coconut milk, as well as high-fat and medium-fat cow's milk, are the best for lutein liberation. Coconut milk without additives boosted lutein liberation by 42%, while coconut milk with additives raised it by 25%. The availability of lutein was raised by 36% in high-fat cow milk and 30% in medium-fat cow milk. Surprisingly, soy milk had the opposite impact, lowering lutein liberation by 61%. The figure for smoothies using soy milk and additions was 40%. Both almond and oat milk did not affect lutein liberation.
Surprising 8 Health Benefits of Green Smoothies
Green smoothies packed with health-promoting nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals are the best companions for a wholesome breakfast. Therefore, adding dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and vegetables to your smoothie can offer surprising benefits to your health.
Green smoothies packed with health-promoting nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals are the best companions for a wholesome breakfast. Therefore, adding dark green leafy vegetables, fruits and vegetables to your smoothie can offer surprising benefits to your health.
‘Boost your green smoothie game with spinach! Maximize the power of antioxidants by using coconut milk or high-fat milk for optimal lutein liberation. #GreenSmoothies #SpinachPower #Antioxidants’
The findings were recently reported in MDPI.
References:
- Neelissen J, Leanderson P, Jonasson L, Chung RWS. The Effects of Dairy and Plant-Based Liquid Components on Lutein Liberation in Spinach Smoothies. Nutrients. 2023; 15(3):779. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030779
- Shi T, Denouel A, Tietjen AK, Campbell I, Moran E, Li X, Campbell H, Demont C, Nyawanda BO, Chu HY, Stoszek SK, Krishnan A, Openshaw P, Falsey AR, Nair H; RESCEU Investigators. Global Disease Burden Estimates of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Acute Respiratory Infection in Older Adults in 2015: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Infect Dis. 2020 Oct 7;222(Suppl 7):S577-S583. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiz059. PMID: 30880339.
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The best way to stay healthy is to consume green vegetables and green smoothies seem an interesting way to follow the regime, however, the smoothie may dull your smile as it stains teeth.
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Green smoothies can do wonders: Just grab a glass of spinach juice or smoothie to reap its amazing health benefits.
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