Superfood Smoothie

This Superfood Smoothie is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients. Made with 7 key ingredients, it's the perfect post-workout smoothie or when you need that nutrient infusion to get through a tough day. This detox smoothie is soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.

What You Need to Make This Superfood Smoothie

1. Blackberries
2. Blueberries
3. Kale
4. Hemp hearts (seeds)
5. Banana
6. Coconut water
7. Lemon juice

I used Redbor kale, but any kale (e.g., curly, red Russian, lacinato/dinosaur) or collard greens would work. Ice and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice make this superfood smoothie delightfully frosty with a balanced flavor.

Health Benefits

The superfoods in this smoothie are blackberries, blueberries, kale, and hemp hearts (seeds). Arguably, this may be one of the healthiest detox smoothies I've had. It's one of our Top 5 Favorite Smoothies for weight loss, along with our celery smoothie and pineapple blueberry smoothie. As a nutritionist and recipe blogger, I focus first on healthy recipes and second on making them taste good, in that order. So when I pulled this one together, I was happy with the result. Let's break down the ingredients:

Blackberries and blueberries

Blackberries and blueberries provide a rich source of anthocyanins—a beneficial compound that provides the blue-violet pigment—helping to boost the immune system, improve heart and brain health, lower inflammation, and protective against cancer-causing free radicals.

Kale

Redbor kale is typically used as garnish at a restaurant salad bar, or in culinary applications, sautéed and served as a side dish. But this variety of kale is a major player when it comes to nutrient density. It's both a dark leafy cruciferous green rich in lutein and zeaxanthin and has the added benefit of a rich purple color which provides a boost of anthocyanins. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to improve eye health and may also help boost memory and brain function.

Hemp hearts (seed)

Hemp hearts or shelled hemp seeds provide a good source of healthy fats, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. These tiny powerhouse seeds also contain lignanamides, compounds shown to be anti-inflammatory and possibly protective against chronic diseases like high cholesterol and certain cancers. Compared to other seeds, hemp hearts are a good source of protein. These seeds are also high in magnesium, zinc, iron, and other B-vitamins.

Banana and coconut water

Maybe not superfoods, but the banana and coconut water provides a nice sweetness and makes this smoothie an excellent source of potassium, a mineral associated with lowering high blood pressure and necessary for electrolyte balance.

Overall, the foods in this smoothie are among the healthiest ingredients you can put into a smoothie. The beautiful deep, rich purple-blue color provides clues to the health benefits of this superfood drink.

How to Make This Superfood Smoothie

Making this smoothie is super easy. If you like your smoothie frosty cold, add some ice and all other ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Fresh lemon or lime juice is optional but recommended if you like a little acid to cut the sweetness.

It's okay to use fresh berries instead of frozen, but if you like it cold, you'll want to add ice.