There seems to be two types of people at juice bars, people indulging in a refreshing sugary treat or people plugging their nose while downing wheat grass shots. There is no need for this sort of segregation! I have found a smoothie that will satisfy the biggest sweet tooth and health nuts.

This smoothie is filled with the dark leafy green kale. This superfood promotes weight loss, reduces inflammation, and lowers cholesterol. It also contains high levels of iron, which supports liver function and cell growth, cancer-fighting vitamin K and antioxidants, vitamin A, which is great for your vision, skin and preventing lung and oral cavity cancers, vitamin C, which aids your immune system and boosts your metabolism, calcium, which prevents bone loss and helps maintain your metabolism, and fiber and sulfur, both of which detoxify your body. The smoothie is also made with ginger. This root may prevent colon cancer, the cold, the flu, and diabetic nephropathy, help with morning and motion sickness, reduce pain and inflammation, relieve heartburn, migraines, and menstrual cramps

A tropical twist on this traditional green smoothie turns this plant based drink into a poolside delight. Juicy mangos, tangy pineapples, and creamy frozen bananas dilute the taste of the super food kale, romaine lettuce, and parsley. And, fresh ginger gives this thirst-quencher a subtle kick. Who knew greens could taste so sweet?

Ingredients

6 romaine leaves, chopped

4 kale leaves, chopped

½ cup fresh parsley sprigs

½ cup chopped pineapple

½ cup chopped mango

¾ frozen banana

1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped (If you have never had ginger, though, you may want to start out with ½ inch and work your way up since it has a very potent taste).

Directions

Blend romaine, kale, parsley, pineapple, mango, banana, and ginger with 1 ½ cups water until smooth. If you want an even thicker smoothie, you can also freeze the mango and/or pineapple.

 

-Emily Freeman