7 ways to supercharge smoothies

Designed to support skin, nail, and hair health, this 100 percent pure, natural collagen supplement can be added to your smoothie for a bonus hit of skin-boosting collagen. Collagen occurs in the body naturally and is responsible for whole-body wellness, including aforementioned firm, youthful skin as well as thick, shiny hair, and strong nails. Unfortunately, the body's natural supplies of collagen are depleted with age, so it's helpful to restore them. What easier way than by adding a sachet to your smoothie? 

Vida Glow's Original formula is flavourless, so it won't affect your smoothie's delicious taste, plus, it contains the highest quantity of collagen per serving in the entire Vida Glow line-up. If you are experiencing hair loss, brittle nails or fine lines, it might be a good idea to add two to three sachets daily to your smoothies. 

 

Add: rosemary

Rosemary is so easy to grow whether you live in a home with a large garden or an inner-city apartment with a small balcony or kitchen windowsill. Simply snap a small spring in the morning and add it to your smoothie, suggests naturopath Karina Francois from Infinite Health in Berwick, Victoria. "Rosemary has a wonderfully purifying effect on the blood and the body as a whole. It's especially great to add to your smoothies if you're having a little detox, or indeed, every day to help keep your body functioning well." 

 

Add: chilli 

"Chilli gives your smoothies a lovely little kick, while at the same time boosting metabolism and adding pep to your morning energy levels," says Francois. "Simply choose a small bird's-eye chilli, and depending on your levels of chilli tolerance, either add half or one to your morning smoothies." 

Add: parsley 

If you suffer from bloating, gas, constipation or have any issues with kidney function, add parsley to your smoothies, advises Francois. "It's alkalising [and] high in vitamins K, A and C, which are all great for heart and immune function. It also has the added benefit of freshening the breath!" 

Add: mint 

Like rosemary, mint is simple to grow, no matter where you live. "Add it to your smoothies for digestive, detoxifying and antiviral support," says Francois. "It will also give them a lovely refreshing flavour, which is a perfect way to begin your day."

 

Add: coconut water 

Replace your milk, whether it’s dairy or plant-based milk, with coconut water, says Francois. “Coconut water is quite high in minerals and is super hydrating, so you’re getting part of your daily intake of water here, too.”

“Other benefits include getting a mega dose of antioxidants, and there have even been suggestions that coconut water may help prevent kidney stones, may support heart health, reduce blood pressure, and it certainly is beneficial after a big workout as it’s packed with electrolytes to replenish you.”

Add: cinnamon

Aside from the spicy warmth cinnamon adds to your smoothies, it also delivers some awesome health benefits. “It’s fantastic to use if you’re trying to reduce or give up sugar and honey in your smoothies,” says Francois. “Cinnamon has anti-viral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, it contains antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, and [offers] a prebiotic effect that may help improve gut health. It’s also thought to relieve digestive discomfort, reduce blood pressure, and lower blood sugar and the risk of type two diabetes.”