Smoothies & Ayurveda

If you follow Ayurveda, you are likely told that smoothies have some downfalls. Smoothies and blended protein drinks often combine foods and ingredients that are incompatible with proper digestion, absorption, and elimination, leading to indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation.

In our fast-paced world, smoothies are a go-to choice because they are easy to make, delicious, satisfying, nutritious, and convenient to take along with you.  Luckily, there are 'smoothie replacements' that adhere to Ayurveda's principles and provide the benefits and convenience that smoothies offer.

Ayurvedic Reasons to AVOID Smoothies

• Smoothies are cold; cold foods are indigestible and dampen the digestive fire.

• Frozen fruit lacks Prana (life force), which diminishes the metabolic fire quality (agni).

• Smoothies are often made with raw products, which are also difficult to digest and can create yeasts, bacteria, and possibly even parasites that can flourish in your gut.

• Smoothies often contain poor food combinations, which can lead to improper digestion, absorption, and elimination.  For instance, mixing fruit with dairy products or mixing fruit with vegetables can contribute to fatigue, lethargy, sensitivity to cold, and skin issues, as well as connective tissue problems.

• Smoothies often contain clogging agents, such as powders and superfoods, which can cause poor absorption.

How Do You Make A Smoothie Ayurvedic?

• Choose spices and herbs that stimulate digestion, such as turmeric, ginger, lime, cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, or even small amounts of pepper.

• Avoid ice, frozen fruits, and desserts.

• Avoid consuming dairy products from cows, sheep, or goats with fruits; these are best digested separately.

• Support immunity and Ojas with dates, almond milk, and ghee.

• Improve overall health with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari, amalaki, and maca.

• Calm the nervous system and thicken it with cooked pumpkin, yams, or avocado.

• Build electrolytes by adding coconut water or incorporating an anti-inflammatory Aloe Vera.

• Improve elimination with the addition of chai, flax, or hemp seeds.