6 Ingredients to Supercharge Your Smoothie

It can be tough to get all the nutrients we need in our diet. We might be too busy or simply unaware of how certain foods can benefit our health. If this sounds like you, smoothies could be the answer you are looking for. They're portable, easy to make, and a great way to pack some extra nutrients into your meals. Whether you're new to smoothies or a seasoned veteran, these six ingredients will take your morning breakfast, quick snack, or post-workout recovery from satisfying to supercharged.

Maca Powder

Grown in the mountains of Peru, maca powder is known for its major health benefits. It can boost energy, relieve stress, balance hormones, and improve your overall health. This ingredient gives your smoothie a big boost of nutrients like iron, calcium, fiber, and other vitamins. With its slight butterscotch flavor, maca powder works well with chocolate- or vanilla-based smoothies. If you're looking for a little inspiration, try a chocolate maca raspberry smoothie to start your day off right!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has become a staple for many people, and for good reason. It's a medium-chain fatty acid, which is broken down into energy rather than stored as fat. It has also been known to boost metabolism and immunity. Add it to a raw chocolate smoothie for an easy way to get your daily dose of healthy fat.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins. Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to your smoothies is a great way to get your daily fiber requirement and supplement your diet with essential nutrients. Because these seeds soak up nearly 10 times their weight in water, adding chia seeds to your smoothie will help you stay hydrated and feel full.

Flax Seeds

Getting enough fiber in your diet can be tough; however, flax seeds are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which help with digestion. Try sprinkling in some ground flax seed to supplement your favorite smoothie recipe. The seeds' slightly nutty taste will add a boost of flavor, which is all the more reason to add some flax.

Spirulina

A complete protein, spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in freshwater. Commonly referred to as a superfood, spirulina is a great source of vitamins, iron, potassium, and antioxidants. Its easy-to-digest protein works well in smoothies and tastes great blended with fruit. Adding in a little of this superfood to your smoothie will keep your metabolism firing on all cylinders all day long.

Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds have an impressive nutritional profile. They include all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. These little superfoods also contain essential fatty acids as well as a ton of micronutrients to support many cellular processes. You can grind up a tablespoon, add them to your favorite smoothie recipe, and enjoy all the nutritional benefits—it's as easy as that!

Smoothies are a fun and delicious way to sneak in a little extra nutrition throughout the day. Whether you're looking to boost your fiber intake or include some more micronutrients and minerals into your diet, try adding any of these six ingredients to your next smoothie and enjoy all the nutritional goodness.

Searching for the perfect smoothie to serve your needs? Find a list of our favorite recipes for supercharged smoothies here.

Photos: Vanessa P., WILLIAM ISMAEL, Meal Makeover Moms, Larry Jacobsen, HealthAliciousNess, Alice Carrier, Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com