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By Oyindamola Bamgbola
For those of us who are forever searching for exercise-free ways to lose weight, smoothies have become an essential part of our breakfast. In case you’ve not heard, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and smoothies are the best way to get all the nutrients for the day.
The most common Nigerian smoothie ingredients are pineapple, apple, watermelon, banana and pawpaw. This is probably because of how easy it is to find these fruits. However, here are 5 remarkable ingredients for weight loss you are probably missing in your smoothie:
- 1. Berries
Berries serve as antioxidants that protect cells from damage, premature ageing and disease. It is believed that those who consume a lot of antioxidants tend to weigh less.
- 2. (Greek) Yoghurt
According to Fitness Magazine, one serving of yoghurt provides potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and B12. Also, yoghurts contain good-for-you bacteria that help “crowd out” harmful microorganisms that can cause intestinal infections.
- 3. Avocados
Avocados have been described as one of the most effective foods that control appetite and cravings. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, participants who ate half a fresh avocado with lunch reported a 40% decreased desire to eat for hours afterwards.
- 4. Spinach
Spinach is known as Ugwu and Efo Tete in Nigeria. The leaves, which can be eaten raw, are low in calories yet very high in vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. Also, spinach is a heart-healthy food; the antioxidants in it help to keep cholesterol from oxidizing.
- 5. Walnuts
Walnuts are high in manganese and copper. They also contain an antioxidant compound calledellagic acid that helps to block the metabolic processes causing inflammation, which can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fibre that make you feel less hungry.
Hope this helps.
This post was first published on idafrica.ng
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