Green smoothies - green is not always good

Green smoothies are very popular. Blenders puree fruit and plenty of green leafy vegetables together. Sounds good at first, but green smoothies are not always healthy. The problem is that raw spinach, chard and the like contain a lot of oxalic acid, which can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium and iron. It is also suspected of promoting kidney stones. Raw leafy vegetables can also be contaminated with bacteria that can quickly cause food poisoning. Green peppers, celery stalks and lettuce, for example, are harmless.

Fruity sugar bombs

You should only enjoy homemade smoothies in small quantities, as they are full of fructose. This means that smoothies contain as many calories as a small meal. This also applies to ready-made drinks from the supermarket. Due to the industrial processing, they also contain hardly any vitamins or minerals.

It's all a question of dose

Should you give up smoothies altogether? Not necessary. According to experts, they are a good alternative if you don't like eating fresh fruit, have bought too much or want to use up leftovers. Green smoothies and the like are a great way to use up some overripe fruit. But always do it yourself: The ideal mixture consists of at least 50-70 percent greens, the rest is fruit. Depending on the recipe, add dairy products or coconut water. Blanch the leafy vegetables beforehand to reduce the acidity. This way, smoothies are also healthy and nothing stands in the way of enjoyment.

Quick smoothie recipes for beginners

Green smoothie: apple, kiwi and pear

Ingredients:
1 apple
1/2 pear
1 kiwi
1 tsp lime juice
200 ml apple juice
possibly some ginger

Preparation: Wash, quarter and core the apple and pear. Peel and halve the kiwi. Place the fruit in the blender with the lime and apple juice. Add a little fresh ginger if desired. Blend everything for one minute.

Yellow smoothie: mango, pear and passion fruit

Ingredients:
1/2 mango (very ripe)
1 passion fruit
100 ml orange juice
possibly a little honey

Preparation: Peel the mango, remove the flesh from the stone and roughly chop. Scrape out the seeds from the passion fruit. Blend the fruit with the orange juice for one minute. Sweeten with a little honey to taste.

Red smoothie: watermelon-mint-coconut

Ingredients:
1/4 watermelon
4 mint leaves
150 ml coconut drink

Remove the rind and seeds from the watermelon, roughly dice the flesh. Wash the mint. Place the watermelon, mint and coconut drink in a blender and blend for one minute. Chill well - and enjoy.