Easy Blueberry Banana Smoothie Recipe - Stylish Cravings (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to eat blueberries and bananas together? ›

An enzyme in bananas makes flavanols less bioavailable when it's combined with berries. Researchers say bananas are still a great fruit to be eaten on the side, or added to smoothies that don't have flavanol-rich ingredients such as berries, grapes and cocoa.

But, there is a common mistake that people make when preparing their smoothie of choice. The new study found that smoothies combining bananas with berries proved to decrease in flavanols (a key nutrient in berries) after being blended together. Considering the health benefits of flavanols, this presents a problem.

“Bananas are a great ingredient in smoothies to provide a nicer texture - but they can affect flavanol uptake.

"We were really surprised to see how quickly adding a single banana decreased the level of flavanols in the smoothie and the levels of flavanol absorbed in the body. This highlights how food preparation and combinations can affect the absorption of dietary compounds in foods."

Citrus fruits like lime, oranges or grapefruits if combined with bananas, lead to indigestion or stomach discomfort for some people.

For those who want to consume smoothies with bananas, or other high PPO activity fruits and vegetables such as beet greens, the suggestion is to not combine them with flavanol-rich fruits such as berries, grapes and cocoa.

Healthy Choices for Fruit Smoothie Recipes

Here are some to try: Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries ― fresh or frozen ― are packed with vitamins and fiber, and add appealing color and flavor. Bananas contain potassium and a fiber called inulin that helps you feel full and satisfied.

While you probably don't need to worry about the flavanol content of your smoothie, it is possible to drink a smoothie that backfires. For instance, too much fruit can lead to trouble. “One huge issue with smoothies is the total amount of calories and sugar.

Plus, you have the option to either thaw frozen blueberries or toss them in smoothies, oatmeal, and baking recipes as they are. But perhaps the biggest benefit of consuming these fruits ice-cold is that you may get a little more nutritional value from eating frozen blueberries.

If you're adding nuts or cashews to your smoothie, they can cause problems as they're hard for the digestive system to break down. Another common culprit could be your protein. Many cheap proteins are filled with unnecessary fillers and artificial sugars that can cause digestive upset.

Why am I still hungry after a smoothie? ›

And, since sugars can make you feel hungry (due to spikes and drops in blood sugar), Cording suggests trying to add more vegetables than fruits to your smoothies, if possible. Overall, experts say smoothies can be a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet—provided you're smart about them.

People freeze bananas for smoothies because frozen bananas add a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the smoothie, making it thicker and more enjoyable to drink. Additionally, freezing bananas also helps to preserve their freshness, as they can be stored in the freezer for several months.

To make a banana smoothie, try slicing up a ripe banana with the peel on and then freezing the cut pieces. Toss a few in the blender when it's time for breakfast and add some ice, fruit, liquid and any other smoothie mix-ins. Banana peels are a favorite among vegans and vegetarians for their hearty, meat-like texture.

Ethylene-producing fruits, such as apples, bananas, peaches and honeydew melons, should not be stored next to avocados, lemons, grapes, onions and other fruits or vegetables that are sensitive to this compound.

If you refer to the diagram above, you'll see that blueberries also have a certain malty scent, which pairs well with cherries, almonds, apples, apricots, blackberries, bananas, lychees, avocados and elderflower.

Enjoying bananas and milk together can help squeeze more nutrients into your diet and boost your intake of several vitamins and minerals.

Blending certain ingredients in smoothies can affect the abortion of nutrients by the body. For example, a banana and blueberry smoothie may be a bad combination. According to a new study, adding a banana to fruit smoothies can decrease the level of flavanols in the smoothie as well as its absorption in the body.