Many influencers and celebrities swear by starting their day with some kind of green smoothie (or, at the very least, having it for a snack or as part of their lunch).
So, are green smoothies all they're cracked up to be?
Green smoothies don’t sound that appetizing.
In fact, it kind of sounds like you’re going to be downing a veggie drink—which, for most of us, doesn’t sound that great.
Luckily, this green smoothie tastes mostly sweet, while hiding some serious punch with some tasteless greens.
The combination of fruit and veggies provide you and your body with tons of goodies in the form of vitamins and minerals. It’s an easy way to get a few servings of both of these types of foods and give your body (and mind) what it needs to function at its best.
As you might already know, what you put in your body is often what you get out of it.
So, let’s give it something good.
Here’s how to make the best green smoothie and how it can help improve your mood and mental well-being.
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For protein powder, try to use a non-flavored version, as well as one with as few ingredients as possible. We don’t want to be overloading the smoothie with additives or other chemicals, which may have the reverse effect we’re going for.
If you don’t have enough mango or pineapple, you can swap either of them for a full cup. For instance, if you’re out of mango, use one cup of pineapple.
Despite the often talked about physical health benefits, green smoothies also positively impact your mental health. And this recipe does this in a variety of ways.
Bananas are a great source of potassium. But they also contain vitamin B6. Research shows how vitamin B6 is essential for the production of those feel-good hormones, serotonin and dopamine.
On top of this, bananas have lots of fiber, which can slow down the uptake of sugar into your bloodstream.
This means better blood sugar regulation and a better (and steadier) mood. When bananas are still slightly green, they even contain some prebiotics that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
With countless studies behind it, the gut-brain connection is undeniably important for brain health and mental well-being. When your gut is in good shape, your mood likely will improve as well! And bananas might help with that.
Spinach has a variety of anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is commonly associated with mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Thus, adding some spinach to this smoothie can help alleviate some of these symptoms.
Additionally, spinach contains magnesium, folate, and iron.
Iron is necessary for proper cognitive function, and magnesium can play a critical role in dampening the stress response.
In fact, some studies link mental health disorders to low magnesium intake. By incorporating more spinach into your diet, such as with this green smoothie recipe, you can enhance your mental wellness.
Drinking a smoothie solely containing carbohydrates can lead to serious highs and serious lows when it comes to your mood.
This is directly linked to your blood sugar levels. Without protein and fiber, the body absorbs the glucose in the food you eat faster. This leads to a ton of sugar circulating in the blood all at once.
You might experience a sudden increase in energy and mood, only to be followed by a sharp decline, as your body strives to stabilize blood sugar levels with increased insulin.
However, with a scoop of protein in this smoothie, your body absorbs the carbs slower, leading to better blood sugar control. This means a better and steadier mood. This can also help thwart that afternoon crash by ensuring you don’t start or disrupt your day with a blood sugar rollercoaster ride.
Plus, protein offers the building blocks for various tissues throughout the body and neurotransmitters that directly impact our mood. Getting enough protein each day is essential for both optimal mental and physical health!
Pineapple contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which can contribute to the production of serotonin in the brain and the gut.
A surprising 95% of our serotonin is made in the gut. As previously mentioned above, gut health and mental health are intricately linked via the brain-gut axis.
Pineapple, and the other fruits and veggies in this smoothie, contain fiber.
Fiber feeds the good gut bacteria, helping keep the gut microbiome balance on point. This can ensure your gut produces enough serotonin to keep you feeling happy and healthy.
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It’s quick and easy, and you can even make extra to have later.
It also simplifies breakfast, especially if you find it difficult to make something before diving headfirst into work. This smoothie can help kickstart your day and start it off on the right note.
So, gather those ingredients and try this one out.
How do you feel?
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July 6, 2025
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