Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie Benefits

Facts About The Ingredients

Pumpkin

Pumpkin contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Copper
• Vitamin E
• Manganese
• Iron.

Vitamins E and C are antioxidants, which means they collect loose free radicals around the body. Over time these free radicals can cause cancer when they interfere with the cell division process, so these vitamins reduce your risk of developing cancer in your lifetime.

Potassium is important for muscle contraction and relaxation. Athletes often consume high amounts of potassium before a race to eliminate the possibility of leg cramps, and regular consumption of the mineral can do the same for you, even if you’re not an athlete.

Copper helps your body make red blood cells and contributes to healthy immune system function. It also helps your body produce collagen, which keeps your skin soft and your bones strong.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is high in omega fatty acids and vitamin B. Let’s go over what those nutrients do for us.

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that help our brains function properly. Consuming them regularly reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Vitamin B helps your body maintain your nerve cells and DNA. It also prevents certain types of anemia, meaning you’ll feel less tired and fatigued.

Cinnamon

Several studies have shown that cinnamon can reduce your blood sugar over time. This reduces your risk of developing insulin resistance. 

There’s an essential oil in cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde which boosts your metabolism. It targets your fat cells and makes your body burn more energy, thereby increasing the amount of calories your body burns through.

Cinnamon is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Recent studies have shown that consistent ingestion of cinnamon is linked with reduced joint inflammation. It’s been used in natural medicine for centuries.

Lastly, cinnamon has been linked with lowered bad cholesterol levels. A study revealed that adults who ate one-quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon every day for 40 days had lowered bad cholesterol levels. When eaten for over 18 weeks, cinnamon not only lowered bad cholesterol levels but also increased good cholesterol levels.

Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie Substitutions

Hey BlendJetters, time to get creative with our healthy pumpkin smoothie! This is the perfect vegan pumpkin smoothie for all you fall flavor fans out there, but what if you want to change it up a little? We've got you covered. Here's how you can remix this pumpkin delight:

Cubed Pumpkin: If fresh pumpkin isn't available or you're in a hurry, canned pureed pumpkin is an easy substitute. It still packs the same great flavor and nutrient boost. Alternatively, you could use sweet potato or butternut squash for a unique, autumn-inspired twist.

Unsweetened Soy Milk: You can easily switch this out with any plant-based milk of your liking. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk would all work well in this recipe. If you want a creamier texture, a splash of coconut cream will do the trick.

Cinnamon: Not a cinnamon lover? Allspice, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice could be the flavor you're after. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect spice that tingles your taste buds!

Honey: If honey isn't your go-to sweetener, you can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar. For a low-glycemic option, consider using a few drops of stevia or a pinch of monk fruit sweetener. If you're craving a hint of caramel, try using a touch of dates.

Remember, the joy of blending is in the experimentation! Feel free to play around with these suggestions to find your perfect blend.

Healthy Pumpkin Smoothie FAQs

How do you thicken a healthy smoothie?

You can thicken a healthy smoothie by using fruits and vegetables high in fiber. The pumpkin in this smoothie makes it decadently thick.

Can you put pumpkin in a blender?

You can put cooked or raw pumpkin in a blender. Cooked pumpkin tastes sweeter and blends easier.

What brings out the pumpkin flavor?

Warm winter spices bring out the pumpkin flavor best. Cinnamon and nutmeg go excellently with pumpkin.