Ounce for ounce, spinach is one of the most nutrient packed vegetables you can eat, yet many people avoid spinach as much as possible. Adding a few leaves of this crisp green to your vegan smoothies will help you get all of the benefits, while avoiding the slimy, cooked spinach taste.

Spinach leaves are packed with Vitamins A, C, E, K, B1, B6. There are also a ton of minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium, and zinc. All of this comes with only 40 calories per cup raw and with twice the fiber of regular lettuce. Eating foods rich in Vitamins A and C can help prevent fat from sticking to the arteries and increase blood flow throughout your body. The riboflavin found in spinach is also thought to reduce migraines. Spinach truly is a super food.

Studies have shown that adding just 3 servings of green, leafy vegetables to your diet every day can reduce the risk of memory loss and mental decline with age. Spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard, turnip greens and bok choy are all healthy vegetables that you can add into any smoothie to give them a boost. And because of the high fiber, vegan smoothies made with spinach will fill you up faster and help you feel full longer. A perfect boost to anyone trying to lose weight.

Vegan green smoothies made with spinach are a perfect addition to a healthy daily diet. Even if you only add in one each day, that extra dose of green vegetables will make your body feel healthier and happier.

Drink up!

photo credit: Clearly Ambiguous