By Daunte Henderson, BlackDoctor.org Contributor
Black people have a 30 percent higher chance of dying from heart failure than other races. Although our cholesterol levels are lower than whites, we still suffer more from low-density (lipoprotein), aka the “bad cholesterol,” levels that clog up your arteries and put you at a greater risk for heart attacks. A lifestyle filled with no exercise and poor dieting is a graveyard waiting to happen.
Smoothies are great for your heart and another way to lower your cholesterol, especially these green smoothie recipes below.
These green machines are low in trans fat and saturated fat, and high in fiber, essential elements for lowering cholesterol.
Going green means more than just recycling, it’s a new way of looking at your plate.
Double A-Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cored green apple
1/4 peeled avocado
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
2 cups baby spinach (or kale)
8 ounces (236 ml) of unsweetened almond milk
Health Benefits:
350 calories
10 grams of protein
42 grams of carbohydrates
15.6 grams of fiber
9% calcium
5 milligrams of iron
Tropical Splash Smoothie
Ingredients:
1/4 peeled avocado
1 cup of cubed pineapples
1/2 cored pear
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak for 5 minutes
prior to use)
4 to 5 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
Health Benefits:
341 calories
8 Grams of protein
15.5 grams of fiber
18% calcium
5.8 Milligrams of iron
Jolly Green Giant
Ingredients:
1/2 cucumber (do not peel)
2 cups swiss chard
2 stalks of chopped celery
1 medium pitted peach
1 medium peeled orange (take out the seeds)
1/4 peeled avocado
4 to 6 ounces of filtered water
Health Benefits:
257 calories
7 grams of protein
48 grams of carbohydrates
13% calcium
2.7 milligrams of iron
Strawberry-Banana Blast
Ingredients:
10 medium strawberries
1/2 peeled lemon (take out the seeds)
1 and 1/2 frozen peeled bananas
3 large collard green leaves (no stems)
2 tablespoons chia seeds (soak for 5 minutes prior to use)
8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
Health Benefits:
341 calories
9 grams of protein
64 grams of carbohydrates
16.5 grams of fiber
24% calcium
3.7 milligrams of iron
I’m confident that you’ll feel refreshed, energized and healthier after adding this to your routine. Matters of the heart are important, take care of them accordingly. Enjoy and be well.
