One of the best things about Summer is all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. So, I try to incorporate them into meals as much as possible… because, well, you just can’t beat fresh! And watermelon is one of my favorites! For a refreshing summer twist, you will definitely want to try this watermelon slush smoothie!
This smoothie is low-fat, and can even be a healthy treat! But I also love to make a smoothie as a protein-boosting, after-workout recovery drink too.
Because I drink smoothies every day, I like to switch things up. I don’t always want the exact same flavor smoothie. Since it’s summer, I love to use all of the great fresh fruit that is in season. Not only does it make my smoothie a bit more exciting, but it also gets more vitamins and minerals into my body!
As you probably know, I love my Juice Plus+ plant based protein powder. So this already is packed full of vitamins and minerals from the natural source of plants, rather than adding a protein powder that is full of lab-created vitamins. So, any chance I get to add fresh fruit, I do it because I know that it is packed with goodness…
I add a banana to all the smoothies I make. Not only does it give a thicker, creamier consistency, but there’s a lot of nutrition in a banana!
What vitamins and minerals are in a banana?
According to healthline, bananas are a healthy source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants and phytonutrients. Here’s some of the goodness hidden inside a banana:
- Potassium—Bananas are a good source of potassium. A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels and benefits heart health.
- Vitamin B6—Bananas are high in vitamin B6. One medium-sized banana can provide up to 33% of the Daily Value (DV) of this vitamin. This is important because your body does not produce vitamin B6 on its own, so you must obtain it from your diet. Some of the benefits of vitamin B6 are: it may improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, may play a role in improving brain function, may be helpful in preventing and treating anemia caused by deficiency, and it may prevent clogged arteries and minimize the risk of heart disease.
- Vitamin C—Like most fruit, bananas are a good source of vitamin C. And as you may have heard, vitamin C has many health benefits, including: protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.
What vitamins and minerals are in watermelon?
Despite what you may think, watermelon is not just comprised of water and natural sugars. Watermelon is a actually a very nutrient-dense fruit.
Watermelon is thought to help with conditions including asthma, cancer, and inflammation. It contains:
- Lycopene—which may help protect against heart disease.
- Excellent source of antioxidants
- Vitamin A—great for skin and bodily cell growth
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Choline—aids in muscle movement and can help reduce inflammation
- L-citrulline—amino acid which is believed to help reduce muscle soreness
- Thiamine—helps break down carbohydrates
- Riboflavin—necessary for normal cell growth and function
- Potassium
- Niacin—helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy, as well as helping control cholesterol
- Pantothenic acid—helps to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
- Magnesium—helps keep blood pressure normal, heart rhythm steady and bones strong
- Phosphorus—linked to regulation of calcium levels
- Zinc—important in maintaining the immune and digestive systems
- Copper—can improve wound healing and brittle bones
- Manganese—required for bone development, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation
- Selenium—has antioxidant properties and helps protect cell damage
- Betaine—beneficial for fighting heart disease
- Folate—helpful in cell growth and metabolism
Watermelon Slush Smoothie
In a blender, add the following:
- 1 frozen banana
- 6-8 cubes of watermelon
- 1 cup coconut water
- ¼ cup Vanilla Juice Plus+ Complete protein
- 4-6 ice cubes
Blend until smooth…and enjoy!
*This post contains direct links to my JP+ Virtual Franchise. Should you choose to buy a product through here, I would receive a commission, but it doesn’t change the overall price to you.
See below for printable recipe.
| Servings |
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- 6-8 cubes of watermelon
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1/4 cup Vanilla Juice Plus+ Complete protein
- 4-6 ice cubes
Ingredients
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- Blend until smooth and enjoy!
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