Looking for a breakfast treat that is both refreshing, healthy, and delicious? We’ve got you. Naturally boost your iron (and immunity) with this nutrient-dense plant-based Super Beet Greens and Mango Smoothie Bowl!
Smoothie bowls are quite popular these days and for good reasons. They are easy to make, rich in nutrients, and packed with flavor. Artwork in a bowl, smoothie bowls have limitless options for ingredients and colorful toppings.
Beet greens in a smoothie bowl? Yup! Those beautiful greens atop the crimson beetroot are edible (in fact - the beet is edible from root to leaf - even the stems) and filled with incredible health benefits. Adding beet greens to smoothie bowls may not sound the most delightful to you, but guess what? You won’t even taste the greens in this scrumptious bowl of goodness. Pineapple and mango add a refreshingly sweet taste, and the coconut milk tastes so creamy and delicious - you will imagine yourself on a tropical island with your bare feet in the sand and listening to the ocean waves. Happy sigh. We want to eat this yummy smoothie bowl every single day.
Besides it’s delicious taste, the ingredients in this smoothie bowl are healthy. This may be your new favorite smoothie bowl. You’re welcome.
SMOOTHIE BOWL NUTRITION
BEET GREENS: rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, magnesium, copper, and iron.
SPIRULINA: a nutrient-dense blue green algae high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B-12, manganese, and iron. Spirulina also contains a small amount of plant-based protein!
MANGO: packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin K (both important vitamins for aiding iron absorption and helping prevent blood clots).
BANANA: a great source of trace minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and manganese.
PINEAPPLE: a marvelous anti-inflammatory sweet fruit high in Vitamin C (essential for healthy iron absorption).
COCONUT MILK: a great source of electrolytes (especially manganese) and healthy fats (look for pure coconut milk rather than processed milks).
If you are feeling run down and fatigued, it could be attributed to low iron levels. Dark leafy greens and spirulina are both two wonderful plant-based sources of iron.
LET’S TALK IRON
Iron is a very important mineral, vital for human health as it supports oxygen transport and promotes healthy blood cells. Iron is found in many foods, such as beans, red meats, seafood, turkey, pumpkin seeds, and many iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas. For some vegetarians and vegans, an adequate amount of iron can be challenging to receive in the daily diet as some of the highest amounts of iron come from meats and seafoods. Low iron leads to iron deficiency and can cause anemia — which leads to fatigue. Women who are menstruating need to consume extra iron-rich foods, and dark leafy green veggies are an excellent source of iron. Boost your iron and your energy levels may follow!
Besides iron, this smoothie bowl is also packed with fiber. Fiber is essential for colon health, promoting healthy fat metabolism, and feeding our good gut bacteria. High fives for staying regular!
Top your smoothie bowl with fresh fruits like kiwi and mango, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (bonus as they are also high in iron), gluten-free granola, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, coconut shreds, berries, pumpkin seeds, and more.
For more beet greens recipes, try Super Cleanser Beet Greens Smoothie / Vegan Minty Shamrock Smoothie with Beet Greens (Paleo) / Baked Beet Greens Chips (Vegan / Paleo).
For more delicious smoothie bowl recipes, try Super Berry and Beet Smoothie Bowl (Gluten-free / Vegan) and Beet and Dragon Fruit Smoothie: Antioxidant and Protein Booster
IRON BOOST: BEET GREENS AND MANGO SMOOTHIE BOWL WITH SPIRULINA (VEGAN / PALEO / GLUTEN-FREE)
INGREDIENTS (Serves 1-2, depends on bowl size)
1 frozen banana
2 cups frozen mango
2 cups frozen pineapple
1 1/2 -2 cups beet greens*
1-2 tsp spirulina
1/4 coconut milk or coconut water
1 scoop unflavored vegan / gluten-free protein powder (optional)
*Beet greens are the leafy tops of beetroot. You can replace beet greens with chard or spinach if you cannot locate beetroot tops.
DIRECTIONS
Detach beet leaves from the roots. Gently wash and coarsely chop. You may also freeze your greens in advance for easy prep.
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
To make the best smoothie bowls, use frozen ingredients and add minimal liquid, only enough to blend.
Be patient. Keep blending, scraping down the sides of the blender until smoothie bowl consistency is smooth and thick.
Add your favorite toppings. This one has: mango, kiwi, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, and cacao nibs. The options are limitless. Enjoy!
STILL HUNGRY?