Though I’ve always been a fan of berries in general, blackberries are top on my list for health reasons. Plus I just love the deep rich color of blackberries and I especially love creating blackberry smoothie recipes so I can have a fun and bright colored healthy treat.
There are a multitude of reasons to add blackberries to your diet. Packed with a type of antioxidants called anthocyanins, blackberries help prevent inflammation and protect your immune system by destroying free radicals that lead to cancer. Blackberries have also been shown to benefit the heart, the eyes, skin/hair/nails, bones, cognitive function and the digestive tract.
My favorite way to include blackberries in my diet is by making healthy breakfast smoothies. You can add them to your milk based smoothies, add extra nutrients like oats or protein powder, or throw them in with your regular green smoothie. Blackberries add a depth of flavor and texture. Try one of these blackberry smoothie recipes below.
Blackberry and Oats Breakfast Smoothie
Get your fiber from oats and blackberries in this rich and filling smoothie.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup filtered water
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or agave
Directions:
Soak oats in milk for five minutes. Put all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until well blended.
Blackberry Coconut Smoothie
The flavor of this smoothie is surprisingly unique and sweet. Need some extra protein in your day? Add a scoop to the mix and you’re good to go.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
1/2 banana
1/4 inch slice of fresh ginger root
1 cup (8 oz) unsweetened coconut mil
2 tablespoons unsweetened flaked coconut
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
Ice to taste
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until well blended.
Blackberry Green Smoothie
The traditional green smoothie gets a bit of a vitamin c twist with blackberries and oranges.
Ingredients:
1 cup blackberries
1 banana, peeled
1 small orange, peeled
2 cups of your favorite greens (spinach, kale, etc)
8 oz filtered water
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until well blended.