Are you someone who likes to drink smoothies? Is it a must-have on your breakfast table, and do you often experiment with different smoothie recipes? If so, it’s time to reconsider. Sure, smoothies are delicious, easy to make, and quite healthy. These are often promoted as “healthy” drinks that you can include in your daily diet. However, you will be surprised to know that the reality may be quite the opposite. According to an expert, smoothies may do more harm than good, especially to your gut health. Recently, Ayurveda and gut health coach Dimple Jangra took to her Instagram handle to share information on how smoothies may not be as healthy as we think.
Also read: Beyond curd: Discover 5 desi superfoods to improve your gut health
Photo Credit: iStock
Are smoothies good for your stomach? Let’s find out:
According to Dimple, smoothies can actually destroy your gut health. “When you blend fruits for smoothies, you’re destroying fiber,” she says. A study showed that more than 30-40% of the fiber is lost when you blend fruits together. This means that this will only lead to sugar spikes and an increase in sugar overload. She adds, “When you eat a whole banana, its glycemic index (GI) index is 45. However, when you blend the banana in a smoothie, its GI is around 60.” This increases sugar levels, weakens your liver, and in the long run increases the risk of pre-diabetes and even obesity. When you blend a smoothie, you’re adding a lot of fruit at once — sometimes as many as 4 to 5 servings. Dimple says that this can be too much and will eventually lead to a rise in blood sugar levels.
What is the best way to consume fruits?
So, if blending fruits into smoothies isn’t such a good idea, how should you consume them? Dimple suggests that it is best to chew fruits to get the maximum benefit from them. She explains that, according to Ayurveda, smoothies are condemned because it is a cold food that reduces your Agni – the digestive fire. When you chew fruits, you produce adequate amount of saliva, which helps in better absorption of nutrients. Additionally, she suggests combining fruits with chia seeds or nuts, as they are compatible with fruits and help prevent blood sugar spikes. Dimple concluded by sharing a golden rule of fruit consumption: “Eat it alone or leave it alone!”
Watch the full video below:
View this post on Instagram
What foods should you eat to improve gut health?
A healthy gut aids digestion, boosts your immune system and improves overall health. However, this can only be achieved if you consume the right kind of food. Luckily, there are many foods that can work wonders for your gut health. These include fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, whole grains like barley and oats, and lots of leafy vegetables. Click here to know more about gut-friendly foods that you can include in your daily diet.
Also read: Nutritionists warn against these 6 everyday foods that cause poor gut health
Now that you know smoothies may not be that good for your stomach, remember to have them in moderation. Here’s a healthy one for you!
