Last year, I don’t think there was a week when I didn’t see a smoothie bowl on my Instagram feed. Just like avocado toast, this dish has become a breakfast staple and an instant #foodstagram photo. Social media influencers like Kimi Juan also like decorating their bowls with various fruits and nuts.
You might be thinking, “What else can you put on a smoothie bowl aside from that?” Be glad to know that there are other healthy foods that you can add. We listed them down below, as well as the benefits you’ll get from each. Hopefully this will make your breakfast extra special.
Berries
Mixed berries are said to be great sources of fiber, which is an important nutrient for the digestive system. Meanwhile, other berries also have various health benefits. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that’ll keep your memory sharp and raspberries contain ellagic acid which has anti-cancer properties.
Bee pollen
For an immunity boost, sprinkle a teaspoon of bee pollen on top of your smoothie bowl. This is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent which stimulates the immune system, strengthens capillaries, and reduces inflammation.
Cashew nuts
Cashews are considered one of the lowest-fiber nuts. They’re packed with vitamin E, B6, zinc, magnesium, and iron, which are beneficial for weight loss and cardiovascular health. This is a great addition to a chocolate-flavored smoothie bowl for some crunch.
Chia seeds
Rich with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein, chia seeds are whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body. This means that adding a teaspoon or tablespoon on your smoothie bowl is enough to give you ample vitamins and minerals.
Hemp seeds
These seeds come from the cannabis sativa plant, but eating them won’t give you a high. These have a nutty flavor and contain omega-3 fatty acids which reduces the risk of heart disease, and a great source of protein. They’re also rich in vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and iron.
Dragon fruit
Aside from the usual bananas and apples, you can also incorporate dragon fruit on your smoothie bowl. This is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and B vitamins. It also has calcium to strengthen your bones, iron for healthy blood and tissue formation, and other nutrients which boosts the immune system. You can choose between the white and red dragon fruits depending on how you want to decorate your bowl.
Goji berry
Goji berries are either incorporated in the smoothie mixture or placed on top in dried form. They’re known to treat common health problems like high blood pressure, age-related eye problems, and fever. Other benefits include improved athletic performance, give you better sleep, and help in weight loss.
Sunflower seeds
Among its many vitamins and nutrients, sunflower seeds are known to have selenium. This is an antioxidant that’s known to prevent breast cancer. It also helps in DNA repair and detoxing the body of damaged cells. More reason for you to add some on your smoothie bowl or just snack on them instead of potato chips.
Art by Lara Intong
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