Our smoothies are an update on traditional juices – combining leafy greens, veggies and fruit, and packing all the natural fibre and nutrients into the glass. They’re also lower in sugar.This means you get many of the benefits of consuming the whole fruit and veg, unlike a juice – which strips out valuable fibre, exposes the natural sugars and is high in acidity that can cause dental erosion.New research suggests we should be aiming higher than 5-a-day for optimum health, and most of that total should be made up of vegetables. Smoothies are an easy way to help reach your target, and a good way to include strong tasting varieties, such as bitter leafy greens, as you can combine them with fruit and sweeter veg like carrot and beetroot.

Blending the whole fruit and veg means they’re easy to digest and makes the nutrients more accessible, so they’re particularly beneficial if you’re unwell. Plus, making your own means you know exactly what’s in your drink – no preservatives, colours or flavourings.Despite the benefits, the best way to consume fruit and veg is in its whole form. So enjoy a smoothie but don’t neglect to bite into a crisp apple or crunch a carrot – it’s better for your health, your teeth, and also gives your jaw a great workout!

What’s in a colour?

Green smoothies are a great source of minerals, especially the bone-builders calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Orange smoothies are vital for the immune system, packing in vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Red/purple ones are packed with heart-friendly plant compounds and likely to be rich in folate and potassium.

HOW MANY PORTIONS?

Smoothies count as a maximum of 2 of your daily target (regardless of how much you drink), as long as you include:

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