Superfood shots offer a convenient way to boost your nutrient intake when you’re pressed for time or lacking in fresh produce. Found in the refrigerator section of health food stores, these 2 ounce shots promise various health benefits—from enhanced mental clarity and mood to strengthen immunity and digestive support. While they aren’t a substitute for a balanced diet, incorporating superfood shots can supplement your nutritional needs effectively.
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Superfood shots are marketed to cover a spectrum of wellness needs. Some are intended to sharpen mental focus or boost mood, and others to bolster immunity and improve digestion. And while the claims seem alluring, wellness shots should not be considered a cure-all, or used to remedy a poor diet. Instead, they should be used to complement a well-rounded, balanced diet and perhaps even fill in nutrient gaps.
Jamie Vespa, M.S., R.D.
The hefty price tag of store-bought options makes homemade alternatives appealing. With just a blender, some basic ingredients and a bit of prep, you can create personalized blends tailored to your health goals. Enjoy the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of crafting nutrient-dense superfood shots at home, ensuring you stay nourished and energized throughout your day.
Benefits of Superfood Shots
Superfood shots are marketed to cover a spectrum of wellness needs. Some are intended to sharpen mental focus or boost mood, and others to bolster immunity and improve digestion. And while these claims seem alluring, wellness shots should not be considered a cure-all, or used to remedy a poor diet. Instead, they should be used to complement a well-rounded, balanced diet and perhaps even fill in nutrient gaps.
Step 1: Choose a Liquid Base
If you’re using a juicer, this isn’t necessary, however blenders will need some form of liquid to lubricate the blade and get things churning. The best options are 100% fruit juice with no added sugar, coconut water or unsweetened green tea.
Step 2: Select Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Choose an assortment of seasonal fruits and veggies to pump up thephytochemicalsof your superfood shots. These can include berries, apples, stone fruit, leafy greens, celery, beets and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. If you’re using a fruit or vegetable with an edible peel (such as an apple or peach), it’s best to leave it on. The peel often contains lots of good-for-you nutrients.
Step 3: Add Nutrient Boosters
If you’re looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, add a pinch ofturmericand black pepper. Or if you need somedigestive support, consider a mix of ginger and apple cider vinegar. Pre-workout pick-me-up? Look to matcha and cayenne pepper. Or, for a blast of antioxidants, try spirulina or wheat grass.
Step 4: Blend, Strain, and Sip!
Blend all of the ingredients until completely liquefied. Next, arrange a double layer of cheesecloth in a strainer, and place the strainer over a shallow bowl or large glass jar. Gently pour the juice mixture into the strainer and let the liquid gradually seep through the cheesecloth and into the storage vessel. Once all of the liquid is strained, discard or compost the remaining solids and transfer your batch of superfood shots to the fridge.
There are a couple different ways to enjoy your freshly blended superfood shots. The first is, as their name implies, as a shot in one swift swig. Alternatively, you can mix the shot with 6 ounces of sparkling water or just-boiled water and casually sip on your superfoods. Either way, you’re in a nutrient-charged treat that will save you a trip to the local juice shop. Especially if you want to make them in bulk they can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Tart-Cherry Superfood Shots
Get the Recipe:Tart-Cherry Superfood Shots
Tart cherry juice is rich in heart-healthy polyphenols and anthocyanins, which can help fight free radicals and thwart inflammation. Research published in 2019 in theJournal of Food & Functionfound that regularly consuming tart cherry juice may improve one’s cognitive abilities. Much of this is attributed to the fruit’s inflammation—and oxidative stress—fighting compounds that can improve blood flow to the brain. You can find 100% tart cherry juice in the juice aisle at most large chain grocery stores.
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Green Spinach Superfood Shots
Get the Recipe:Green Spinach Superfood Shots
Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots
Get the Recipe:Ginger-Turmeric-Carrot Shots
This refreshing shot captures the sweetness of carrots—rich in vitamins A and K—andcoconut water—which delivers electrolytes and manganese—with a slight hint of heat from fresh ginger.Gingernot only helps to add fresh flavor but also contains antioxidant compounds, called gingerols. Research fromStatpearlsin 2022 suggests that eating 1 gram of ginger daily—or 1 teaspoon—may help reduce markers of inflammation in the body. If your blender is big enough, this would be easy to double and have in your fridge, ready when you are.
Lemon-Ginger-Cayenne-Apple Shots
Get the Recipe:Lemon-Ginger-Cayenne-Apple Shots
The Bottom Line
For a quick and wallet-friendly nutrient boost, whip up your own superfood shots at home. Blend your favorite fruits, veggies, and boosters (like turmeric or ginger), then strain and sip. Remember, you can make these ahead of time and can last up to 5 days in refrigerator! These homemade drinks are a simple way to supplement your diet, offering concentrated goodness without the hefty price tag of store-bought options. Stay vibrant and nourished, one shot at a time.
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