7 Healthy Smoothie Ingredients You Haven't Tried

By Karla Walsh, Fitness

It's 2015, and you're probably well aware that a spoonful of coconut oil gives killer texture to smoothies.  And sprinkling of chia seeds is a simple and sneaky way to add fiber to your sippable snack. But those can get ho-hum really fast if you grab a smoothie several times a week.Mix things up with these seven trendy blender BFFs.

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Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds are one of the rare vegetarian complete proteins. "I adore adding hemp seeds to smoothies for extra heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids," says Robyn Coale, RD, owner of Nutshell Nutrition in New York City. Two tablespoons of these superfood seeds offer 1.8 grams of omega-3 and 5.7 grams of omega-6 fats.

Try it in our...Chocolate Chia Cherry Weight-Loss Smoothie (substitute hemp for chia)

Kombucha

"Try adding a splash of kombucha, a fermented tea that's rich in probiotics and may aid in digestion," says David Grotto, RD, author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life and The Best Things You Can Eat. Grab a bottle at your supermarket and use it in place of the water or milk called for in any smoothie recipe.

Try it in our...Banana and Coconut Water Smoothie (use kombucha instead of coconut water or water)

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Dandelion Greens

Try dandelion greens instead of spinach or kale. Just one cup offers more eyesight-saving vitamin A than you need in a day, plus 500 percent of your daily recommended value of bone-boosting vitamin K. This leafy vegetable contains fiber and other nutrients that aid with natural detoxification.

Try it in our...Kale Cucumber Pear Smoothie (try dandelion greens in place of the kale)

Pichuberries

"This cute little fruit from Peru is packed with vitamin C, D, B-12, and carotenoids, which possess anti-inflammatory properties," Grotto says. All those health benefits come with great taste, too—pichuberries taste like the love child of an orange, a kiwi, and a mango.

Try it in our...Pitaya Breakfast Bowl (swap pichuberries for the pitaya—aka dragonfruit)

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Beets

Brightly colored beets are the next kale. If you haven't seen them all over salad menus near you, you soon will. Mix the folate-rich (hey, mama!) vegetables into berry smoothies for a more vibrant color and an all-natural anti-imflammatory.

Try it in our...Purple Power Smoothie (add 1/2 cup in addition to the other ingredients)

Teff

Teff, tiny seeds that come in white, red, and brown, pack a ton of nutty flavor. "Try a couple tablespoons of teff flour or cooked teff to thicken and add protein," Grotto says. "Ounce for ounce, gluten-free teff supplies more fiber than any other grain."

Try it in our...Chia, Pomegranate, and Mango Smoothie (use teff instead of chia)
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Green Tea

Zen out by mixing a cup of brewed green tea or a spoonful of matcha powder into your green smoothies in place of water or milk for extra cancer-killing catechins.

Try it in our...Kale Ginger Detox Smoothie (swap green tea for the almond milk)