Ready to put the spin on your health in 2016? Smoothies are an easy way to get some quick and delicious health benefits directly into your body. The specific types of benefits vary with the ingredients, but really, you can’t go wrong no matter which recipe you choose!

SEE ALSO: Beat The Winter Blues: 4 Revitalizing Smoothie Recipes You Need To Try

900x265_5_Simple_and_Delicious_Smoothies_To_Try_This_Year

1. Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter

1 cup almond milk

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Health benefits:

The high protein content and healthy oils in all-natural peanut butter help suppress hunger for weight loss, lower your risk for heart disease, and even help to protect against Alzheimer’s Disease and memory loss.

Bananas are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, but notably contain tryptophan which is known to improve memory and boost your mood.

Honey improves memory, and is an excellent cough suppressant as well as sleep aid.

Almond milk contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, and is a great source for vitamins A and D.

shutterstock_340631177-406614-edited

2. Strawberry Banana Blueberry Smoothie

2 bananas

3/4 cup strawberries

3/4 cup blueberries

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 1/2 cups almond milk

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Health benefits:

Strawberries are one of nature’s tastiest sources of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system; the antioxidant properties promote eye health, and the rich source of vitamin B folate is recommended for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Blueberries are considered one of the world’s healthiest foods due to having higher antioxidant capacities than ALL other fruits and vegetables. These tiny power-berries can improve memory, lower blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.

Plain yogurt is packed with protein and calcium, and contains probiotics (known as the ‘good bacteria’) which can boost the immune system and promote healthy digestion.

900x264_Pineapple_5_Simple_And_Delicious_Smoothies_To_Try_This_Year

3. Pi–a Colada Smoothie

2 cups pineapple (add a handful of ice cubes to mixture if fresh)

1 banana

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 cup coconut milk

1 cup coconut water

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Health benefits:

Pineapple is particularly beneficial to those with arthritis as it is known to reduce joint inflammation. And with 130% of the daily recommended requirement for vitamin C, it’s no surprise that this super-fruit boosts the immune system and promotes glowing, healthy skin.

Coconut milk is the creamy liquid made from the meat of mature coconuts; and is abundant in vitamins C, E, and B which go a long way toward fighting both cancer and heart disease.

Coconut water is low in calories, fat- and cholesterol-free, and has more potassium than four bananas!

SEE ALSO: New YearÕs Juice And Smoothie Detox: 4 Easy Recipes To Get You Started

900x264_Blueberry_5_Simple_And_Delicious_Smoothies_To_Try_This_Year

4. Blueberry Coconut Banana Smoothie

1 banana

2 cups blueberries

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup yogurt

1 1/2 cups raw apple juice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Health benefits:

Apple juice (raw) is rich in ascorbic acid which keeps your blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and skin healthy because it helps produce collagen.

shutterstock_330030509-762248-edited

5. Apple Cinnamon Carrot Smoothie

1 cup apple sauce

1 cup raw apple juice

1 cup carrots, cooked

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup oats

1 cup ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.

Health benefits:

Carrots are a great source of vitamin A which improves eyesight, reduces the risk of stroke, and promotes smooth, firm skin.

Oats are loaded in dietary fiber which help to lower levels of bad cholesterol and can reduce the risk of both coronary artery disease and colorectal cancer.

Note: if you don’t care for, or can’t have almond milk, feel free to replace it in any of the recipes with low-fat milk or soy.

All of these recipes are packed with nutritious, powerful ingredients that are beneficial to your health. Each one is quick and simple to make, providing encouragement to make this a regular part of your diet in the New Year. When shopping for your ingredients, be sure to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible, all of which you can find at Tidal Creek.

Health benefit sources: WebMd.com and Medical News Today

Download Tidal Creek's Smoothie and Juice Menu!