Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed
- 1 cup cold water
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ½ green apple, optional for natural sweetness
- 2–3 ice cubes, optional
Method
- Wash the spinach and apple thoroughly.
- Add the spinach, water, lemon juice, and apple to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add a little more water if you prefer a thinner drink.
- Serve immediately over ice.
History
Spinach has been cultivated for centuries and became an important leafy vegetable in many cuisines. Green vegetable drinks and blended juices have become popular as a convenient way to include fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Benefits
- Spinach provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds.
- Lemon adds vitamin C and a fresh citrus flavor.
- Apple can provide additional fiber and natural sweetness.
- Drinking a vegetable-based smoothie can be an easy way to include more produce in your meals.
Important note: Claims that spinach is a “bacteria killer” or that this drink “cleanses the intestines and liver” are not medically established. Your liver and digestive system naturally perform these functions; this drink should be viewed as a nutritious beverage rather than a detox or treatment.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition for one serving without apple:
- Calories: 25–35
- Carbohydrates: 5–7 g
- Fiber: 2–3 g
- Protein: 2–3 g
- Fat: less than 1 g
- Vitamin C: mainly from the lemon
- Vitamin K: abundant in spinach
- Folate and vitamin A: provided by spinach
Conclusion
This refreshing spinach and lemon drink is a simple way to enjoy leafy greens and citrus. It can be part of a balanced diet, but it should not be considered a cure, detox treatment, or substitute for medical care.