Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is known for her healthy lifestyle and rigorous exercise routine. However, it’s her morning beverage that has been raising eyebrows recently.
Contrary to what one might expect, the Royal doesn’t start her day with a cup of coffee or tea. Instead, she opts for a ‘green juice’, according to reports from Hello! and MailOnline. This concoction includes kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, blueberries, spirulina powder, matcha powder (small teaspoon), and coriander.
At the surface, this might seem like an incredibly healthy choice – but is it? The Mirror previously asked Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, for her take on the drink that’s been described as ‘pondwater’ by others who’ve tested it.
Interestingly, Helen explained that four of the ingredients in Kate’s smoothie are considered ‘superfoods’ – foods that are nutrient-rich and beneficial for health and wellbeing. “In my experience, the term ‘superfood’ is often thrown around, but it generally refers to foods that are nutrient-rich and beneficial for health and wellbeing,” Helen told The Mirror in an exclusive interview.
“In Kate’’s smoothie, several ingredients could be considered superfoods. For instance, kale, spinach, and spirulina are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Blueberries are another example, known for their high antioxidant content. Matcha, a type of green tea, is known for its concentration of catechins, which are natural antioxidants.”
Helen asserted that adding certain foods to your diet can have a positive impact on cholesterol management. She particularly commends leafy greens such as kale and spinach for their prowess in cutting down ‘bad cholesterol (LDL) levels’.
This dietary change is crucial for heart health, especially considering the British Heart Foundation‘s statistic that over 170,000 deaths annually in the UK are due to heart and circulatory diseases. Helen continued: “Blueberries also play a role in heart health, potentially improving cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health.
“While no single food will drastically change cholesterol levels, a balanced diet rich in these ingredients can certainly support heart health.” Beyond their cardiovascular benefits, Helen points out that greens like kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce are also potent in enhancing vitamin intake, notably vitamins A, C, and K, which are vital for immune function as well as skin and bone health.
Despite the positive aspects, Helen noted that this green juice might not be beneficial for everyone. She emphasised: “While the ingredients in the smoothie are generally beneficial, it’s important to be mindful of individual dietary needs. For example, those with thyroid issues might need to moderate their intake of raw kale and spinach due to their goitrogen content.
“Spirulina and matcha are potent, so I advise starting with small amounts to ensure they agree with your system. In my experience, balance is key, and it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have specific health concerns.”
