There’s no doubt about it: smoothies are the ultimate health hack. They’re a ridiculously easy way to sneak more fruits and veggies into your diet. They can be part of a healthy breakfast or serve as a delicious, post-workout snack. Plus, you can add all sorts of ingredients into smoothies, from matcha and protein powder to flavorful CBD tinctures and so much more.

But if you’re relatively new to the smoothie trend, you may have learned the hard way that some ingredients are better suited to smoothies than others. Once you’ve been burned by a terrible-tasting smoothie, it’s all too easy to fall back on the same old ingredients you always use. To help you break out of your smoothie rut, we’ve rounded up 10 unconventional smoothie ingredients that taste great and do your body good. Enjoy!

1. Silken Tofu

Yes, you can put tofu in a smoothie — and, yes, it will taste good! However, the key to a deliciously-creamy smoothie is to use silken tofu (aka, Japanese-style tofu). Unlike regular tofu, silken tofu has a softer consistency that blends well and makes a deliciously-creamy shake. It’s also high in protein, making it a great alternative to yogurt-based smoothies. Be aware that silken tofu doesn’t need to be refrigerated until opened, so it may be located in a different section of the grocery store than regular tofu.

2. Turmeric

Have you tried putting turmeric in your smoothie before? If not, consider sprinkling some of the “golden spice” into your next smoothie. A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is probably best-known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. On its own, turmeric has a slightly earthy, bitter taste, but it tastes delicious when combined with sweet fruits such as pineapple and mango.

3. Red Cabbage

If you want your smoothie to be both super-healthy and Instagrammable, look no further than red cabbage. This dark red/purple plant is the secret to turning your smoothie into a vivid, purple miracle that begs to be photographed. Of course, looks aren’t everything, and red cabbage delivers in the health department, too. Specifically, red cabbage is high in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that is associated with a reduction in hypertension risk. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

4. CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) products have been having a big moment lately. According to a 2019 Gallup poll, one in seven Americans now uses CBD for its potential therapeutic benefits, which run the gamut from pain relief to stress management. CBD isn’t psychoactive and won’t get you “high” (that’s THC, a different chemical compound from the same plant).

One of the most delicious ways to reap the therapeutic benefits of CBD? Adding it to your smoothie, of course. For extra health benefits, try adding CBD with terpenes to your smoothie. In a nutshell, terpenes are the organic compounds that give many plants — including the cannabis plant — their distinct aromas and flavors. Some terpenes promote energy and focus, while others have a relaxing effect. It’s an easy (and tasty) way to enjoy some extra health benefits in your daily smoothie.

5. Tahini

If you enjoy nut butter, just wait until you try tahini (aka, sesame seed paste). Made from sesame seeds and oil, tahini boasts a rich, nutty flavor that lends itself well to a variety of dishes. It’s also highly nutritious, containing lots of healthy fats and plant-based protein. The best part? It tastes absolutely delicious in a smoothie. On its own, tahini can be slightly bitter, but when it’s combined with other smoothie ingredients — and with cinnamon, in particular — it’s nothing but sweet, creamy perfection.

6. Spirulina

If you’ve never heard of spirulina, it’s time to put this incredible superfood on your radar. Originally used by the Aztecs to boost endurance, spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that first became famous when NASA astronauts began using it as a dietary supplement.

While there aren’t many large-scale studies on spirulina, some research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-allergic effects. It’s also extremely rich in many nutrients, making it one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. As with any dietary supplement, make sure that you talk with your doctor before adding spirulina to your smoothie.

7. Cricket Powder

Eating insects isn’t weird. On the contrary, it’s as old as mankind itself. In fact, munching on bugs is still the norm in many cultures across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

With those facts in mind, give cricket powder a chance in your smoothies. While it may seem gross, cricket powder is surprisingly tasty. It has an earthy, slightly nutty profile that will give your smoothie a wonderful kick of flavor. Cricket powder is also a great source of proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and fiber — all the more reason to jump on board the insect-eating train.

8. Cacao Nibs

If cricket powder is too unconventional for you, here’s a smoothie ingredient that may be more to your liking: cacao nibs. Often called “nature’s chocolate chips,” cacao nibs are simply crumbled pieces of dried cacao beans, which is the same bean used to make chocolate candy. Cacao nibs have a delicious, chocolate-like flavor that pairs amazingly well with mint and peanut butter smoothies. Best of all, they’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy flavonoids.

9. Lime Juice

Love margaritas, but hate what they do to your waistline? Swap your boozy, summertime drinks with a refreshing smoothie made with lime juice. Limes are low in calories and high in vitamin C and antioxidants — both of which have been linked to improved immunity, healthier skin, and lower blood sugar. Lime juice is also a good source of magnesium and potassium, so drink up!

10. Cactus Paddles (Nopales)

You may have seen cactus paddles at the grocery store before. (If not, you can usually find them at a Mexican market). Cactus paddles, or nopales, are a dietary vegetable and a staple in numerous Mexican cuisine dishes. Some of their many purported health benefits include lowering blood pressure, wound healing, and reducing cholesterol. For best results, pair cactus paddles with pineapple and fresh orange juice.

Building a Better Smoothie

If you want to take your smoothie game to the next level, these ingredients are a delicious and nutritious way to do it. Done right, smoothies can satisfy your hunger while keeping your fitness goals on track.

Like many people, you probably want your teeth to look their best. And if you’ve ever been told that your smile is important and that it says something about who you are, then maybe you’ve thought about whitening your teeth.

The good news is that teeth whitening is one of the prominent cosmetic procedures today. The way you smile can say a lot about you, so it’s important to keep them looking their best.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need about teeth whitening so you can choose the right procedure for your needs.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure.

The main focus of teeth whitening procedures is to make teeth appear whiter and more attractive. Teeth can be stained in various ways, including through coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products.

However, teeth whitening procedures can also promote oral health by removing stains from the surface of the tooth enamel.

Teeth whitening procedures are available at many dental offices and are performed by cosmetic dentists in Beverly Hills and many other areas. The method usually takes about an hour and does not require any anaesthesia.

What Are Your Teeth Whitening Options?

There are three major whitening options you can choose from: in-office whitening, professionally dispensed take-home kits, and over-the-counter products.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening involves an appointment with a dentist or dental hygienist who will apply a peroxide solution directly to your teeth using a small plastic tray that fits over your teeth and gums.

The whitening process usually lasts about half an hour to an hour, and it can completed in one or multiple visits depending on the strength of the bleaching gel used by your dentist or hygienist.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits

These kits are made up of trays that fit over your teeth and contain a gel applied to them while in place. You wear the trays every night for about two hours, which allows the bleaching agent to soak into your teeth and remove stains.

The time you wear them depends on how deeply stained your teeth are; some people need to wear them for longer periods than others.

Over-the-Counter Products

Over-the-counter products are available in various forms, including gels, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. They typically contain a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than in-office treatments but are still effective at removing surface stains.

Because these products don’t involve professional supervision or customization to your teeth or smile, they’re good options if you want something less involved than traditional in-office procedures.

What Are Your Whitening Risks?

Teeth whitening carries some risks, but they’re usually mild and temporary. Here are a few of the most general risks:

Risk of Tooth Sensitivity

If you use a whitening product that contains peroxide, your teeth will become more sensitive to cold and hot foods and drinks. The ideal way to avoid this is to use a gel with very low concentrations of peroxide or a non-peroxide product.

Risk of Gum Irritation

If you use a whitening product that contains peroxide, your gums may become irritated. This can avoided using a gel with very low peroxide concentrations or a non-peroxide product.

Mild Discomfort

Some people experience mild discomfort when they first start using a whitening product; this usually goes away after two to three days as your teeth used to the treatment.

FAQ

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure done at the dentist’s office or at home. In either case, it involves applying a bleaching agent to your teeth to remove stains from their surface. The most common reason people seek out teeth whitening is that they want a brighter smile, but there are other reasons, too.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The process takes about an hour and involves applying the bleaching agent to your teeth and waiting for it to work its magic. It’s important not to eat or drink anything while the gel is on your teeth; otherwise, you risk damaging them or getting the gel on other surfaces (like your tongue). If you follow all instructions carefully, you’ll be able to walk out of the dentist’s office with whiter teeth!

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

The effects of teeth whitening will last for years, but you’ll need to touch up your smile every six months to maintain that bright, pearly-white look.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and non-invasive. You can have your teeth professionally whitened in just one visit, with little-to-no risks involved.

Working a 9 — 5 isn’t an easy job. Having to deal with a regular schedule might seem a lot easier for most individuals however, for most people, this can end up being a stressful and joyless task. So how do you deal with this? Here’s an article to tell you about some of the most common workplace issues and methods to deal with them.

With hundreds of articles and newsletters every day delivering shocking news of effects that stem from working too long, you might see many people suffering from serious mental and physical issues from being confined to the workspace. Here is a list of some of the most common examples:

1. Stress:

Stress is one of the most common issues that arise from long, restless days of working and even bringing the workload back home. Sometimes office work seems to pile up or an urgent call arrives at an odd hour, you might be forced to attend to these stressing both yourself and the relationships with your loved ones.

Financial concerns are one of the most concerning causes of this particular issue.
With the pandemic season in full swing, you will see hundreds of people in terrible conditions due to financial stresses and migraine problems caused due to leading such a life.

2. Insomnia:

Sleep deprivation is another stressful effect of long hours in the workplace. With a very unsteady work pattern, employees might lose their sense of time and end up with bad sleep patterns or in some cases, insomnia.

Sleep deprivation by itself can cause many other side effects such as a weakened immune system and therefore a body more compromised to illness, hallucinations, or can even spiral into insanity if unchecked.

This is why it is essential for employers to keep their businesses restricted to the workplace as much as possible to prevent such a situation from unfolding.

3. Changes in behaviour:

An odd work schedule will leave people with personality changes almost always for the worse. Financial burdens coupled with this could lead many down a dark path of substance abuse. This is ultimately going to affect the company that forces them in turn, to convert a talented employee into a tired addict.

These changes need not be limited to the consumption of goods but could also affect the way they act and the way the rest of their day goes.

4. Anxiety:

Anxiety about when the monthly wages will be cashed out and whether they will be able to pay the bills on time must be on top of everyone’s mind. However, for the standard employee, this might boil down to fear and incredible stress about whether they will be able to cover bills on time, take care of their family or keep their job.

Workers will never be able to perform at their best in such a state and it is thus important for companies to ensure regular pay as well as fair wages.

Some of the simplest ways to help reduce mental health problems in your workplace and make life a lot more enjoyable for your employees would be :

• Timely payment: This will ensure that your employees have stable financial backing allowing them to dedicate more to the company.
• Taking Help: Taking the aid of mental health services for a checkup might help your employees reveal their grievances helping you find a better and more efficient way to run the company while also increasing employee happiness.
• Offering Support: Being supportive to your employees in their time of need will ensure that they give their best to the company and help you in your time of need.
• Financial education: Training employees on how to handle money will be incredibly helpful especially for newer employees and can save them from years of financial instability thereby saving your company from losing more employees due to financial stress.

If you follow the aforementioned guidelines, you can be sure of the fact that the number of mental problems in your workspace will drastically decrease and you will leave a positive impact on the world.