Kate Middleton drinks a rather surprising nutritional beverage to kickstart her morning each day, claims suggest. The Princess of Wales, whose famed for her healthy lifestyle and rigorous exercise routine, whisks up the drink with just seven ‘powerhouse’ ingredients.
While you may envision a spin-off of coffee or tea, this isn’t the case at all – instead, the Royal opts for a ‘green juice’, according to Hello! and MailOnline. This includes a cocktail of kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, blueberries, spirulina powder, matcha powder (small teaspoon) and coriander.
On the face of it, this may seem very healthy. But is it really? Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & Advice, gave her take on the beverage that’s been described as ‘pondwater’ by others who’ve tried it.
Remarkably, she explained that four of its ingredients are what’s known as ‘superfoods’ – referring to products with a high nutritional value. “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.”
Crucially, Helen believes that incorporating these ingredients into your diet can ‘contribute positively to cholesterol levels’. Leafy greens, like kale and spinach, are especially praised for their ability to slash ‘bad cholesterol (LDL) levels’.
In turn, this can help to promote cardiovascular health at a time when more than 170,000 people die of heart and circulatory diseases in the UK each year, according to the British Heart Foundation. 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.” Aside from this, Helen also highlighted that kale, spinach, and romaine lettuce ‘can significantly boost vitamin intake’ – particularly when it comes to A, C and K. This trio is not only important for immune function but skin and bone health too.
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses – Helen claimed there may be some downsides to drinking the green juice. She clarified: “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.”