Esha Deol has been fond of smoothies ‘long even before it was a thing’

Esha Deol, 43, recently opened up about being fond of smoothies. "I am fond of smoothies since long even before it was a thing. I tasted a smoothie in Los Angeles for the first time. It had fruits, berries, powders, seeds. Smoothies are healthy and tasty. So, I love smoothies. I make smoothies at home. I make smoothie bowl or smoothie drink with acai powder," the Dhoom actor told Eat Travel Repeat YouTube channel. (Photo: Esha Deol)

What are smoothies and how do they help? Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said smoothies are meal-replacements in liquid form, and tend to include fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, plant-based milk substitutes, seeds or nuts. "Smoothies have more bulk than juice. This is because the fibre is not removed, making smoothies more satisfying and nutritious than fruit juice," said Sheikh. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Exactly what are smoothies good for? Overall smoothies are a tasty and easy way to increase your nutrition. Smoothies are: - High in fibre - good for digestion and gut health. - Packed with antioxidants and vitamins - good for immunity and skin. - Great for hydration, especially in warm weather. Satiety boosters when they are paired with protein or healthy fat, the add even more "fullness" and may help with weight management. (Photo: Unsplash)

So, are there different types of smoothies? Yes, there are, mainly due to the ingredients and desired outcome. - Fruit - mango, banana, berries; best for energy and antioxidants. - Vegetable-based smoothies will include spinach, kale, and cucumber; great for detox and micronutrients. (Photo: Freepik)

- Protein smoothies - add milk, yogurt, nut butters or protein powder; great for muscle recovery. - Functional smoothies - ingredients can be added; seeds, oats, and superfoods (chia, flax or spirulina). (Photo: Freepik)

Is there anything to be aware of when it comes to smoothies? Definitely. A smoothie can be as nutritious or as bad as the ingredients you use. Try not to fill it with lots of sugar, syrups or ice creams. Balance is what you need: include a fibre source (fruits/veggies), protein source (yogurt, nuts, seeds) and healthy fats (nut butters, flax). (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Additionally, make portion sizes reasonable. A "meal smoothie" can work as a breakfast substitute, but a fruit shake full of sugar after dinner isn't a good idea. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

So, are smoothies a daily routine? Smoothies are a great way to get a little extra fruit and vegetables in, but they shouldn't be a substitute for eating whole foods entirely. (Photo: Freepik)

Chewing is good for digestion too. Use smoothies wisely, as a breakfast, an after-workout recharge, or an evening snack. Consider them an easy addition, not a health shortcut. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)