Jamba Juice’s Amazing Greens smoothie blend contains a variety of fruits, vegetables, and supplements designed to provide a boost of nutrients and antioxidants. Ingredients like kale, spinach, parsley, broccoli, wheatgrass, and spirulina give this smoothie a nutritional punch.
Fruits and Vegetables
The fruit and vegetable ingredients in Amazing Greens include:
- Kale – This leafy green is high in vitamins A, C, and K. It provides calcium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants.
- Spinach – Spinach contains iron, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Parsley – Parsley is high in vitamin K and provides vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. It’s a good source of antioxidants.
- Broccoli – Broccoli florets add vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane.
- Apple – Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and quercetin antioxidants. They help promote gut health.
- Carrot – Carrots are packed with vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. They also provide vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Beet – Beets offer nitrates, pigments, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and enhance athletic performance.
Supplements
In addition to fruits and vegetables, Amazing Greens contains supplemental ingredients like:
- Wheatgrass – Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants without gluten.
- Spirulina – This blue-green algae is rich in protein, antioxidants, B vitamins, and iron.
- Chlorella – Chlorella is another nutrient-dense green algae that provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Barley grass – Barley grass is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll like wheatgrass.
- Flaxseed – Flaxseed supplies omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans that have antioxidant effects.
- Maca – Maca root powder provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds that help enhance energy and stamina.
Nutritional Profile
Here is the nutritional profile of Amazing Greens based on a 24 oz smoothie:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Total Fat | 2.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 33 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
Amazing Greens supplies a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Some of the key micronutrients based on one serving include:
- Vitamin A – 200% DV
- Vitamin C – 300% DV
- Vitamin E – 45% DV
- Vitamin K – 550% DV
- Thiamin – 55% DV
- Riboflavin – 45% DV
- Niacin – 25% DV
- Vitamin B6 – 50% DV
- Folate – 45% DV
- Pantothenic Acid – 15% DV
- Calcium – 30% DV
- Iron – 25% DV
- Phosphorus – 15% DV
- Magnesium – 40% DV
- Zinc – 25% DV
- Manganese – 100% DV
- Copper – 45% DV
- Potassium – 15% DV
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Benefits
Drinking Amazing Greens provides many health advantages:
- Antioxidants – The blend is packed with antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, algae, grasses, and herbs to help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
- Vitamins and minerals – It provides high levels of vitamins A, C, E, K and B vitamins along with iron, calcium, potassium, and trace minerals.
- Anti-inflammatory – Nutrients like omega-3s from flaxseeds have anti-inflammatory properties that help lower inflammation.
- Blood sugar control – Ingredients like spinach and spirulina may help inhibit enzymes needed for sugar absorption.
- Heart health – The nitrates in beets help improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
- Immunity – Vitamins A, C, and zinc boost immune defenses to help fight infection.
- Digestion – Fiber aids digestion while broccoli, apple, and greens supply probiotics.
- Energy – B vitamins, iron, protein, and maca root enhance energy levels.
- Vision health – Lutein in kale and zeaxanthin in spinach helps protect eye health.
- Skin health – Vitamin A and zinc promote healthy skin.
Risks and Precautions
Amazing Greens is generally safe for most people. However, there are some precautions to consider:
- Pregnant women should exercise caution with algae like spirulina and chlorella due to potential toxin exposure.
- There is a small risk of GI upset, bloating, or diarrhea when drastically increasing fiber intake.
- Introduce high-fiber smoothies gradually to allow the digestive system to adjust.
- Select certified organic produce when possible to minimize pesticide exposure from non-organic greens.
- Algae supplements may interact with medications or other supplements.
- Those with kidney disease or taking blood thinners should consult a doctor before consuming spinach or beet juice.
- Try a small sample size at first to check for any ingredient sensitivities.
- Avoid Amazing Greens if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any ingredients in the blend.
Cost
At Jamba Juice locations, the 24 oz Amazing Greens smoothie costs around $7-$8 depending on location. Pricing may be higher for specialty smoothies that incorporate Amazing Greens as an ingredient like the Orange Dream Machine or Acai Primo smoothies.
Some ways to save on Amazing Greens smoothies include:
- Order a 16 oz size for smaller portion.
- Use mobile app deals and coupons.
- Join their rewards program.
- Purchase during Happy Hour when available for discount.
- Substitute juice or non-dairy milk to lower cost.
- Blend your own Amazing Greens smoothie at home for much less.
Alternatives
For those looking for an alternative superfood smoothie blend, here are some options:
- Daily Dose – Jamba Juice’s nutritious veggie and fruit juice blend.
- Orange Twist – Refreshing orange, carrot, and ginger juice smoothie.
- Protein Berry Workout – Blend with soy protein and berries.
- Kale-ribbean Breeze – Features kale with pineapple and passionfruit juice.
- Green Fusion – Spinach, cucumber, apple, and celery smoothie.
- Lean Green Smoothie – Kale, mango, banana, and almond milk.
- Mean Green Juice – Made with kale, parsley, green apple and lemon.
- Daily Greens Powder – Mix in water or smoothie for veggie nutrition.
Smoothies with plant-based protein powders like pea, hemp, or rice protein also offer extra nutrients. Other fresh produce choices are berries, mango, pineapple, avocado, citrus fruits, or pomegranate.
Conclusion
Jamba Juice’s Amazing Greens combines leafy greens, fruits, veggies, and supplements into a nutritious smoothie. It provides a concentrated dose of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Drinking Amazing Greens regularly can boost immunity, heart health, digestion, energy levels, and more. While generally safe, some people should exercise caution with ingredients like algae or high fiber content. At around $7-$8 per 24 oz smoothie, it is an expensive habit. But there are ways to save on Amazing Greens, along with some healthy DIY alternatives to try at home. Overall, working this greens-filled beverage into your routine a few times a week can be a tasty way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
