Fruit smoothies are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, particularly if you vary the fruits that you use fairly regularly. As you use the whole fruit in smoothies, they are also a good source of fibre, unlike juices where the pulp and fibre is normally removed. The other benefit I find is that they are transportable and very easy to keep cool in a flask and take to work as a snack!

My only word of caution is to remember that fruit can still be high in sugar, albeit natural fruit sugar. This can mean that having smoothies for breakfast, which is generally on an empty stomach and after 'fasting' all night, can increase blood sugar too quickly and may not sustain you sufficiently until your next meal. If you make your own smoothies, one way to overcome both these problems is to add a small handful of nuts (almonds are good) or seeds to the blender. This adds a small amount of protein and good, essential fats, both of which will slow down the overall absorption of the smoothie, as well as giving it a delicious 'nutty' flavour and texture. If you are buying smoothies, just eat a small handful or nuts or seeds at the same time.

Wheatgrass would also be a good addition, as it is a nutrient rich 'green superfood' that is full of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It is a sprouted wheat grain that is pulped to produce a highly nutritious and potent-tasting juice that is generally used in very small quantities. For this reason, I would not count it towards my 5 a day, but I would still use it in my smoothie as the easily digestible nutrients are highly protective against disease and illness.

So, experiment with different smoothies and enjoy!