Arnold Schwarzenegger is no stranger to clean eating and is well aware of the popularity of smoothies. Over the last decade, smoothies have continued to gain acceptance among those looking to lose weight. They are convenient, nutrient-dense, and can be a low or high-calorie beverage. Now, the bodybuilding legend has highlighted a problem with one of the most popular smoothie ingredients.

Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted a recent study in his daily newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club. The Austrian Oak informed his readers that the study found “blending bananas could reduce the nutritional benefits” of a smoothie. 

“Blending bananas with berries reduced the amount of polyphenols,” the 76-year-old wrote in his newsletter. However, when Arnold Schwarzenegger and his team looked beyond the abstract, they found nothing to panic about. “The study was small… Researchers did not find that bananas stripped out all the nutrients,” wrote Arnie.

Eight people participated in one trial, and eleven people participated in another. They “examined a single type of polyphenol and found that absorption was reduced — but not completely eliminated,” wrote the five-time Mr. Universe. So, while bananas reduced the ability to absorb one anti-oxidant, the smoothie remained healthy. So, the action star explained that there is no need to remove bananas from your smoothies. The seven-time Mr. Olympia also explained that more studies need to replicate the same results for the research to be considered undisputed.

Earlier, Arnold Schwarzenegger had revealed the secret to increasing the protein content of your smoothie.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s secret protein shake recipe

Arnold Schwarzenegger had revealed his secret protein shake recipe in his newsletter earlier this year. While it included bananas, it didn’t include berries. “1-2 scoops of plant-protein powder, 5g of Creatine, 2 oz of Cherry juice, 8 oz of Almond milk, 1 Banana, 1 whole egg,” wrote the FUBAR actor. While putting out the recipe, Arnie cautioned his readers as well.

Arnie explained that adding a raw egg might cause digestive problems for some people. So he told anyone willing to try it to consult their doctor before making the secret protein shake. However, the secret ingredient made the shake more protein-packed for those who wouldn’t face digestive issues.

Arnold Schwarzenegger often tells people looking to get into fitness not to take studies at face value. While the headline of the study he highlighted might sound bad, he revealed several factors that explain the true findings of the study. This is why Arnie aims to educate people about fitness rather than just giving them training and meal plans.