Detox waters have become very popular and there are many different recipes that you can make. Whether you’re just trying to steer clear of the sugary drinks, or aim to really help your body flush out any toxins lurking in your system, the refreshing blend of foods and flavours will satisfy your taste buds needs. Here are some of the popular and healthy ingredients you could add to your detox water.
GRAPEFRUIT
High in antioxidants and vitamin C, grapefruit or grapefruit juice also aids the liver in flushing carcinogens (things linked to causing cancer, like stuff in cigarettes and tobacco, as well as some pre-prepared foods) and possibly pesticides out of the body.
LEAFY GREENS
This group includes a lot of veggie superheroes, and is why you see so many “green” detox drinks or smoothies. Included are broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce and spinach. Broccoli and co. increases the amount of glucosinolate (organic compounds) in our body, which in turn help create enzymes that help our body’s breakdown and digest things. Leafy greens like lettuce have the ability to neutralize metals, chemicals, and pesticides that find their way into our systems.
POMEGRANATES
Pomegranates are the stuff of ancient legend! The seeds have three kinds of antioxidant polyphenols, including tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which all help fight and prevent damage to your body caused by free radicals.
LEMON
Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. Bile is produced by the liver and ends up in the small intestine to break down lipids (fats) that we’ve consumed.
BEETS
The systems in the body all work together, and for various reasons beets seem to be helpful to more than one major organ. However, they’ve shown themselves to be particularly helpful when it comes to aiding the liver in detoxification.
WATERMELON
Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia. Ammonia comes in external forms, but is also a by-product of the proteins our bodies are burning up constantly for energy, and it’s quite damaging to our cells. Watermelon may also just give the liver an overall boost.
CUCUMBER
Adding a few slices of cucumber to your water makes for excellent rehydration, and cucumber also contains anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumber also contains citrulline, but not as much as watermelon!
CELERY
Add celery to any detox water and crunch away! It has six calories per stalk and full of vitamins A, C and K, B vitamins, foliate and potassium, which diminishes water retention and aids muscle recovery, so you can get back in the gym sooner and burn more calories.
ALOE VERA JUICE
One of the great weight-loss secrets, aloe vera juice has been a mainstay in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The juice helps maintain weight by balancing the digestive system and regulating female hormones; it’s also believed to enhance fertility!