Written by Dr. Callista Chinenye Emecheta
Medical Doctor (MD)
November 18, 2020
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Smoothies are quickly becoming the go-to alternative for getting loads of helpful nutrients into the body. And it’s not surprising that when it comes to detoxification and weight loss, smoothies come up as a top dietary choice, being very tasty and delicious, as well as easy to make!
Feeling like you’ve been binging on food a little too much lately? What you most likely need is to try these three delicious and healthy detox recipes below to help get you back in shape!
But first…
What Are Detox Smoothies?
Detox smoothies are very effective combinations of nutrient rich fruits and vegetables (and sometimes nuts and herbs) that are blended together to form a smooth, creamy paste. They are aimed at boosting your body’s natural detoxification functions, and as a result, are excellent for weight loss.
The best form of detoxification is still eating a healthy wholesome balanced diet, maintaining adequate hydration, and avoiding processed and artificial flavoured foods as much as possible. This is exactly what these detox smoothies help you to do!
So what do you need to get started?…
Detox Smoothie Recipes
For a basic detox smoothie, you would need the following:
Vegetables – like spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, and really any ones you prefer.
Fruits – such as citrus fruits, apples, pineapples, bananas, Berries, etc
A base – could be plain filtered water, coconut water, orange juice, or even milk (hemp, almond, etc)
Ice – you might need this if you don’t have frozen fruits.
Other ingredients for a detox smoothie recipe may include: ginger, cilantro, yogurt, celery, fennel, dandelion greens, watermelon, avocado, almonds, green tea, beets, etc.
To make them, clean the ingredients, place them in a blender, blend them on high speed until a desirable consistency, pour into your favorite cup, and that’s it!
Below are three Detox Smoothie Recipes you should definitely give a try!
1. Pineapple Banana Detox Smoothie
This super yummy, nutrient packed delight can be made in just under 5 minutes and is a perfect way to start your day.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup filtered water or orange juice.
- 1 Cup frozen pineapple
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 medium green apple (with skin)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 inch fresh, peeled or minced ginger
2. Apple Berry Detox Smoothie
This recipe is a wonderful way to get your metabolism up and kicking! Apples taste great with Berries and it’s even better in a smoothie. With this recipe, you’ve covered almost 50% of your daily dietary fibre needs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blue berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pink or green apple, cored
- 2 cups baby spinach or any leafy green
- 10 medium strawberries (frozen or fresh)
- 1 Cup water or coconut water if preferred
3. Apple Avocado Detox Smoothie
Not afraid of a full green detox smoothie? Then you should totally try out this energising, fibre-rich Apple Avocado Detox Smoothie. It’s no longer news that Avocado is a superfood, so why not just throw in an apple a day and finally “keep the doctor away?”
Ingredients
- 1 medium avocado peeled and pitted
- 2 medium apples
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium frozen banana
- 1 cup plain unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4-inch fresh ginger
- Few ice cubes
- Sprinkling, chia seeds (optional)
What Are The Health Benefits Of These Detox Smoothies?
These smoothie recipes are not only great for detoxification and weight loss, but also taste fabulous as well.
Bananas are loaded with potassium which aids in lowering the blood pressure, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease. Bananas also reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
Pineapples are rich in bromelaine, a protein digesting enzyme which helps to boost digestion, and may, also reduce inflammation and enhance immunity.
Apples are rich in fibre which is excellent for weight loss as they increase your satiety levels. The high pectin content also aids the growth of natural flora in your gut.
Spinach having a more or less neutral flavour is a big plus for smoothies! But it doesn’t end there. Rich in antioxidants, this low calorie, leafy green reduces cancer risk, promotes eye health, and boosts immunity.
Ginger is known for its numerous health benefits including fighting inflammation, lowering blood sugar, aiding digestion, etc.
Berries are low calorie fruits rich in vitamin C, phytonutrients, and fibre. They’re great for their anti-inflammatory effects, boosting digestion, and detoxification.
Avocadoes are considered superfoods thanks to their high nutrient density. Rich in vitamins B, C, E, & K, folate, potassium, minerals, as well as healthy fats and fibre, they’re very beneficial in fighting inflammation and disease, boosting immunity, and promoting heart and overall health.
Takeaway
Remember that when it comes to detox smoothie recipes, there are no hard and fast rules. Feel free to change up any ingredients you don’t like with the ones you do. The goal is to find a combination that you can be consistent with for the best results.
With these detox smoothies, especially when combined with a smoothie diet, you can lose weight faster, sleep better, enjoy clearer and radiant skin, more energy, and even a prolonged and healthier life! What’s not to love?
References:
1.) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814602001863
2.) https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2019/2
3.) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276903
4.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27187333
5.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18439712
6.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26016654
7.) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609
8.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
9.) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/berry-good-for-your-heart?amp=true
10.) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276957450_Potential_Health_Benefits_of_Berries
11.) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270406
Written by Dr. Callista Chinenye Emecheta
Medical Doctor (MD)