The word “detox” is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot in health circles. But what does it mean? Is there any substance that’s known to help our bodies get rid of toxins?
Detoxification is a process in which the body gets rid of harmful substances—called toxins. This can happen naturally when you sweat or urinate or when you go through a medical procedure like dialysis or chemotherapy. It also happens when you eat certain foods that help cleanse your system.
A detox drink is a beverage that purports to aid in the removal of toxins from the body. They’re a great way to kickstart your diet and prepare your body for the new day.
They can be made from various components, but they all have one thing in common: they’re meant to help you feel more energized and healthy.
The main ingredients in detox drinks are typically water and a variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Here’s a look at some of the ingredients you can use to elevate your detox drinks:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, so it’s a good choice if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia. It also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and preventing cellular damage caused by aging. Cinnamon is a great addition to any smoothie. It has a distinct flavor that pairs well with many types of fruit, and it also adds a bit of sweetness to the drink. If you want to add cinnamon to your drink, try adding half a teaspoon or so.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has been used as a medicine for centuries. It was first cultivated in ancient Egypt and China, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that wheatgrass became popular again among health food enthusiasts. Today, wheatgrass juice is often used as an ingredient in detox drinks because it contains antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is another popular ingredient in detox drinks because it’s high in nitrates — which can help lower blood pressure — as well as iron and potassium. Beets also contain betaine — an amino acid that helps reduce inflammation — as well as folic acid (a B vitamin) and magnesium (an electrolyte).
Coconut Water
Coconut water is loaded with electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium. It contains more than 90 percent water, making it hydrating and refreshing. It is also rich in amino acids (the building blocks of protein) and antioxidants that fight free radical damage in the body. It also contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may fight off infections such as the common cold or flu virus.
Ginger Root
Ginger root improves digestion by stimulating gastric juices that help break down food and eliminate waste matter from the body more quickly. Ginger root also stimulates bile production, which helps move fats through your digestive tract so they can be properly absorbed into your bloodstream for use as fuel by your cells.
Ginseng
Ginseng is another root that’s often used in tea, but you can also find it in capsules or tablets. This herb has been shown to improve stamina, physical endurance, and mental concentration, which makes it perfect for those who want to increase their energy levels while cleansing the body.
Parsley
Parsley is often used as an herb in cooking because of its pleasant taste and mild flavor, but it’s also good for your health. Parsley contains vitamin C and iron, which are important nutrients for detoxing your body. It also contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals that cause disease-causing damage to cells within your body.
Turmeric
Turmeric helps lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing heart disease and stroke risk. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain and other muscle aches.
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice is loaded with vitamin C, which supports the immune system, protects against free radicals, and detoxifies the body. Grapefruit juice also contains naringenin, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation in joints caused by exercise or other physical activity.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a popular herb in Mexican cooking, but you may not know that it’s also been used medicinally for thousands of years. The leaves, stems, and roots of this plant have been used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease. It’s also been used to help rid the body of parasites like Giardia lamblia (the most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea). Cilantro contains antioxidants that fight free radicals that damage cells in our bodies leading to cancer and other diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
(Takeaway)
Detox drinks do work. They give your body a much-needed break. However, remember that these drinks are not designed to replace eating healthy food but are just meant to lightly cleanse and detox your body. While you’re consuming these detox drinks, remember to eat light and healthy meals as much as possible, as well as drink lots of water.
The key is always making your own detox drinks with a bit of extra effort in the kitchen or health store. Try adding a few of these healthy ingredients to your next detox drink for a truly invigorating detox experience. You never know, it may just reap you the benefits of clearer skin and a healthier lifestyle.
About Bea
Bea is a copywriter specializing in adept research and creating all kinds of content. She’s all about getting creative, developing relationships, and contributing to making businesses succeed through her writing.
When she’s not writing (professionally), you can see her binge-watching RuPaul’s Drag Race or writing film reviews on Letterboxd.
