Major Detox Smoothie
Share
Being a very lazy vegetable eater, a friend of mine suggested to me to start blending my veggies and drinking them. Sounds disgusting but I promise that I found a way to make it work. I have struggled a lot with my weight, I just cannot seem to gain weight no matter what i do! And with the fast and crazy lifestyle we live now days it is easy for us to feel overwhelmed and neglect our mind and body and that is where we always go wrong.
What you will need (below quantities make 2 glasses):
Directions
Wash all ingredients thoroughly before adding into blender. You can start by pulsing the ingredients on the blender and slowly adding the water to get a consistency you are comfortable with, i prefer to leave the blender on for about 3-5 minutes to ensure that everything is well blended.
Once ready, you must refrigerate until you want to consume. I prefer to finish it as fast as i can so that it can all go for digestion together (TBH i don't know if this is a good idea or a bad one, however it works well for me)
If you feel you need it to be more sweet you can add honey however, you should be comfortable with the taste and i am pretty confident about this because my veggie hating niece can actually drink this without making a face.
Effects
Benefits of each ingredient:
1. Coconut water
Coconut water is the liquid found in the center of a young, green coconut. This liquid is used within the plant to nourish the growing fruit (Coconut is considered a fruit). Coconut water is a natural source of several important minerals eg carbs, natural sugar, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Coconut water may also have antioxidant properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury. When there are too many free radicals, your body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk. Research has shown that coconut water contains antioxidants that may help modify free radicals so they no longer cause harm.
Coconut water may help prevention of kidney stones. Drinking enough fluids is important for kidney stone prevention. Although plain water is a good choice, two small studies suggest that coconut water might be even better. Kidney stones are created when calcium, oxalate, and other compounds combine to form crystals in your urine. These crystals can then form tiny stones. While some people are more susceptible than others, kidney stones affect about 12% of the world’s population.
Coconut water may support heart health. One of the reasons coconut water may be connected to lowered blood pressure is its impressive potassium content (500mg of potassium in 8 ounces). Potassium has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with high or normal blood pressure.
Coconut water is a delicious, electrolyte-filled, natural beverage that may benefit your heart, moderate your blood sugar, help improve kidney health, and keep you refreshed and hydrated after a workout!
2. Celery
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is mostly made up of water and is considered to be both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is also rich in fiber which is well known for its digestive benefits. It helps keep your bowel movements regular, thereby reducing constipation; helps keep your bowels healthy, and aids in weight maintenance, two medium stalks of celery provide about 8% of your daily fiber needs, according to the FDA. Some recent research suggests that the antioxidants in celery could also help protect the stomach lining and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
The estimations hereafter are averages based on 2 medium size stalks.
Total carbohydrate: 4 grams (1%)
Dietary fiber: 2 grams (8%)
Sugars: 2 grams
Sodium: 115 milligrams (5%)
Potassium: 260 milligrams (7%)
Vitamin A: (10%)
Vitamin C: (15%)
3. Turmeric
A relative of ginger, this vivid yellow-orange spice is common in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Lately, turmeric has been touted as a super food. Several compounds in turmeric may support your health. The most well-known of these is curcumin. Scientists are excited about curcumin's potential to ease depression. Because curcumin can help fight inflammation and keep blood sugar levels steady, it could be a useful tool to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes. One study followed 240 adults with prediabetes and found that taking a curcumin supplement over 9 months lowered their odds of developing diabetes. Curcumin supplements have also been noticed to help ease PMS symptoms.
4.Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties. Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body. There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period. Ginger contains the substance gingerol, which appears to have protective effects against cancer. Ginger may help fight harmful bacteria and viruses, which could reduce your risk for infections. Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It’s one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term.
5. Big leaf spinach
This nutritious vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals that qualify it to be defined as a superfood. it has become one of the most functional food products because of its antioxidants and anti-cancer properties with the benefits of spinach being endless.
Vitamin A: Spinach is rich in Vitamin A. It is estimated that a cooked cup of Spinach provides approximately 943 mcg of Vitamin A to the human body. That is equivalent to 105% of RDA for men and 135% of RDA for women.
Vitamin C: Known as an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps repair damaged skin and restore its glow. Spinach is also rich in Vitamin C. As the body itself cannot produce vitamin c, Spinach becomes an excellent source for the mineral. A cup of cooked Spinach contains 17.6mg of vitamin C, which is equivalent to 20% of RDA for men and 23% of RDA for women.
Iron: Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which is a protein that supplies oxygen to the red blood cells. A cup of cooked Spinach contains 6 ½ mg of iron which approximately 37% of the RDA for men and 49% of the RDA for women.
Magnesium: A cup of spinach provides at least 157mg magnesium to the body. This is approximately 37% of the RDA for men and 49% of the RDA for women. Magnesium is essential because of its ability to heal skin wounds and infections quickly.
Other nutrients found in Spinach are Soluble and insoluble fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. Spinach just like other green vegetables is low in calories and fats. Hence it helps significantly in losing that excess body fat. Spinach also contains fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient that makes the body feels content with its food. This is great as Spinach can help prevent excessive eating, which is a significant cause of weight gain. Raw Spinach is a good source of lutein. Lutein is a carotenoid that is known to block the visible blue light that damages the eyes, thus protecting your vision. It protects the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration. Spinach also provides vitamin A to the body, which helps build healthy mucus membranes that are essential for normal eyesight. Spinach is rich in Vitamin K, a crucial mineral in maintaining bone health. Adequate Vitamin K lowers and controls the over activation of osteoclasts. The osteoclast is the cell that breaks down bone density over time. Vitamin K also helps synthesize the protein osteocalcin, which is essential in maintaining the strength and density of the bone. Spinach is also a great alternative to dairy with its ability to provide calcium to the body, which helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure, is notorious for causing kidney diseases, stroke, and other chronic ailments. Spinach plays a crucial role in lowering hypertension in the body with the help of its abundant nutritional value. Spinach can lower the levels of potassium in the body, which is a critical player in causing hypertension. We need to learn to relax and live a stress-free life. However, easier said than done, spinach can do the trick for us. One of its benefits is to keep the body relaxed. It is loaded with ample amounts of Zinc and magnesium which help sleep better. Magnesium also helps your body rejuvenate and restores its lost energy. Cancer is a deadly disease and can strike anyone of any age at any time. Although doctors haven’t found a definitive cure for it yet, Spinach can help prevent it from ever happening to you. Spinach contains flavonoids, which is a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties. It has been found to slow down cell division in the human stomach and stopping the multiplication of skin cancer cells. The beta carotene and vitamin C contained in spinach help improve good Gastrointestinal health. It protects the cells present in the colon from harmful radicals. It can also help in preventing DNA damage and mutation of colon cells. Our skin is made of water cells. Spinach is a good source of water and antioxidants that help in restoring the former glow of our skin. Its benefits on skin are genuinely amazing. It prevents acne, stops premature aging, protects the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun, and improves skin complexion by preventing acne, dark circles, and sunburn. Spinach is a rich source of iron. Iron is responsible for preventing anemia in both children and adults. As we discussed, iron is also a key component of hemoglobin which transfers oxygen to all red blood cells. Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, and more than earns its place in a long list of popular superfoods. Its Vitamin A composition helps protect all the entry points in the human body. This includes mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. This dramatically helps boost the immunity levels of the body and keeps it functioning throughout a busy day.
Spinach is easily available in the market and is part of many cuisines. Many ignore it because of its slightly bitter taste. However, its benefits to human health, hair, and skin cannot be denied. It is a powerhouse of nutrients that can help prevent cancer, strokes, hypertension, and other chronic and benign health conditions. You can consume cooked Spinach and enjoy its benefits. However, studies have found that heating spinach for more than 2 minutes makes it lose its lutein value. My advice is not to heat it at all.
It is my advice to have this smoothie for at least 2 weeks and then give it a break, however if you can manage to have this smoothy every day, it will be extremly beneficial to you and I use this as a hack to enjoy my meals more, and i get to enjoy my veggies without killing their nutrients.
Sorry for the long reading, however knowledge is power!
What you will need (below quantities make 2 glasses):
- Blender
- Water or coconut water- enough to make the ingredients blend together
- Celery - 2 stalks
- Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
- Ginger - 1/4 teaspoon or small piece
- Big leaf spinach - 5 leaves
- Choice of any one fruit eg, apple, pear, orange, tangerine etc - 1 whole fruit
- Choice of any berry eg. strawberry, blueberry etc - 1 handful
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Rosewater (optional) - 1 tablespoon
- Carrot - 1/2
Wash all ingredients thoroughly before adding into blender. You can start by pulsing the ingredients on the blender and slowly adding the water to get a consistency you are comfortable with, i prefer to leave the blender on for about 3-5 minutes to ensure that everything is well blended.
Once ready, you must refrigerate until you want to consume. I prefer to finish it as fast as i can so that it can all go for digestion together (TBH i don't know if this is a good idea or a bad one, however it works well for me)
If you feel you need it to be more sweet you can add honey however, you should be comfortable with the taste and i am pretty confident about this because my veggie hating niece can actually drink this without making a face.
Effects
- Extremely frequent urination - This happens immediately.
- Cooling effect on the body - Opens up pores.
- Clears skin - You can be able to start noticing this from the 3rd use, you will notice your skin is extremely smooth and your scars will start to fade.
- Major skin glow - Can be noticeable from the next morning.
- Adds vital vitamins and nutrients needed within the body in bulk.
- If your skin is happy then so is your hair!
1. Coconut water
Coconut water is the liquid found in the center of a young, green coconut. This liquid is used within the plant to nourish the growing fruit (Coconut is considered a fruit). Coconut water is a natural source of several important minerals eg carbs, natural sugar, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Coconut water may also have antioxidant properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced in your cells during metabolism. Their production increases in response to stress or injury. When there are too many free radicals, your body enters a state of oxidative stress, which can damage your cells and increase disease risk. Research has shown that coconut water contains antioxidants that may help modify free radicals so they no longer cause harm.
Coconut water may help prevention of kidney stones. Drinking enough fluids is important for kidney stone prevention. Although plain water is a good choice, two small studies suggest that coconut water might be even better. Kidney stones are created when calcium, oxalate, and other compounds combine to form crystals in your urine. These crystals can then form tiny stones. While some people are more susceptible than others, kidney stones affect about 12% of the world’s population.
Coconut water may support heart health. One of the reasons coconut water may be connected to lowered blood pressure is its impressive potassium content (500mg of potassium in 8 ounces). Potassium has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with high or normal blood pressure.
Coconut water is a delicious, electrolyte-filled, natural beverage that may benefit your heart, moderate your blood sugar, help improve kidney health, and keep you refreshed and hydrated after a workout!
2. Celery
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is mostly made up of water and is considered to be both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is also rich in fiber which is well known for its digestive benefits. It helps keep your bowel movements regular, thereby reducing constipation; helps keep your bowels healthy, and aids in weight maintenance, two medium stalks of celery provide about 8% of your daily fiber needs, according to the FDA. Some recent research suggests that the antioxidants in celery could also help protect the stomach lining and reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
The estimations hereafter are averages based on 2 medium size stalks.
Total carbohydrate: 4 grams (1%)
Dietary fiber: 2 grams (8%)
Sugars: 2 grams
Sodium: 115 milligrams (5%)
Potassium: 260 milligrams (7%)
Vitamin A: (10%)
Vitamin C: (15%)
3. Turmeric
A relative of ginger, this vivid yellow-orange spice is common in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Lately, turmeric has been touted as a super food. Several compounds in turmeric may support your health. The most well-known of these is curcumin. Scientists are excited about curcumin's potential to ease depression. Because curcumin can help fight inflammation and keep blood sugar levels steady, it could be a useful tool to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes. One study followed 240 adults with prediabetes and found that taking a curcumin supplement over 9 months lowered their odds of developing diabetes. Curcumin supplements have also been noticed to help ease PMS symptoms.
4.Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and it’s closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice. It’s a very common ingredient in recipes. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties. Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body. There are some studies showing ginger to be effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period. Ginger contains the substance gingerol, which appears to have protective effects against cancer. Ginger may help fight harmful bacteria and viruses, which could reduce your risk for infections. Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. It’s one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term.
5. Big leaf spinach
This nutritious vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals that qualify it to be defined as a superfood. it has become one of the most functional food products because of its antioxidants and anti-cancer properties with the benefits of spinach being endless.
Vitamin A: Spinach is rich in Vitamin A. It is estimated that a cooked cup of Spinach provides approximately 943 mcg of Vitamin A to the human body. That is equivalent to 105% of RDA for men and 135% of RDA for women.
Vitamin C: Known as an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps repair damaged skin and restore its glow. Spinach is also rich in Vitamin C. As the body itself cannot produce vitamin c, Spinach becomes an excellent source for the mineral. A cup of cooked Spinach contains 17.6mg of vitamin C, which is equivalent to 20% of RDA for men and 23% of RDA for women.
Iron: Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which is a protein that supplies oxygen to the red blood cells. A cup of cooked Spinach contains 6 ½ mg of iron which approximately 37% of the RDA for men and 49% of the RDA for women.
Magnesium: A cup of spinach provides at least 157mg magnesium to the body. This is approximately 37% of the RDA for men and 49% of the RDA for women. Magnesium is essential because of its ability to heal skin wounds and infections quickly.
Other nutrients found in Spinach are Soluble and insoluble fiber, carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, fatty acids, amino acids, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals. Spinach just like other green vegetables is low in calories and fats. Hence it helps significantly in losing that excess body fat. Spinach also contains fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient that makes the body feels content with its food. This is great as Spinach can help prevent excessive eating, which is a significant cause of weight gain. Raw Spinach is a good source of lutein. Lutein is a carotenoid that is known to block the visible blue light that damages the eyes, thus protecting your vision. It protects the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration. Spinach also provides vitamin A to the body, which helps build healthy mucus membranes that are essential for normal eyesight. Spinach is rich in Vitamin K, a crucial mineral in maintaining bone health. Adequate Vitamin K lowers and controls the over activation of osteoclasts. The osteoclast is the cell that breaks down bone density over time. Vitamin K also helps synthesize the protein osteocalcin, which is essential in maintaining the strength and density of the bone. Spinach is also a great alternative to dairy with its ability to provide calcium to the body, which helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure, is notorious for causing kidney diseases, stroke, and other chronic ailments. Spinach plays a crucial role in lowering hypertension in the body with the help of its abundant nutritional value. Spinach can lower the levels of potassium in the body, which is a critical player in causing hypertension. We need to learn to relax and live a stress-free life. However, easier said than done, spinach can do the trick for us. One of its benefits is to keep the body relaxed. It is loaded with ample amounts of Zinc and magnesium which help sleep better. Magnesium also helps your body rejuvenate and restores its lost energy. Cancer is a deadly disease and can strike anyone of any age at any time. Although doctors haven’t found a definitive cure for it yet, Spinach can help prevent it from ever happening to you. Spinach contains flavonoids, which is a phytonutrient with anti-cancer properties. It has been found to slow down cell division in the human stomach and stopping the multiplication of skin cancer cells. The beta carotene and vitamin C contained in spinach help improve good Gastrointestinal health. It protects the cells present in the colon from harmful radicals. It can also help in preventing DNA damage and mutation of colon cells. Our skin is made of water cells. Spinach is a good source of water and antioxidants that help in restoring the former glow of our skin. Its benefits on skin are genuinely amazing. It prevents acne, stops premature aging, protects the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun, and improves skin complexion by preventing acne, dark circles, and sunburn. Spinach is a rich source of iron. Iron is responsible for preventing anemia in both children and adults. As we discussed, iron is also a key component of hemoglobin which transfers oxygen to all red blood cells. Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, and more than earns its place in a long list of popular superfoods. Its Vitamin A composition helps protect all the entry points in the human body. This includes mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary, and intestinal tracts. This dramatically helps boost the immunity levels of the body and keeps it functioning throughout a busy day.
Spinach is easily available in the market and is part of many cuisines. Many ignore it because of its slightly bitter taste. However, its benefits to human health, hair, and skin cannot be denied. It is a powerhouse of nutrients that can help prevent cancer, strokes, hypertension, and other chronic and benign health conditions. You can consume cooked Spinach and enjoy its benefits. However, studies have found that heating spinach for more than 2 minutes makes it lose its lutein value. My advice is not to heat it at all.
It is my advice to have this smoothie for at least 2 weeks and then give it a break, however if you can manage to have this smoothy every day, it will be extremly beneficial to you and I use this as a hack to enjoy my meals more, and i get to enjoy my veggies without killing their nutrients.
Sorry for the long reading, however knowledge is power!