Essential Ingredients For Making Detox Smoothies

A detox smoothie cleans your body of accumulated harmful substances caused by processed foods and the environment that exert a negative effect on individual health. It is a great way to provide your body with nutrients and flush out any of harmful substances and toxins that make us feel sluggish. It can also be used as a rich and nutrient packed meal replacement in the morning to kick start your day.

When preparing your detox smoothie, there are three essential ingredients that you should include. They are fiber, diuretic and citric acid. These essential ingredients all have a role in the detox process.

1. Fiber should be used as the base for your fruit smoothie. Fiber helps your digestive system by moving food through the body and keeping the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Pears, apples, bananas, carrots or fresh berries are great sources of fiber. You can also add spinach to any fruit or veggie smoothie as it contains a rich source of fiber. For extra fiber, you can add flaxseed or raw granola.

2. A Diuretic makes your digestive system work faster. It helps remove excess water which causes bloating or swelling. Sea salt is known to be the best and most natural diuretic. It also contains over 80 minerals that which is healthy for our body. If you use sea salt, do not add it to the blending process as it will crush into small pieces and make your smoothie taste salty. Instead, add a pinch at the end and stir in gently with a spoon. Another great diuretic is ginger or watermelon. Pick ingredients that blend well with either a veggie or fruit smoothie.

3. Citric Acid makes its way through your digestive track to break down excess plaque and mucus that surrounds the lining in the walls of the intestines. While fiber and diuretic help flush toxins out, citric acid breaks toxins down so your body can dispose of them easily. Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are all great sources of citric acid. When peeling oranges and grapefruits, its recommended to leave the white skin on as the skin contains the highest amount of nutrients.

Try incorporating one item from each of the three groups to prepare a healthy detox smoothie. Mix and match ingredients to create your favorite blend of a fruit or veggie smoothie.