We all know how important it is to drink water — and plenty of it — especially because it plays a key role in ridding your body of toxins.
Your liver uses a two-phase detoxification process to break down fat-soluble toxins and chemicals into water-soluble compounds, which are then eliminated from the body as fluids. Water is an integral ingredient for this flushing process, preventing toxins from being reabsorbed back into the bloodstream and stored in fat.
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Supercharge your water into a detoxifying, cleansing, fat-burning super beverage with ingredients you already have in your fridge. Refreshing, delicious and healthy, detox water is a great addition to your healthy eating regime and can encourage you to stay well-hydrated.
To make your own detox water, simply add any of the following natural detoxifiers to one to two litres of water. Let it sit overnight in the refrigerator to infuse the flavours, then enjoy the next day in a chilled glass or on the go in your favourite BPA-free container.
Citrus
Lemon, lime, oranges, grapefruits and tangerines are all citrus fruits that contain D-limonene, a compound needed for liver health and the two-phase liver detoxification process. D-limonene is found in the peels of these fruits, so include the peels when preparing your detox water.
Cucumber
Cucumbers contain a number of antioxidant flavonoids. One of these flavonoids, quercetin, has been shown to protect the liver from alcohol damage and reduce inflammation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Unlike the other vinegars, apple cider vinegar has certain benefits beyond flavouring your food. Its been studied for its effects on blood sugar and may block digestion of some starches. One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar can be added to your detox water, but don’t ingest it undiluted.
Watermelon
Watermelon can also help the liver with detoxification by increasing your body’s reserves of antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione is known as the “master antioxidant” and is often touted as being the most important antioxidant compound in the body. Additionally, watermelon increases your levels of the amino acid arginine, which inhibits fat and sugar synthesis in the body.
Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and strawberries are all potent sources of beneficial antioxidant polyphenols. Among the numerous antioxidants found in berries is liver protecting quercetin.
Mint
Mint is a delicious herb that promotes digestion by activating the glands that produce digestive enzymes. Mint also stimulates the gallbladder to produce extra bile needed to digest fat.
Pineapple
Bromelain is a digestive enzyme found in pineapple that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve digestion by breaking down proteins.
Try any of these combinations, or experiment to find your favorite:
- Mint + Watermelon + Strawberry
- Cucumber + Lemon + Mint
- Apple Cider Vinegar + Orange + Pineapple
- Lemon + Pineapple + Watermelon
- Blueberry + Lemon + Mint
- Lemon + Tangerine + Pineapple
- Strawberry + Orange + Apple Cider Vinegar
These detox waters are so tasty that they make a great, sugar-free alternative to fruit juices, sodas or other calorie-heavy beverages. Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do to keep your body happy and healthy, and by adding a few simple ingredients, you can go one step further to create delicious detox water you’ll want to sip on all day long.
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