Guilt-free refresher: Create your own detox drink
Make your own detox drink for daily enjoyment and cleansing.
Whether you’re just trying to steer clear of the sugary drinks, or aim to really help your body flush out any toxins lurking in your system, this refreshing blend of foods and flavors will satisfy your taste buds.
You will need:
Some watermelon or a cucumber
Watermelon helps the body flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline, which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys filter and get rid of ammonia, a substance quite damaging to our cells. Cucumber also contains citrulline, but not as much as watermelon. Watermelon may also just give the liver an overall boost.
1-2 litres of water
H20 is just plain good for us, but it’s thought that it helps flush nasty toxins and waste through our system, giving organs like the liver and kidney an easier time doing their job.
1 lemon or lime
Lemon or lime juice helps stimulate and regulate the digestive tract, which is why it’s so helpful with constipation, heartburn and gas, stimulates bile production, and thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely.
A handful of mint leaves
Mint leaves are a nice refreshing flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the gallbladder and intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats. Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.
Directions:
Slice up a good amount of watermelon into cubes, rind and all, and put them into a jug or pitcher. Cut 1 juicy lime into wedges and toss in with the watermelon. Add a handful of fresh, fragrant, mint leaves and pour in 2 litres of cool water, filling the jug all the way to the top. Let this sit overnight in the fridge and let all the yummy flavors steep and infuse the water. When you want to drink it, put in a generous helping of ice cubes, pour, and enjoy daily.
Flavour tips:
• Try substituting a lemon for the lime, cucumber for the watermelon or a combination of all of them.
• Don’t add ice to the entire jug, and leave it on a cup-by-cup basis. If you plan on drinking it over time, this can help prevent it from getting diluted as the ice melts.
• Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and/or lemon and then slice up another and add that to give it a little extra citrus kick.
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