{"id":36180,"date":"2023-06-01T19:38:33","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T19:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=36180"},"modified":"2023-06-01T19:38:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T19:38:34","slug":"what-are-detox-smoothies-and-can-they-really-improve-your-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-are-detox-smoothies-and-can-they-really-improve-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What are \u201cDetox Smoothies\u201d and Can They Really Improve Your Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover the power of detox<\/a> smoothies! Uncover the incredible benefits of these nutrient-packed beverages for cleansing and rejuvenating your body. Get ready to revitalize your health with our selection of delicious detox smoothie<\/a> recipes that are easy to make and bursting with goodness<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Of all the trending \u201cit\u201d terms having to do with health, \u201cdetox\u201d is often at the top. It\u2019s a shortened word for \u201cdetoxification,\u201d which is a method involving the removal of potentially harmful substances from the human body.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Believe it or not, all sorts of toxins are floating through our bodies, including heavy metals, pesticides, air and water pollutants and smoke or alcohol<\/a> if we use either of those substances. Over time, these toxins can build up to alarming levels and lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s and even cancer, per research published in the journal Interdisciplinary Toxicology<\/em><\/a>. \u201cDetoxification is important for overall health because if the body were to become overloaded with toxins it could lead to inflammation<\/a> which in turn will cause a whole host of problems,\u201d explains Jeanette Kimszal<\/a>, RDN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that our body has its own detoxification system, which includes our digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, liver, lymphatic system, respiratory system, and skin. \u201cAll of these organs help break down chemicals that our bodies eliminate through the urine, feces, sweat, and breathing,\u201d explains Emma Laing<\/a>, PhD, RDN, director of dietetics at the University of Georgia and a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

There are, however, several ways in which we can help facilitate and further our detoxification efforts<\/a>, and one of the healthiest and easiest routes is through incorporating nutrient-dense foods.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

The Benefits of Detox Smoothies<\/h2>\n\n\n

\u201cDetox smoothies\u201d combine key detoxifying foods together in a liquid form that\u2019s easy to drink, allowing us to consume nutrient-dense foods in a short period<\/a> of time. \u201cDetox smoothies that are high in fiber<\/a> from fruits, vegetables, grains and seeds help soak up excess cholesterol in the body, support digestion<\/a> through regularity and provide us with essential nutrients,\u201d explains Emily Tills<\/a>, RDN, virtual nutrition coach in New York. \u201cFor those that have a hard time eating enough fruits and vegetables, smoothies are going to be a great and refreshing way to increase our intakes while providing the essential nutrients.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Easy to Digest<\/h3>\n\n\n

Smoothies make food easily digestible, since it removes the role of chewing our food, known as mechanical digestion. With smoothies, we skip mechanical digestion and go straight to chemical breakdown, once it reaches our stomach. \u201cA blender does the work for you with smoothies, as the mechanical part of breaking down the fiber is nearly complete before it even hits your mouth,\u201d says Nicole M. Avena<\/a>, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Visiting Professor of Health Psychology at Princeton University and author of What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant<\/em><\/a>. \u201cThis can help with the absorption of more nutrients during digestion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Smoothies also tend to contain a great deal of antioxidants, mostly by incorporating berries. Not only do these help ward off free radicals<\/a> from the body that could potentially lead to cellular damage, but they also help improve energy.<\/p>\n\n\n

Detox Smoothie Recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n

Detox smoothies are easy to make, but involve a little knowledge to help ensure you\u2019re using the right nutrients and combinations for your desired results. Here, nutrition pros share their favorite detox smoothie recipes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Digestive Smoothie<\/h3>\n\n\n

Ginger is a great ingredient to use to help aid digestion, as it is known to ease an upset stomach. \u201cIts digestive actions may serve to cleanse build-up of toxins in the colon, liver, and other organs making it a great addition to a smoothie,\u201d says Dr. Avena.<\/p>\n\n\n

Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n