Fat Flushing sips for yearlong health.
A new year is always time for a cleanse. So, without further ado, please meet my Awesome Foursome Top Diet Detox Drinks you can enjoy throughout the year, 24/7. These satisfying sips are supported by the latest science blended with tried and true ancient wisdom.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberries, and pure, unsweetened cranberry juice, have enjoyed superstar status as a prime component of the Fat Flush Plan. Cranberries contain significant amounts of both flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” type of cholesterol, which becomes dangerous to the body only after it has been oxidized. Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis and heart disease.
At the Technical University of Denmark, researchers compared the health benefits of cranberry and blueberry juice. The results? Cranberries won, hands down! Only a few years ago, some doctors discounted cranberry juice as a natural prevention for bladder infections. Now, thanks to research conducted by the Harvard Medical School and Rutgers University, physicians know that cranberries help prevent the bacteria, E. coli, from sticking to the lining of the bladder.
The news gets even better. It turns out that cranberries have a similar effect in the mouth, preventing bacteria from gathering on the surface of your teeth where it can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. The antibacterial power of cranberries also shows up in the stomach, providing much needed protection against the ulcer-causing bacterium H. pylori.
Lemon and Water
An age-old detox routine. Lemons are high in vitamin C, supplying four times more than oranges. As the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body, vitamin C travels through your system, preventing cellular damage and cholesterol buildup by zapping any free radicals it meets. Recently, researchers discovered a substance in lemons called limonene. This essential oil has been shown to shrink cancerous tumors, detoxify carcinogens in the body, and stimulate the healthy flow of lymph fluids.
Lemons also assist in the digestive process by producing necessary enzymes, invigorating the gall bladder and liver, and promoting the absorption of protein and minerals from foods. Lemon juice also helps liquefy fat so that it can be flushed out of your system faster. And, as if that weren’t enough, drinking lemon juice in hot water acts as a mild diuretic, ridding the body of retained water and toxins.
Dandelion Root Tea
An herbal tea with earthy notes, roasted dandelion root is a slimming and caffeine-free alternative to coffee. Especially effective as a liver tonic, dandy tea can help lower elevated liver enzymes for those who have overdone alcohol, sugar, trans fats and medications.
Try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil as a great way to begin your day with metabolism-boosting smart fats. As a huge bonus, your cup of dandelion tea may keep you out of the oncologist’s office. Dandelion root was found to cause melanoma cells to self-destruct (apoptosis)—even drug-resistant ones. Additionally, in 2011 researchers discovered dandelion root tea may contain a “kill switch” for leukemia cells. Other studies have shown dandelion to exert similar effects against cancers of the breast and prostate.
Lecithin Smoothie
A vegan or whey protein smoothie is a great vehicle for lecithin. Adding a tablespoon of lecithin, from non-GMO soy or sunflower seeds to your smoothie is like adding detergent to your dishwater—it melts fat off of your hips and thighs, breaking it down so your body can use what it needs and flush the rest away. It also keeps cholesterol moving through the bloodstream and prevents blockage.
This under-appreciated fat-melting food deserves much more attention than it gets! The brain is composed of about 30% lecithin. The brain-protective insulating sheath that also protects the nerves are about 2/3 lecithin and the heart is loaded with lecithin. It also comes into play because it can thin out bile which is especially important for women who are twice as likely as men to get gallstones. Higher estrogen levels due to hormone replacement therapy or pregnancy can increase cholesterol in the bile and impact gallbladder flow. Lecithin can help move bile along and thin it out.
Adopting my manta that “detox is not a seasonal event—it’s a daily affair” is easy with this these delicious dailies. You’ll feel your best from morning to night all year round. Cheers!
