Aside from inherent physical features, beauty is mostly influenced by a person’s health and vitality, which is evident by the complexion and elasticity of their skin, body fat percentage, muscle tone, and other factors that are directly related to the functioning of your bodily systems. Thus, it is common knowledge that detoxing, proper nutrition, exercise, and weight loss can help one improve overall attractiveness. Here are three drinks you can start making to aid in detoxification, immune system strengthening, and the prevention of aging:
1. Watermelon, Cucumber, and Lime
Both watermelon and cucumber are low in calories and they contain valuable nutrients in the form of vitamin A and vitamin B, which help combat inflammation, free radical damage, and other disease causing conditions. A friend of mine with a master of science in nursing taught me that watermelon contains large amounts of lycopene – a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to slow down aging and is promising for preventing osteoporosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Cucumbers contain polyphenol compounds that slow the aging process and they’re also known to be diuretics, which help to cleanse the liver and prevent water retention. Limes are high in vitamin C and are powerful detoxing fruits because they contain flavonoids that stimulate the liver.
2. Berries and Dandelion
Raspberry contains ketones, which have been shown to promote weight loss, as well as vitamin B and vitamin C, which help maintain skin health and slow down aging. Strawberries are also great detoxifiers with flavonoids that help present disease. Dandelion greens are an excellent natural diuretic so they help you avoid water retention, which can leave your skin looking saggy and bloated. Dandelion is also used to treat upset stomach, gallstones, and intestinal gases. Combined, berries and dandelion make an ideal detox drink.
3. Citrus and Greens
Lemon contains high amounts of ascorbic acid, which aids in detoxification and rejuvenates the skin. They also stimulate the production of white blood cells. Likewise, grapefruit contains a special enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that assists the body in utilizing stored sugar and fat during exercise. Combining citrus fruits with dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and chard, will ensure that the body is kept in an alkaline state, thereby aiding in detoxification. This drink also provides a powerful energy boost, which my friend said helped her stay productive while juggling long work hours with her pursuit of a master of science in nursing online (through Bradley University).
Add Cayenne, Mint, Rosemary, Black Pepper, and Turmeric
In closing, all of the above drinks and any other healthy drinks you make can be drastically improved by adding a few spices and herbs. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a chemical known to stabilize blood pressure and promote strong circulation. Mint and rosemary are part of the same family and both increase the flow of bile to boost nutrient absorption. Mint also contains one of the highest antioxidant properties of any food. Black pepper (from piper nigrum peppercorns) has been shown to dramatically enhance the bioavailability of nutrients. In particular, curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) has been shown to absorb much more efficiently when combined with black pepper.
