With the holiday season winding down, we’re approaching the inevitable point where the body craves a resolution to detox and “get healthy”.  I don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving to New Years is a blur of food and parties that leave my body begging for the glorious end to it all, where I can just go back to my normal routine!

When I need a little something extra, I like to make a good ol’ “Blendy” as they’ve come to be known in my house. Simple to make and especially cleansing for the body. This drink will also help protect you against all the sickness going around!  It seems everyone has been getting the flu (or maybe it’s the crash after the holiday).  Forget the flu shot, build your immune system instead through a healthy immune boosting diet!

So now’s the time to bust out that new blender you got for Christmas and give this detox drink a try!

I choose ingredients not only because they will taste good together, but because each one specifically has a purpose in restoring balance and lending health-giving properties to the body. Specifically after eating lots of rich and sweet foods, inflammation in the body goes up. Real foods help combat the damaging effects of chronic inflammation. 
Here’s what I like to use for my “Detox Blendy” and why I love each ingredient!

Spinach: This leafy green is rich in a multitude of vitamins and minerals that each support the proper function of the body as well as its detoxification.  Some of the spinach all-stars include: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese, Folate, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, B-vitamins, Calcium, Fiber, Selenium, Zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cucumbers: contain anti-inflammatory flavonols and polyphenols (ligans) that protect against cancer. They also act as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. They contain many B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and of course the gut-friendly fiber!

Fresh Ginger Root: Relieves gastrointestinal upset or distress,  and contains anti-inflammatory compounds called “gingerols”. Aches and pains in the body are often related to systemic inflammation, so eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce your symptoms. Ginger also improves immune function and may help protect against cancer.

Fresh Turmeric Root: The “curcumin” pigment in turmeric is the active and powerful anti-inflammatory.  Turmeric supports liver detoxification and is also an anti-oxidant. It has proved to be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowl disorders, and demonstrates powerful anti-cancer properties.

Fresh Lemon: An excellent source of Vitamin C (anti-oxidant) and a  good source of folate. They also exhibit anti-cancer properties. Lemons provide the benefits of fruit without much additional sugar.

Apple or Pear: Rich in fiber and Vitamin C.  Has also been shown to help stabilize blood sugar and protect against cell membrane fat oxidation, important in protecting against cardiovascular disease.

Chia or Hemp Seeds: Provide essential, healthy fats that will also aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins from the vegetables. Are also a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, manganese, calcium, phosphorous.  These seeds act as an antioxidant in addition to providing fiber and protein.

Okay, now that I have loaded your brain with the “Why’s”, here’s the “How’s”:

This is Turmeric Root.  You can find it at your local health food store or at an Indian Food specialty market.  I use one little root piece like this in this blendy, but feel free to add extra.