I can’t wait for you to try this Berry Detox Smoothie Recipe, friend.
It’s delicious and refreshing and filled with super healing and detoxifying ingredients. Need to know more? Read on, my friend!
Be honest: What do you think of when you hear the word detox? For me, it used to mean following a specific program, most often filled with juices and cleanses. And it for sure was going to mean some type of deprivation. Ugh. No, thanks! I also assumed that because our bodies have organs designed for detoxing, why do we need to do anything special? Boy, did I have a lot to learn! And I’m so glad I did. Because the truth is: yes, our bodies have organs designed explicitly for detoxification. But there is a lot we can do to help – like making this berry detox smoothie recipe!
Why are we so toxic?
There is a lot about our modern society that makes life more convenient. But much of that convenience came with increased chemical exposure and decreased nutrients in our food supply. Here are some facts:
Beauty Products
- Beauty products are not required to be tested for safety before they go on the market.
- The term “Fragrance” on a label allows for the manufacturer to hide dozens (or even hundreds) of other chemicals in the product.
- The European Union has banned 1328 chemicals from cosmetics, while the FDA has only banned or restricted 11.
- Lastly, the AVERAGE woman uses 12 personal care products every day, exposing herself to up to 168 chemicals. The average man uses six products for an average of 85 chemicals.
Diet and Lifestyle
- An increase in refined and synthetic sugars and regular (and over-) consumption of alcohol and caffeine all tax the liver
- The average American consumes 146 pounds of flour and 152 pounds of sugar each year.
- Six hundred thousand processed food products are lining our grocery store shelves that contain added sugar.
- The conventionally grown produce we find at the store is much less nutritious than 30-50 years ago.
How do our bodies cope with an increased toxic burden?
There are multiple pathways our bodies use for detoxification. Our liver is one of them and is the primary organ in our bodies designed to process toxins and keep us safe. But it can only do so much each and every day. Luckily, our livers are smart, knowing which toxins are most harmful. They will help us eliminate as many toxins as possible, and the rest get trapped in our fat cells to keep us “safe.” Fortunately, we can help the liver detox more efficiently through the foods we consume (and choose not to) – which is why this Berry Detox Smoothie Recipe is so helpful!
How does the Berry Detox Smoothie Recipe help?
For this particular smoothie, I want you to think: dark red. The liver LOVES phytonutrients like anthocyanin found in dark red fruits, so we’re loading up on them here. In addition to the nutrients and phytochemicals in this smoothie, you’ll also find a good amount of fiber which aids in one of our bodies’ other detox pathways.
Pitaya (also known as Dragonfruit)
This fruit’s dark red pigment helps your liver produce cells faster so regeneration can occur. You will find this most easily in the frozen fruit section of your grocery store.
Dark Cherries
High in anthocyanins that bond to toxins specific to the petrochemical group, this fruit helps your liver dispel these toxins from the body.
Wild Blueberries
In addition to anthocyanin, dozens of other phytochemicals found in wild blueberries have yet to be studied. But we do know that wild blueberries help remove stubborn toxins from the liver and body while, at the same time, feed the good bacteria in our gut.
Mango
I like to add this fruit to my smoothies for a little extra sweetness, but mango also has cooling and anti-aging effects on the liver.
Celery
Celery is a liver superfood! Special compounds found in celery help protect liver cell membranes and restore the liver’s bile production. The compounds found in celery also bind to various toxins and help remove them from the body. Celery also helps remove mucous from the liver and the intestinal tract, creating a healthier gut.
Vanilla Shake Powder
A smoothie is a great meal – especially if you’re following a gluten-free and dairy-free diet like I am. And whenever I have a meal or snack, I try to incorporate some protein and fiber, and my preferred shake powder has both plus 15 other plants. The fiber helps with one of our detox pathways, feeds the “good” bacteria in our gut microbiome, and keeps blood sugar from spiking – all important things!
Optional Ingredient: Beets*
Beets are one of the more polarizing veggies out there- use them if you love them (like me), skip them if you don’t. Beets do have some detoxifying qualities in the liver, but they’re not as powerful as the ingredients listed above. We had just received some in a produce box from our local regenerative farm, so I was happy to include them here.
Berry Detox Smoothie Recipe: step by step
In a high-powered blender, combine the following:
- About a cup of unsweetened plant milk (I prefer almond or cashew)
- 1 scoop Vanilla Complete Shake Powder
- 1 packet frozen pitaya (or acai, if that’s what you have)
- 2 stalks rinsed celery
- 1/2 to 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1/2 to 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
- 1/4 cup frozen mango
- 2-3 roasted, skinned beets
Blend, and adjust the consistency by adding more or less plant milk.
I love making this Berry Detox Smoothie Recipe anytime I want to give my liver a little extra support. It’s crisp and refreshing, and you would never know it’s super healing!
More resources you may enjoy:
Carrot Smoothie Recipe {Anti-Inflammatory}
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