These two ingredients may sound like a horrid combination, but unrefined, organic maple syrup and cayenne pepper is the latest detox diet craze. Celebrities are praising this concoction for cleansing their digestive tracts, eliminating excess toxins, and dropping those last lbs. in time for a bikini shoot. The maple syrup provides their energy boost, while the cayenne pepper is responsible for jump starting their metabolism.
History
According to the website Detox: The Energy of Health, fasting and cleansing techniques have been used for centuries to cure ailments and promote healthy well-being. The Master Cleanse, which also incorporates lemon wedges into the mixture to support detox, has recently acquired fame through its celebrity usage. Stanley Burroughs takes credit for creating this combination in his book entitled "The Master Cleanse."
Time Frame
The cleansing diet should last no longer than 10 to 15 days. Results are typically shown within the first few days, yet full results aren't noticeable until day 10 or 11. This cleansing diet only supplies the body with minimal amount of nutrients. Easing into the process by consuming smaller portions of food one to three days prior is recommended by contributors to The Master Cleanse website.
Factors
This cleansing diet requires you to drink six to 12 glasses of an 8 oz. "lemonade" mixture. The maple syrup and cayenne pepper are diluted with 7 to 8 oz. of distilled spring water, which can be purchased at any major food market. As directed by the on-line detox network, 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp. of organic, pure maple syrup and 1/10 of a tsp. of cayenne pepper are added into the water and consumed throughout the day in place of a regular meal. More nutrients are present when there are greater amounts of capsaicin in the cayenne pepper; which also results in a "hotter" flavor.
Warning
The diet may put your body into starvation mode if not enough maple syrup is used. The mixture should be consumed several times throughout the day to replenish any lost nutrients. Nausea, fatigue, and headaches are commonly reported. Overexerting yourself may intensify these diet detox side effects. Dawn Jackson-Blatner, a dietitian at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Wellness Institute and American Dietetic Association also advises that you carefully monitor weight loss and any sudden changes in heart rate or breathing.
Benefits
Cayenne pepper contains antioxidants as well as vitamins, minerals and capsaicin -- which is responsible for the spicy sensation and activating the metabolism. Cayenne pepper also stimulates blood flow and helps kill bacteria and toxins, cleansing your body of congestion. Maple syrup also contains several vital nutrients which also protect the heart from damaging fats and cholesterol.
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