The fiber content of fruit smoothies make them effective at eliminating excess toxins and waste products from the body. Although a fruit smoothie detoxification program may help to cleanse the liver and digestive tract, it is prudent for individuals to consult with their health care provider prior to participating in a detoxification program.
Fiber
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that adequate consumption of fiber helps to restore bowel tone and to bind toxins located in the intestinal tract. A toned bowel will prevent against constipation and diarrhea while the bound group of toxins in the intestinal tract are easily flushed away. Fruit smoothies are preferable to fruit juices as they retain many of the fruit's nutrients and fiber while fruit juice loses a lot of its original fiber content.
Digestion
Liquid are easier to digest than solid foods, according to MedlinePlus. This is due to the fact that the body is not required to utilize metabolic energy in order to break down protein and complex carbohydrates. Rather, the nutrients in fruit smoothies are immediately absorbed by the intestinal walls and the accumulation of toxins are more easily flushed out.
Additional Ingredients
Green smoothies are another variation of smoothies and incorporate both fruits and vegetables. Although fruit smoothies offer a variety of nutritional benefits, they should not be relied upon as the only source of nutrients. Incorporating vegetables into the mix will provide additional nutrients and may also help to remove waste products from the body. A green smoothie might include ingredients such as apples, avocadoes, kale and spinach. Other fruit smoothies incorporate yogurt, which contains calcium and probiotics for bone and digestive health. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., of Mayo Clinic, probiotics may treat digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as intestinal infections. Also, incorporating ingredients such as herbs, bee pollen, chia seeds, flaxseed oil or goji berries will not only improve the detoxification function of fruit smoothies, but also ensure that the fruit smoothie is nutritionally balanced and contains a fair amount of protein and healthy fat for optimal health.
Considerations
Generally speaking, fruit smoothies are very healthy. Consumers should guard against adding additional sugar to the drink as they may interfere with the detoxification process. Furthermore, the addition of sugar to fruit smoothies may lead to bingeing and additional cravings for sugar, according to Frank Lipman, M.D., of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center of New York City.
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