How to make three different detoxifying beetroot smoothies that help to cleanse the body naturally! Betalains found in beets naturally help to detoxify the liver.
I recently pulled the mother of all beets out from my garden the other day. It was a #proudmum moment for me as this beet had been “cooking” for about a year in our back garden.
From this beetroot, divine inspiration struck: I was going to to make some liver cleansing beetroot smoothies from it!
It was so big that this beetroot made three different smoothies, which I’ll be sharing with you today.
Beets are nutritional powerhouses, particularly the greens, which are rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. The beets themselves contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains, that support detoxification through an important Phase II detoxification step in the liver.
What is Phase II Liver Detoxification?
As fat-soluble toxins are harder to eliminate than water-soluble toxins, they have to go through a two-step detoxification process. When the liver comes across a fat-soluble toxin, it puts it through Phase I detoxification. This is necessary before it can be made water-soluble in Phase II. During the second phase, the by-products of Phase I, and other remaining toxins, are neutralised. This is done by making the toxins water-soluble. That way they can be eliminated from the body.
So, going back to my original point. Betalains found in beets can help with this detox process of turning fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble ones, making them easier to excrete from the body.
When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance hormones, cholesterol and energy levels, and the gut and stomach work much more efficiently.
Before we get started in learning how to make these cleansing beetroot smoothies – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!
Homemade Liver Cleansing Smoothies
Here are the three detoxifying beetroot smoothies. Ensure all produce has been washed thoroughly before use.
Berry and Beet Smoothie
This recipe can be enjoyed just as a smoothie or frozen into popsicles for a refreshing afternoon snack!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
- 1 large cucumber or 3-4 small cucumbers, roughly chopped
- 1 1/3 cup organic frozen berries or fresh berries with ice added
- 1/4 frozen ripe banana, peeled and chopped
- 2/3 cup organic green apple, roughly chopped
- Handful fresh organic parsley or coriander, roughly chopped
- Shredded coconut, for topping
To make:
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until creamy and smooth.
- Divide between two serving glasses, garnish with banana slices, fresh mint, or shredded coconut, and enjoy!
- If you have any leftovers, it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle moulds for a snack later on!
Lemon, Lime and Beet Smoothie
A spectacular bright pink smoothie!! #onwednesdayswewearpink
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
- 1 organic green apple, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup organic raw carrot, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup organic kale, chopped
- 1 1-inch knob of organic fresh ginger
- 1 organic lemon, juiced
- 1 organic lime, juiced
To make:
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until creamy and smooth.
- Divide between two serving glasses, garnish with fresh mint and enjoy!
- If you have any leftovers, it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle moulds for a snack later on!
Red Beet Power Smoothie
A delicious and healthy way to cleanse your body with no added sugar or dairy.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic raw beetroot, peeled and chopped
- Handful organic spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup organic frozen berries or fresh berries with ice added
- 1/2 frozen ripe banana, peeled and chopped
- 1 organic green apple, roughly chopped
- 1 stalk of organic celery, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yoghurt
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
To make:
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until creamy and smooth.
- Divide between two serving glasses, garnish with some sliced banana and enjoy!
- If you have any leftovers, it will keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze in ice cube trays or popsicle moulds for a snack later on!
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
What are your favourite cleansing drinks to enjoy? Do you use beets or other cleansing veggies?? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
Sources:
Daniluk, Julie R.H.N. (Updated: January 2, 2014). The health benefits of beets: five ways they help you. Chatelaine. Retrieved from https://www.chatelaine.com/health/detox-health/want-to-detox-eat-more-beets/#:~:text=Beets%20contain%20a%20group%20of,hormones%2C%20cholesterol%20and%20energy%20levels.
The Two Phases of Liver Detoxification and Parasite Cleansing. (March 20, 2020). Beauty Ecology. Retrieved from http://beautyecology.com/blog/2020/3/the-two-phases-of-liver-detoxification-and-parasite-cleansing
Liver Detoxification Pathways. Ask the Scientists. Retrieved from https://askthescientists.com/qa/liver-detoxification-pathways/