Occasionally our self-cleaning mechanisms can get sluggish, and need a bit of spring cleaning and fine tuning. If you find that you are plagued by digestive upset including bloat and constipation…fatigued with dull skin and dark undereye circles…stressed, anxious, and unable to sleep…then it’s time for a simple 5-minute strawberry cinnamon detox to give your kidneys and liver a break and to flush your body and blood of unwanted toxins.
Strawberries for Digestion
Ruby red strawberries are high in folate, vitamin C, and potassium, as well as the cancer-fighting compound ellagic acid. According to the findings of Dr. Paul Thornalley and researchers at the Warwick Medical School in the United Kingdom, strawberry extracts activate a protein called Nrf2.1 that increases the body’s production of antioxidants and enzymes responsible for removing toxins and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Cinnamon for Weight Loss
Derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, cinnamon is not only rich in iron, manganese, and calcium, but may also play a role in weight loss. A 2010 study published in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics suggests that cinnamon may help prevent the accumulation of stored fat. Researchers fed two groups of rats a diet high in sugar and fat. The group of rats also given cinnamon gained less weight, leading researchers to conclude that the spice may help purge the body of fat.
Other research suggests that cinnamon can help:
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Lower bad cholesterol, including triglycerides
- Improve digestion
- Decrease inflammation
- Impart antibacterial and antiviral benefit
Add a Dash of Honey
When preparing any detox drink it’s perfectly acceptable to add a dash of honey, which research suggests may help prevent fat storage. The Journal of Food Science reports that rats fed honey gained less weight (even though they ate more) than rats fed sucrose, or no sugar at all. Researchers theorize that honey allows fat to pass through the digestive system without being stored.
Mix It Up!
Mix 5 strawberries (cut in half), a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of honey with 1 liter of water. Let the strawberry cinnamon detox steep overnight and enjoy for five minutes in the morning. Can be ingested as part of a weekly detox program, or as an occassional detox treat.
