Grapefruit Detox

This photograph shows two pink grapefruits (Ci...

Woke up today and really felt like I needed to detox my body but didn’t have the ingredients for my usual detox juice – all greens, spinach, cucumber, etc. So what I had in my fridge/kitchen were the fruit and veg listed below. I already know that cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger are very good cleansers as well as packed full of nutrients but wasn’t sure about the cleansing properties of pink grapefruit and parsley – research begins! Find all the nutritional and detox info below but first here’s the juice recipe I came up with:

  • 1 pink grapefruit
  • ½ cucumber
  • 2 celery sticks
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ handful of parsley
  • ½ inch ginger

Put everything in a juicer or smoothie maker and blend together. To make more, just add a lot more if the ingredients. Happy detox!

Now here’s the important bit!

Pink grapefruits: are full of limonoids and many of the detoxing benefits of lemons and limes. Pink grapefruits also contain lycopene – the antioxidant found in tomatoes and some other red fruits like watermelon which neutralize free radicals in the body and help in the fight against the formation of cancer cells. Grapefruits reduce bad cholesterol, keeping arteries clean and lower insulin in the body which helps prevent weight gain.

Cucumbers: are a very good source of vitamins A and C, and folic acid. The skin is rich in fibre and a variety of minerals including magnesium and potassium. Cucumber is a top choice as a diuretic. It can help control constipation, stomach disorders and acne. The high water content, combined with its ability to balance acid, helps reduce disorders and ailments that may be a cause of over production of various acidic compounds.

Celery: is high in vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and C, and ample supply of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron and essential amino acids. The important minerals in celery juice balance the body’s blood pH, neutralizing acidity and acts as a good post-workout tonic as it replaces the body with its rich minerals. Celery promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body.

Lemon: is a powerful antiseptic and anti-microbial, which destroys bacteria in your mouth and intestines while clearing mucous build up. They will support your liver, improve your absorption of minerals, promote weight loss, cleanse your blood, and alleviate indigestion. All citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C making them a super immune booster. Even though lemons are acidic initially they have an alkalizing effect once entering the body. This alkalizing effect is thought by many health practitioners to heal cells and prevent disease.

Parsley: is one herb that is usually just used as a garnish in food. It is rich in carotenoids, chlorophyll, calcium, Vitamins A, B, C and iron. Parsley is known for its blood-cleansing and healing properties. It is a strong diuretic, anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant. Parsley neutralizes toxins in your liver, inhibits abnormal cell growth (preventing tumours and cancers), and boosts the immune system.

There are two types of parsley – curly or flat Italian parsley which have the same healing properties. The flat leaf variety tends to have more flavour and best used in cooking with other strong flavours. Curly parsley can be more bitter.

Ginger: is high in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger contains ginerol, a compound that is thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain. It is commonly used as a digestive aid and contains compounds that ease motion sickness and nausea. Ginger can also be used in treating the common cold by adding a few slices to hot water with lemon and honey; it helps to ease congestion and cleanses the body.

Peace and fabulous health!

3 Comments
  1. Thanks so much for the blog post.Thanks Again.

  2. know of anything I could use as a natural way to rid acne? As for lemons promoting weight loss, do you just eat one daily?

    • For acne, I suggest going with your greens ie. spinach, cucumber etc. they are high in antioxidants and vitamin E. Try to use lemon in your diet like adding them to your juice or I personally start my day with warm water and a slice of lemon. Go easy with it!

Leave a Reply


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

TwitterPinterestFacebookEmail