Who doesn’t love basking in the summer sun? From doing barbecues at the park to enjoying beach picnics with family and friends — it’s that time of the year when the longer days mean more outdoor fun. But the heat also calls for refreshing drinks that need not be restricted to sugary lemonades and sodas, or ice cold beer. ADRLF gives you some liver-healthy and tasty smoothie ideas to beat the summer heat.

But first, let’s quickly recap the importance of the liver. Your liver is one of the body’s most vital organs. It’s responsible for over 500 functions in your body, and serves as the first line of defense in preventing toxic substances from food and drinks from passing to your bloodstream. If you do not support your body’s natural detoxification process — especially after consuming food and drinks with high sugar and alcohol content — the liver can quickly become overburdened. This may eventually lead to chronic disease. To keep your liver in a top working condition, it is essential to make the right food and drink choices – and these liver detox smoothies can help boost your hard-working organ’s overall health.

 Liver Boosting Beet Smoothie

Compounds known as betalains in beets have anti-inflammatory properties that help repair cells, especially in the liver where detoxification occurs.

 INGREDIENTS (You can change the amounts, and adapt it to your own taste)

2 beets quartered

1 carrot roughly chopped

1/2 lemon juice

1 handful parsley

1/2 cup water (increase or decrease, per your preference)

Directions: Put the ingredients in the blender, large chunks first then add the rest and pour water according to your desired consistency. Drink and enjoy!

Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon has a high amount of water that helps cleanse the liver and the kidneys.  It also keeps you hydrated while flushing out toxins.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cubed watermelon

1 handful fresh mint leaves

1 Lebanese cucumber

1 large carrot

1/2 cup water (increase or decrease, per your preference)

Directions: Put all the ingredients in the blender.

 Dandelion Green Liver Detox Smoothie

The vitamins and nutrients found in dandelion help to cleanse our liver and keep it working properly.

 INGREDIENTS

2 oranges peeled,

1/2 rib celery,

1 lemon peeled,

1/2 cup dandelion greens (or other bitter green),

1/2 cup parsley,

1/2 cup water (increase or decrease, per your preference)

Directions: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

 

So when you think of grabbing a quick can of soda, why not take an extra few minutes to prep a deliciously rejuvenating liver detox smoothie instead?

Check out this great site for more exciting healthy smoothie recipes!