January - Detox time!

January…what does it mean exactly to many of us? It’s not just a regular month, it marks the beginning of a new year, the end of all the festive holidays filled with food, food and more food! But then here we are, moaning and complaining about our body, how much fat we have accumulated and how much we need to give a healthy start to the new year. So when is it a better time to commit to a healthy lifestyle than this?

Some nutrients play an important role in liver detoxification, in part by increasing bile flow and excreting stored fat soluble toxins. To help you get back on track and start the new year in the best way possible, we have listed a few must-have natural ingredients, which will cleanse your organism and help you lose that extra fat you have accumulated during the holidays.

Green Tea

Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols, which are known for their great antioxidant properties. Epigallocatechin gallate is one of the most powerful antioxidant compounds found in green tea and it’s been proven to contribute to the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful groups of atoms that can react with certain cellular components, such as DNA or cellular membranes, causing damage to the cell or killing it. Antioxidants can stop these reactions, saving cells from being damaged and subsequently preventing aging of the skin or the development of certain cancers and chronic diseases.

Green tea is not only a great antioxidant, but it’s a great fat loss aid too. It’s been proven to increase metabolism and fat oxidation, aiding weight loss. And that’s not all, consumption of green tea has been found beneficial to reduce bad cholesterol and prevent diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Coronoary Heart Disease and depression.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound comprising of 8 antioxidants, 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. It acts as an antioxidants, by protecting vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation. Therefore, it can delay the onset of chronic diseases and aging associated with free radicals.

On top of being a great antioxidant, vitamin E also plays a role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, cancer, eye disorder and cognitive decline.

Since it’s fat-soluble, vitamin E can mainly be found in fatty foods, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, peanut butter and wheat germ oil.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissue. It cannot be synthesised in the body and it needs to be assumed with the diet.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and it acts directly, by fighting against free radicals and indirectly, by restoring the antioxidant properties of vitamin E. Just like all other antioxidants, it protects the body from aging, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and it’s also said to decrease the side effects associated with detoxification (eg. Headache and nausea). Great sources of vitamin C are broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwis and berries.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar comes from crushed fermented apples and it’s known for its fantastic cleansing, energizing and weight loss properties.

It’s involved in fat breakdown and in the elimination of toxins, improving the health of the body’s vital organs. When taken before a meal, it can increase stomach acidity, kill bacteria in the digestive tract and improve digestion.

Because of its ability to regulate the pH of the skin, apple cider vinegar is also a great skin detoxifier and can visibly improve the appearance of the skin. Other benefits include regulation of LDL cholesterol and strengthening of the immune system.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans which have powerful weight loss and antioxidant properties. Their main active ingredient is Chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to decrease carbohydrate absorption from the digestive tract, lowering blood sugar and inulin release. Chlorigenic acid has antioxidant properties and can be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and managing diabetes.

Green coffee bean extract is also a source of caffeine, which has been proven to increase metabolism and lead to weight loss.