Pin RecipeIn this post, we want to introduce you to our super potent, anti-inflammatory “Turmeric-Ginger Detox Tonic”.
Turmeric is one of the substances known to significantly boost the body’s detoxifying glutathione levels. Ginger is known to further boost turmeric’s absorption and bioavailability so our detox tonic is a great way to combine these two super powerful phytonutrients into one delicious concoction!
In addition to detoxification here are just a few of the additional incredible benefits you’ll reap from enjoying a shot glass of our “Turmeric-Ginger Detox Tonic” every day:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved immunity
- Weight loss
- Improved mood
- Reduced oxidative stress (translation: slower aging)
- Increase in “good” HDL cholesterol
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Reduced risk of cancer
How can one tonic do so much? Most of the benefit comes from the turmeric. One of the most common ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicine for detoxification and reducing inflammation, turmeric is a superfood spice that contains a special compound called curcumin. The curcumin works with other natural compounds found in turmeric to tamp down biomarkers of inflammation (such as interleukin-6).
Turmeric Enhances Weight Loss
Turmeric does an incredible job at helping lower body fat levels too, which in turn further reduces inflammation. Turmeric works for fat loss in a variety of ways, including blocking the growth of new fat cells and providing a thermogenic effect. Additionally, turmeric supports healthy liver function, which boosts your body’s natural detoxifying capabilities. When it comes to foods, turmeric is among the most anti-inflammatory one that exists. It is also one of the most powerful foods we can eat to protect against cancer (you can read an article we interviewed the author of Breast Cancer: Reduce Your Risk with Foods You Love in regard to the role turmeric plays in breast cancer prevention HERE.)
Turmeric Rx
To get the real benefits of turmeric you need to be consuming enough of it, at least ¼ to ½ teaspoon daily. You’ll actually be getting more than that amount of turmeric in our tonic. And, because ginger boosts the absorption of turmeric and has anti-inflammatory properties of its own, you’ll get even more benefit. The directions for making our natural anti-inflammatory Turmeric-Ginger Detox Tonic are below. We recommend you enjoy the tonic once a day.
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Turmeric-Ginger Detox Tonic Recipe
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Turmeric-Ginger Detox
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole grapefruit, peeled
- Juice from 1 whole lemon
- 2 pitted dates
- 2 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 inch piece of peeled gingerroot
- 1 or 2 pinches cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender (we like Luvele’s Vibe Blender). Process until smooth. Refrigerate and serve chilled. Note: the tonic will keep stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Can’t Find Time to Make Our Tonic?
Our Turmeric Ginger Detox Tonic only takes a few minutes to make, but if you truly don’t have time to make it then the next best thing is to add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and some freshly grated ginger to a hot cup of green tea. We will be talking a lot about green tea later in the Challenge, but for now just be sure if you do get green tea you get a superior quality one (we especially like Shaklee Energizing Green Tea Matcha Flavor or Green Matcha Tea by Teavana).
Looking for more smoothie recipes?
Thank you for all the info. and recipe!
Your links for reccommended green tea are not working.
Thanks so much for letting me know Meloday! I just fixed the one for Teavana but I can’t fix the other one until we get back from our vacation.
Hi Ivy,
I’m enjoying the Clean Cuisine challenge very much and look forward to the daily email. I have two questions about the turmeric detox. First, what is the serving size? Second, could I make a larger batch and freeze in individual serving size portions for convenience? Or would some nutritional benefits be lost in the process?
Thanks,
Sheena
Hi Sheena! So happy to hear you are liking the Challenge =) I’m sorry it took so long to get back to you. As for the serving size, I can’t believe I left that out! I’m so glad you brought that to my attention. The tonic makes 3 servings, so if you just make one batch and divide it in 3 then that is 1 serving (I don’t know the exact measurement though!) And yes! You could absolutely make a large batch to freeze individual servings. That is a GREAT idea!
Do you drink this once a day or every 3-4 days?
Hi Amber, This is supposed to be something you could most definitely drink everyday! However, if you just make enough for a few days serving, you will still reap benefits—-just not nearly the same as if you have it daily. Hope this makes sense?
I bought Tumeric in the spice isle at Trader Joe’s for $1.99. The health food store is selling Tumeric for $18 – $30. Is there a difference in different kinds of Tumeric?
Thank you, Julie
Hi Julie! I’m so sorry for the delay getting back to you. Oh YIKES!! I would definitely not pay $18 for turmeric =( Even if it was organic, I can’t imagine why on earth it would be that so pricey? I do think organic turmeric is the best way to go, but you shouldn’t have to pay anywhere near $18 for it. Hope this helps?
Is it ok for the turmeric to be dried? Or does it need to be fresh?
Also, do you make a large batch of this to last a few days? How many days does it keep?
Hi Jordan, Oh yes, the turmeric can definitely be dried, just like what you would buy in the spice aisle (just look for organic, if possible) You can definitely make a big batch as it will keep just fine in a mason jar in the fridge for about 3 days.
My rheumatologist has recommended that I stay away from citrus. But I definitely need something to help me get the turmeric down. Any suggestions?
Hmmmm….I have never heard of a rheumatalogist suggesting that? Does it by any chance have to do with citrus interfering with medication? If so, I have definitely heard of grapefruit juice interfering with certain meds, I just haven’t heard of all citrus. Anyway, no worries, I am just curious 😉 But, as for a good substitute, why not try pureeing watermelon. I bet that would taste very good actually!!!
I made this and it came out super thick? Like I need to use a spoon to eat it or add water to drink it. Did I do something wrong? I had to use a batter spatula to get it all out of the Vitamix. It’s incredibly refreshing and invigorating though! I can see myself taking a swig of this daily for sure 🙂
Hi Heather! Oh you know, I am thinking maybe the grapefruits you are using are not as big as the Florida-grown ones I use (I never thought of the difference in grapefruit sizes when I made the recipe!) It is true that is should be sort of thick, but not quite that thick 😉 So, next time, maybe try adding another 1/2 a grapefruit? You can also thin it out with fresh lemon juice too. So glad you liked it otherwise! Thanks so much for letting me know…
I am taking a medication that prohibit me from eating grapefruit. Can suggest a substitute?
Thanks!
Hi Marie, Absolutely. You can substitute an orange if you’d like. Or, you can leave it out altogether! Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!!
When’s the best time to consume the tonic?
Hi Sarah, You can drink this delicious tonic at any time of day!
If “most of the benefits of the tonic come from the turmeric”, what is the purpose of all the citrus? Also, if I eat something every day that has turmeric cooked into it (like a stew or soup) does the cooked turmeric have the same benefits?
Great question Jen! You are absolutely right that most of the benefit comes from the turmeric, the citrus is of course healthful too but mostly it is just a way to make the turmeric taste good and enable you to get a hefty dose. But cooking does not destroy the turmeric, it’s just that very few recipes would call for as much turmeric as we include in the tonic, so you wouldn’t be getting as much, you know? hope this helps? –ivy
Should the turmeric be fresh root or dried? Thank you!
Turmeric ginger detox ingredient whole grapefruit-is it to be peeled?
Hi Joy, Sorry for the confusion, but yes, the grapefruit should be peeled