This is what detox tea does to your body. And 4 tips for a healthy detox.

Summer is approaching. Many people want to lose those winter pounds and work on their bodies. We go on a massive diet, and there are all kinds: the pineapple diet, protein diet, various detox diets and so on…

The liquid diet has been a big trend in recent years. You know it: meals are replaced by vegetable juices, soups or the well-known detox juices and teas. Companies claim that it offers the cure for various diseases and that it helps to lose weight.

Still, not much research is available on the effect of detox teas. So there is no proof that it actually works. In addition, in many cases there is little result… Certain liquid detox diets work better than others, but often they do not have a real 'detox effect'.

Disadvantages of a liquid detox diet

So most liquid diets don't really work. But we haven't even mentioned the drawbacks yet!

There is one advantage: such a juice contains fewer calories. If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight.
But this is usually only short-lived. Because you take in fewer calories, your metabolism will slow down to save energy. If you then stop the diet, those kilos will just come back. What is the point of such a detox?

In addition to losing weight, people often start a liquid detox diet to cleanse their bodies. You only drink juices, but this can have side effects. By only drinking juices / teas you miss certain nutrients that are important for health. A deficiency can lead to nausea, fatigue, hair loss and even heart problems.

The solution: tea as an aid to detoxing

Is there a way to lose weight with a liquid detox diet?

The answer is yes! Instead of replacing meals with juices or tea, use detox tea as a supplement to a healthy diet. So you use it as an aid in detoxing.

I just mentioned that a liquid diet is unhealthy. In addition, there is no research that substantiates the usefulness of such a diet. Tea as an aid to detox has been studied. Studies show that it really works, because tea contains certain properties, including detoxifying enzymes.

Tea contains, among other things, polyphenols, which are antioxidants and phase 2 detoxification enzymes. There is a scientific explanation behind these enzymes.

In short, the body consists of a detoxification system. In phase 1, part of the foreign substances are rendered harmless. In stage 2, these are processed to be excreted via bile and kidneys. Thus, these enzymes in tea protect the body against foreign substances. Tea therefore contributes to a good detoxification!

Types of tea and the benefits

We now know that tea can be a detox aid. It has numerous health benefits.

But which tea is best to drink? I'll list the types for you!

Matcha tea

You read it often: green tea is super healthy! Even healthier is matcha tea , this is green tea in its purest form. It comes from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis, the leaves are ground into a fine powder. So you actually drink the entire leaf, compared to regular green tea. As a result, you will experience even more benefits!

I already wrote an article about losing weight with matcha. Scientific studies prove that matcha really helps with weight loss.

In addition, it is also super healthy! It contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea. It strengthens your immune system and gives an energy boost.

The high dose of antioxidants also reduces the amount of free radicals in the body. These free radicals are linked to the formation and growth of tumors. Matcha therefore plays a role in the fight against cancer.

Curious? Try it yourself, you can find our matcha range here !

Ginger tea

• It is good for nausea and vomiting.
• Ginger promotes digestion, it stimulates the removal of toxins through the liver and colon.
• It is anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties.
• Ginger is good for pain.
• It's a blood thinner.

So there are many advantages, but be careful with too large quantities. I already wrote an article about the negative side effects of ginger overdose. Everything is allowed in moderation!

Dandelion tea

Dandelion tea? Many people will undoubtedly not have heard of it. We also know the dandelion as a piss flower, in April they color the meadow beautifully yellow. But did you know that this flower also has medicinal properties?

This flower first appears in medicinal books from the 7th century. It was then mainly used for liver diseases. It is therefore packed with nutrients! Both the root and the leaf are very nutritious. It contains phytosterols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins and minerals.

This tea is therefore suitable for stimulating the functioning of the liver and gallbladder. It increases the production of important enzymes. In addition, it is good for constipation and is a remedy for kidney and gallstones.

Passion flower tea

We know the passion flower from the passion fruit. But did you know that this flower has many other benefits? It can serve as a sleep aid and helps reduce stress.

According to one study , it is as effective as the drug oxazepam (Serax), which is prescribed for anxiety.
Another study shows that passion flower is as effective as clonidine , which is used for withdrawal symptoms.

These are just some of the teas that help with a detox. Tea naturally contains water and this is the most important ingredient. Hydration is very important for the proper functioning of the kidneys. That is why tea contributes to a good detox!

Make your own herbal tea

Herbs have been used in medicine for a long time. The healers used herbs to heal people. Herbs have a beneficial effect and are therefore perfect as a supplement to a detox. Herbal tea is in fact not a 'real' tea, but a decoction of plants and herbs.

Making your own herbal tea is simple, yet there are several extract options. You have an infusion, where you pour water over the herb. This releases the water-soluble substances into the warm water.

You also have water distillation, oil extraction, a decoction and maceration. I briefly explain these methods:

• Water distillation is used in the production of alcoholic beverages, but it is also used to extract herbs. The herbs are added to boiling water, the steam and oils are then collected. This can be added to various dishes or tea.

• With oil extraction, the herb is added to an oil such as olive oil or almond oil. The herbs release non-polar chemicals such as lipids, fatty acids and carotenoids. These vitamins are soluble in oil.

• A decoction says it all: roots and plants are boiled and softened. A ceramic pot is filled with cold water and herbs. Then it is boiled for 30 minutes, and then it is allowed to cool. Finally, the mixture is sieved.

• Maceration is a quick and easy way. This is the best way for delicate plants, which are easily damaged at high temperatures. The plant material is soaked in cold water for several hours. The herbs are strained and the liquid is then drunk cold.

Conclusion

The liquid detox diets can have health drawbacks. First and foremost, it causes a deficiency of vitamins and essential nutrients. In addition, the result such as weight loss is short-lived.

However, tea can contribute to a detox diet. You do not replace meals, but supplement them with tea. Several studies confirm that tea contains certain detoxification enzymes, which therefore enhance a detox.

There are different teas, each with their own benefits. Because tea mainly consists of water, any type of tea is actually suitable for a detox.

Scientific sources:

• Dandelion is as effective as the drug clonidine for withdrawal symptoms: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679027
• Dandelion is also just as effective as the drug oxazepam (Serax). This is used for anxiety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11679026)
• Green Tea Catechins Linked to Weight Loss: https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2009/01/26/Green-tea-catechins-linked-to-weight-loss-Study
• Research on the detoxifying enzymes in tea: https://bodyecology.com/articles/studies-how-tea-detoxification.php