Lemons get a bad rap. We've all watched the endless stream of YouTube videos of babies chomping down on their first taste of a lemon. Even though this tart fruit is known for coming on strong, it has so many amazing benefits.
The lemon is a fantastic way to cleanse a few key organs. As toxins build up in the body, they force you to feel sluggish and glum. They also make you more susceptible to illness like the flu. We know how busy life can get. Nobody has the time to be sick- especially now that the holidays are here. Adding lemon to a green smoothie gives the organs that remove toxins a good cleansing, something we can all use this time of year. Can you say holiday party desserts?
Cleansing Smoothie Ingredients
Lemons contain high amounts of citric acid- an ingredient that is particularly good at increasing bowel movements. It helps eliminate waste quickly- so nothing nasty has the chance to build up. That leaves the body free to absorb the all the good stuff food has to offer. Drawing out all the nutrients in food and eliminating waste quickly keeps bloating to a minimum. #amen
Lemon’s citric acid isn’t the only thing that helps eliminate toxins quickly. It's side-kick, lemon juice, is also a great cleanser. It is so similar to stomach acid that it tricks the liver into producing bile (I know that sounds nasty, but I promise this is a good thing). Bile keeps food moving through your body quickly. It increases metabolism, helping you burn food and lose weight. Lemon juice can also relieve indigestion and ease an upset stomach. Perfect for post-holiday party indulgences!
Lemons also reduce harmful bacteria found in the liver, ensuring the body can produce the enzymes it needs to flush out toxins. In addition, they keep the urinary tract healthy by acting as a natural diuretic. Eliminating toxins more frequently reduces the risk of bacteria buildup that could lead to urinary tract infections and other digestive issues.
Lemons are a fantastic cleansing agent. Seriously, I wish my kids cleaned up after themselves this well! In the end, cleansing out toxins helps discourage illnesses. Lemons want you to feel alive and thriving. The Lemon Cleansing Smoothie is a great way to get started cleansing toxins from your system.
Citrus Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup kale
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup mango (frozen)
- ¼ lemon (peeled)
- ½ banana
- 1 serving Protein Smoothie Boost (optional)
Instructions
- Blend kale and water together until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Notes
- Use at least one frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- To cut back on the natural sugar in this recipe, swap ½ banana with ¼ avocado or ¼ cup cauliflower.
- Swap kale with leafy greens of your choice.
- Use lemon fruit instead of lemon juice to get fiber + vitamin-rich pith from lemon.
Maria
I use lemon juice in a citrus smoothie and also add a mandarin so and an orange or alternately I have a grapefruit tree in my back yard and I add a few oueces if grapefruit v so I have a mixture lime a citrus cocktail
Vida
I just found your recipe, and this sounds delish. However, I am not a lover of mangos, any suggestions for a substitute? Thank you!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Vida! Mango isn't for everyone - we totally get that. 🙂 Try peaches, papaya, nectarine or apricot instead!
Tracy
I'm still trying to get on board with Kale LOL Wondering if spinach would taste ok with this recipe?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Tracy! Yes, you can sub spinach if you like. If you're still trying to get on the kale train, give baby kale a try in your smoothies. The taste is much more mild than regular kale. Happy blending!
Kimberly Greene
I read lemon juice and spinach have a diet trigger is the reason this popped up. I love Kale but I want to try with spinach due to what I read.
Simple Green Smoothies
Sounds good, Kimberly!
Bob
"The lemon is a fantastic way to cleanse a few key organs. As toxins build up in the body, they force you to feel sluggish and glum. They also make you more susceptible to illness like the flu. We know how busy life can get. Nobody has the time to be sick- especially now that the holidays are here. Adding lemon to a green smoothie gives the organs that remove toxins a good cleansing, something we can all use this time of year."
Is anyone really ignorant and gullible enough to believe this pseudoscientific, ridiculous "toxin" and "cleansing" nonsense?
Danielle
Out of all these Green smoothies, which smoothie Would you you really recommend for weight-loss?! I am excited to know and try!
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Danielle,
Out of all of the recipes, one of my favorites is our Kiwi Berry Punch Recipe. It's packed with low-calorie fruits and protein to make the perfect meal replacement when working towards your weight loss goals...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/kiwi-smoothie
Johanna Brown
For weight loss this recipe is really nice as it is, bit with a little tweak even better.
I'd leave mango out. Add half a lemon with peal, inch of ginger root, coconut water instead of water, and 1/4 cucumber.
Simple Green Smoothies
Hey Johanna,
Thank you so much for sharing that tip! It sounds delicious.
I am so happy you were able to make this smoothie your own and enjoyed it. You are a rawkstar!
Elizabeth Soteropulos
I bought the 21 day spring and tried to down load and I wasn't able to. I'm waiting to receive confirmation receipt with link.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Soteropoulos
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh no! I am so sorry if you're having any trouble receiving your purchase. I just resent your copy of Fresh Start: Spring and it should be in your inbox shortly. If you continue to have any issues - please don't hesitate to reach out to me through our contact page...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/contact
I want to ensure you can access everything ASAP!
Kimberley Colbourne
A good cleaning is what I need after Easter!!!
Simple Green Smoothies
KALE YEAH! Thanks for blendin' with us, Kimberley!
Lindsay
Love this site and all the recipes!
Simple Green Smoothies
Thanks for the love, Lindsay! <3
Stacy
How often do you recommend drinking this smoothie?
Simple Green Smoothies
Hi Stacy,
Personally, I believe variety is the spice of life and like to blend a wide variety of recipes. But blending this recipe 1-3 times per week can definitely help your body detox and keep those yucky toxins from hanging out!
Natalia
This green smoothie looks less scary than normal. Perfect for a New Year's detox!
Simple Green Smoothies
YAY!! Happy blendin', Natalia!
Krystal L Harrison
Love It! My first green smoothie I ever made. I didn't think I would like it because I'm very picky but I did. This will help me out a lot with my Chron's disease.
Stephanie Godwin-Chu
Chron's disease flare l ups are awful! I use lemon a lot to help ease my stomach when I'm not feeling well. This recipe is perfect for easing bloat and stomach cramps. Love it!