Recipe: Apple Ginger Lemon Detox
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Servings: 2
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
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2 Large Apples (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
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1 inch Fresh Ginger Root (peeled and roughly chopped)
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1 Whole Lemon (juiced)
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1.5 cups Filtered Water (or Coconut Water for extra electrolytes)
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Optional: A pinch of Cayenne pepper or 1 tsp of Raw Honey
Instructions
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Prep the Produce: Core the apples and chop them into medium chunks. You don’t need to peel them—the skin contains most of the nutrients!
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Blend or Juice: * If using a juicer: Run the apples and ginger through, then stir in the lemon juice and water.
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If using a blender: Combine apples, ginger, lemon juice, and water. Blend on high until completely smooth.
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Strain (Optional): If you blended the mixture and prefer a smooth juice, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a pitcher.
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Serve: Pour over ice and enjoy immediately for maximum nutrient absorption.
Pro-Tips & Notes
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The “Heat” Factor: Ginger can be spicy! If you aren’t used to it, start with a 1/2-inch knob and work your way up.
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Temperature Matters: For a morning metabolic boost, try serving this at room temperature or slightly warmed (don’t boil it, or you’ll destroy the Vitamin C).
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Oxidation: Because of the fresh apple, this drink will brown if left out. The lemon juice helps slow this down, but it’s best consumed within 24 hours.
Benefits
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Digestion: Ginger is a powerhouse for “prokinetic” activity, helping move food through the digestive tract and easing bloating.
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Immune Support: One serving provides a significant hit of Vitamin C from the lemon and apples.
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Hydration: The high water content and potassium from the apples help flush out excess sodium.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: 95 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 24g
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Fiber: 4g (if unstrained)
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Sugar: 17g (natural fructose)
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Vitamin C: ~25% DV
Common Q&A
Q: Can I drink this every day? A: Generally, yes. It’s a whole-food drink. However, due to the acidity of the lemon and apple, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to protect your tooth enamel.
Q: Should I drink this on an empty stomach? A: Many people find it most effective first thing in the morning to “wake up” the digestive system, but it’s just as beneficial as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice? A: You can, but you’ll lose the live enzymes and the bright flavor profile of fresh citrus. If you’re going for a “detox” feel, fresh is definitely king here.