Add This Nutrient to Your Diet to Fire Up Metabolism and Soothe Your Thyroid
We've got three delicious ways to sip up these health perks.
Chlorophyll is the plant pigment that gives leafy greens their bright hue. For us humans, it helps boost the production of ATP, a compound that helps muscle and brain cells repair and refuel. According to one study, this tames tiredness in 80 percent of women in just five days. A serving of greens delivers that, but you can get a more concentrated dose from liquid chlorophyll (available at health-food stores).
Chlorophyll also binds to cell-damaging toxins and ferries them out of the body. This effect is so powerful that Japanese scientists found that a chlorophyll-rich diet pulls out 50 percent of the toxins in fat cells in five days, instantly shrinking the amount of stored fat and lowering levels of toxins linked to metabolic slowdowns.
As a naturally alkaline nutrient, chlorophyll neutralizes acidic wastes that can damage the thyroid, improving the gland’s ability to maintain a speedy metabolism. The payoff: In one study, subjects on a chlorophyll-rich diet tripled their energy levels and lost 3 pounds per week.
These sweet sips pack a secret serving of greens that fire up metabolism, flush fat, and more!
Mixed Berry Blastoff
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 banana, peeled
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup chopped kale
Puree all ingredients until almost smooth.
Bonus! Anthocyanins in berries boost energy levels by 35 percent.
Tangy Mango Miracle
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped chard
- 1/2 tsp. lime juice
In blender, puree all ingredients until smooth and creamy, about 1 min. If desired, garnish with mango slices and coconut flakes.
Bonus! Polyphenols in mango reduce fine lines and redness.
Cucumber-Mint Mash-Up
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup diced seedless cucumber
- 1 apple, peeled, seeded, diced
- 3 mint leaves
In blender, combine spinach, cucumber, apple, mint and 10 ice cubes. Puree until smooth, about 1 min. Serve immediately.
Bonus! Menthol in mint speeds digestion to ease bloat by 47 percent.
