For the dedicated few, the summer months means a time for showing off their hard work from the long hours spent in the gym and following a dedicated healthy eating plan.

But for many others, summer involves trepidation and a realisation they are nowhere near their goal weight.

This is where many crash diets, quick fix cures and cleanses come into play.

Much is spoken about the dangers of crash diets as most of the weight lost during this process is often put back on and then some.

Cleanses too remain a controversial subject with some praising their benefits and others shunning them.

One such cleanse, which grew in popularity when Beyoncé announced being a fan of it, is the Master Cleanse Diet and with a weight loss of up to 10 pounds in 10 days what is it and is it really healthy?

What is the Master Cleanse?

The Master Cleanse diet is a liquid diet used to detoxify the body and promote weight loss.

It was originally intended to treat ulcers and act as a detox.

The Master Cleanse Diet claims to help the body become healthier and more energised.

Queen Bey followed the cleanse to help her lose weight for her role in Dreamgirls, which helped her to lose a whopping 20 pounds in two weeks.

Throughout the cleanse, toxins will naturally be removed from the body and weight will subsequently be lost.

What’s involved in the Master Cleanse Diet

The diet consists of drinking liquids only and cutting out solid foods entirely for 10 days – an extreme form of fasting.

Dieters make up a special lemonade to help keep them energised while fasting.

The drink is made with:

• Two tablespoons (30 grams) fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
• Two tablespoons (40 grams) pure maple syrup.
• 1/10 teaspoon (0.2 grams) cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
• 200 to 340 grams of purified or spring water.

Is the Master Cleanse Diet safe?

Lifesum's nutritionist Signe Svanfeldt spoke exclusively with the Daily Star to discuss this cleanse’s health benefits or risk in more detail.

When asked why such a rapid weight loss occurs with this diet, Signe answered: “Being on an energy deficit (which means that you eat less energy than you burn) will make you lose weight, no matter where the energy comes from.

“If you skip all or several meals and instead only drink water with some maple syrup, lemon juice, ginger and cayenne pepper – you will likely be on an energy deficit, which explains the weight loss.

“Our bodies require energy and nutrients to function, and ensuring we get a sufficient amount of all of the nutrients and energy needed is vital for optimal wellbeing.”

She further explained how replacing meals with these sorts of drinks can lead to you not getting enough nutrients and energy.

“Long term, this could lead to fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, hair loss and weak bones,” she warned.

“Short term, skipping meals, and instead drinking this will also make you hungry, which can lead to overeating.

“Instead, aim to have regular balanced and varied meals.”

Instead, people wishing to lose weight would do better to opt for diets that are less restrictive, varied and balanced.

“Include more vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean protein, nuts and seeds is key to optimal wellbeing – both short and long term,” Signe added.

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