Some Detox Foods For Optimal Health
Lemon
Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there is a good reason for this. Firstly, lemons are packed with antioxidant vitamin C, which is great for the skin and for fighting disease-forming free radicals. Furthermore, the citrus fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, meaning that it can help restore the body’s pH balance, benefitting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.
Ginger
If too much fatty food or alcohol has caused problems for your digestive system, it may be worthwhile to add some ginger to your diet. Ginger is not only great for reducing feelings of nausea, but it can help improve digestion, beat bloating and reduce gas. In addition to this, ginger is high in antioxidants and is good for boosting the immune system. To give your digestion a helping hand, try sipping on ginger tea or adding some freshly grated ginger to a fruit or vegetable juice.
Garlic
Garlic has long been known for its heart benefits, however, pungent food is also good at detoxifying the body. Garlic is not only antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, but it contains a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells and helps fight against toxins. Garlic is best eaten raw, so add some crushed garlic to a salad dressing to boost its flavor and your health at the same time.
Artichoke
If you have recently been overindulging in fatty foods and alcohol, adding some steamed globe artichoke leaves to your meals is a great way to help get your body back on track. Globe artichokes are packed with antioxidants and fiber and can also help the body digest fatty foods. On top of this, the globe artichoke is renowned for its ability to stimulate and improve the functions of the liver – the body’s main toxin-fighting tool.
Beetroot
For those needing a quick health-boosting shot of nutrients, you can’t do much better than beetroot. Packed with magnesium, iron, and vitamin C, the vegetable has recently been hailed as a superfood due to its many reported health benefits. Not only is beetroot great for skin, hair and cholesterol levels, but it can also help support liver detoxification, making it an ultimate detox food. To enjoy its benefits, try adding raw beetroot to salads or sipping on some beetroot juice.
Green tea
While it’s not technically a food, no detox plan would be complete without regular consumption of essential liquids. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, and drinking green tea is a great way of boosting your intake. Green tea is not only a good weight-loss drink, but it is extremely high in antioxidants. Research has also suggested that drinking green tea can protect the liver from diseases including fatty liver disease.
Cabbage
Cabbage is not only good for weight loss, it is also an excellent detoxifying food. Like most cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli and sprouts), cabbage contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which helps the body fight against toxins. Cabbage also supplies the body with glutathione; an antioxidant that helps improve the detoxifying function of the liver.
Fresh fruit
Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber and are also low in calories, making them an important part of a detox diet. If you’re after brighter eyes and skin, shinier hair and improved digestion, try boosting your intake of fruit and eating from a wide variety of different kinds. The good news is fruit is easy to add to your diet, so try starting your day with a fresh fruit salad or smoothie and snacking on pieces of fruit throughout the day.
Brown rice
If you want to cleanse your system and boost your health, it is a good idea to cut down on processed foods. Instead, try supplementing your diet with healthier whole grains such as brown rice, which is rich in many key detoxifying nutrients including B vitamins, magnesium, manganese and phosphorous. Brown rice is also high in fiber, which is good for cleansing the colon and rich in selenium, which can help to protect the liver as well as improving the complexion.
Watercress
Like most green herbs and vegetables, watercress is an excellent health booster and detox food. Firstly, watercress leaves are packed with many vital detoxifying nutrients, including several B vitamins, zinc, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin C. Secondly, watercress has natural diuretic properties, which can help to flush toxins out of the body. To reap the benefits of this nutritious food, try adding a handful of watercress to salads, soups and sandwiches.
Cilantro
Not that you need a reason to eat delicious tacos but one of the classic toppings can help you detox. Cilantro is very cleansing for the system as it binds to heavy metal toxins and helps expel them from the body.
Turmeric
Eating yellow foods can be a great way to support your body in getting rid of toxins. Enter turmeric. This mellow yellow spice, popular in Thai and Indian cuisines, is chock full of antioxidants, reducing inflammation in the body and supporting healthy digestion, making it a powerful detoxing agent.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Because Turkey Tail mushrooms help protect the liver, many herbalists believe that taking a supplement containing Turkey Tail can be more effective for liver support than any pre-packaged cleanse or detox kit on the market.
ZESTY DETOX SALAD-Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch cilantro, chopped (about 1 cup tightly packed)
1 bunch watercress, chopped (about 1 cup tightly packed)
2 cups microgreens (about 3 ounces)
2 small or 1 large head of broccoli, finely chopped
2 small of 1 large beet, cut into ½-inch cubes
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp fresh ginger root, grated
1 tsp raw honey
1 avocado, cubed
sesame sprinkle and himalayan salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine the cilantro, watercress, microgreens, broccoli, and beets in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Place the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and honey in a blender and blend for 30 seconds or until fully combined.
Toss the dressing with the salad and top with the cubed avocado and season with sesame seeds and salt.