Been overindulging over the holidays? Feeling a bit sluggish? Or just not looking your best? It could be that your body is in need of a detox. Fortunately, there are many foods around that can help counteract the effects of a toxic lifestyle. Whether you want to lose weight, feel more energised, improve your complexion or boost your mood, check out these top 10 foods to cleanse your body and boost your health.
Lemon
Lemons are a staple of many detox diets, and there
is 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 adding 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 the 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 flavour and your health at the same time.
Artichoke
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 fibre and can also help the body digest fatty
foods. On top of this, 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
Many celebs have resorted to the cabbage soup diet to help lose weight and get
in shape quickly before a big event, however 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 fibre= 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 fibre, 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 the body. To reap the benefits of this nutritious
food, try adding a handful of watercress to salads, soups and sandwiches.
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