Our environment and the things we consume are full of toxins. In this day and age, people are always looking for ways to cleanse their bodies from the inside out. It’s therefore no surprise that many companies offer regimes or products that claim to flush toxins out of the body. However, our bodies are actually inherently equipped to detoxify and eliminate waste products thanks to our livers, kidneys, and lymphatic system. There are certain foods, though, that help nutritionally support these organs, enabling them to efficiently rid the body of toxins. Foods that are rich in antioxidants are particularly helpful in helping the body neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Here are 10 “detox foods” that help support your body’s natural processes.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussel sprouts are rich in compounds such as indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane. Indole-3-carbinol helps support hormonal balance in the body by assisting in excess estrogen metabolism. Sulforaphane is known to enhance enzyme activity in the liver, which helps eliminate toxins. Cruciferous vegetables are also rich in fiber which assist in binding and removing waste products in the digestive process. They also contain compounds called glucosinolates which enhance the detox pathways of your liver.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as chard, kale, and spinach are rich in a pigment called chlorophyll. This pigment has anti-inflammatory properties that may enhance your liver’s ability to get rid of toxins. They are also full of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help enhance your body’s natural detoxification pathways. Leafy greens also contain a high amount of magnesium which supports over 300 enzymatic bodily processes, aiding in cellular detoxification.
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Citrus Fruit
Citrus fruit such as grapefruits, oranges, limes, and lemons are great sources of flavonoids and vitamin C. Flavonoids are known to reduce inflammation in the body and support liver detoxification, while vitamin C supports the immune system. Citrus fruits also enhance digestive enzyme production that assist in the breakdown and elimination of harmful toxins. Additionally, the citric acid content in limes and lemons can help prevent the development of kidney stones.
Garlic and Onions
Onions and garlicare also detox foods and both contain sulfur compounds such as allicin. These compounds may increase the production of powerful antioxidants, known as glutathione. This antioxidant may help protect cells from free radical damage and help your liver remove toxins. Onions also contain prebiotics that further support toxic elimination by feeding good gut bacteria. Garlic has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help protect the immune system against infection.
Berries
Not only are berries absolutely delicious, but they are also full of oxidative-stress fighting antioxidants such as anthocyanins. Berries are also high in fibre, which helps promote regular movements, ensuring efficient toxin elimination from the digestive tract. They also help support optimal brain health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the neural pathways. Additionally, they also contain polyphenols that enhance the diversity of your gut microbiome.
Beets
Beets are full of nutrients and antioxidants that help support your liver’s detoxification process. Beets also contain betalains – unique pigments that contain nitrogen which assist in the reduction of liver inflammation and oxidative stress. They also stimulate nitric oxide production, which assist in reducing your blood pressure and improving your heart health. Additionally, eating beets also supports blood circulation, which helps ensure that nutrients and oxygen are efficiently transported throughout the body.
Artichokes
Artichokes are enriched with fiber, folate, vitamin C, and antioxidants and therefore regarded as great detox foods. This helps support the liver by boosting the production of bile. This is essential for fats to be digested and absorbed and for toxins to be eliminated. Artichokes also contain a compound called cynarin, which helps stimulate digestive juices, thus aiding in the absorption of nutrients and the detoxification process. They also have a high fiber content which helps contribute to the health of your gut.
Ginger
Ginger is full of antioxidants that help protect against free radicals. It can also reduce bloating, aid digestion, and support the detoxification process. The active compound in ginger is called gingerol and it has significant anti-inflammatory effects that help lower oxidative stress in the liver. Eating ginger will also help support circulation, which ensures that the nutrients reach the cells more effectively and assist in toxin removal.
Green Tea
Drinking antioxidant-rich green tea helps enhance liver function while protecting it from diseases. Green tea contains catechins which assist in the breakdown of harmful chemicals and improve metabolism. Green tea also contains L-theanine, which may indirectly support detoxification processed by reducing stress. Drinking green tea regularly can help boost your body’s natural detox processes as well as provide other health benefits.
Apples
Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Maybe it’s because these detox foods contain a type of fiber called pectin, which can bind to heavy metals and help eliminate them from the body. The polyphenols in apples can also help fight inflammation and protect your cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, apples contain an oxidant called quercetin that helps support your immune system and reduces the symptoms of allergies.
Read More: Do Detox Diets and Cleanses Really Work?