36 Foods That Help Detox and
Cleanse Your Entire Body HOT
Practiced for
thousands of years by cultures around the world-- detoxification is about
resting, cleansing and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and
eliminating toxins, then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, detoxifying
can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum
health. These foods will assist in boosting your metabolism, optimizing
digestion, while allowing you to lose weight and fortify your immune system.
1.
ARTICHOKES
Artichokes help the liver function at its best, which in turn
will help your body purge itself of toxins and other things it doesn’t need to
survive. It ups the liver’s production of bile, and since bile helps break down
foods which helps your body use the nutrients inside them, an increase in bile
production is typically a good thing.
2. APPLES
Apples are full of
wonderful nutrients. You get fibre, vitamins, minerals and many beneficial
phytochemicals such as D-Glucarate, flavonoids and terpenoids. All of these
substances are used in the detox process. One flavonoid, Phlorizidin
(phlorizin), is thought to help stimulate bile production which helps with
detox as the liver gets rid of some toxins through the bile. Apples are also a
good source of the soluble fibre pectin, which can help detox metals and food
additives from your body. It's best to eat only organic apples as
the non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods that have been found to
contain the most pesticide residues. Organically produced apples also have
a 15 percent
higher antioxidant capacity than conventionally produced
apples.
3. ALMONDS
Almonds are the
best nut source of Vitamin E. In fact, just one ounce contains 7.3 mg of "alpha-tocopherol"
vitamin E, the form of the vitamin the body prefers. They're also high in
fiber, calcium, magnesium, and useable protein that helps stabilize blood sugar
and remove impurities from the bowels.
4. ASPARAGUS
Not only does
asparagus help to detoxify the body, it can help you wage the anti-aging
battle, protect you from getting cancer, help your heart to stay healthy, and
is a general anti-inflammatory food. It’s also known to help with liver
drainage, which might sound like a bad thing, but since the liver is
responsible for filtering out the toxic materials in the food and drinks we
consume, anything that backs up its drainage is not doing you any favors.
Asparagus also helps reduce risk of
death from breast cancer and increase the odds of survival.
5.
AVOCADOS
This wonder fruit is packed with antioxidants, lowers cholesterol
and dilates the blood vessels while blocking artery-destroying toxicity.
Avocados contain a nutrient called glutathione, which blocks at least 30
different carcinogens while helping the liver detoxify synthetic chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that elderly people who had
high levels of glutathione were healthier and less likely to suffer from
arthritis. Consuming
avocados is associated with better diet quality and nutrient intake level,
lower intake of added sugars, lower body weight, BMI and waist circumferences,
higher “good cholesterol” levels and lower metabolic syndrome risk.
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6. BASIL
Basil has
anti-bacterial properties, and it’s full of antioxidants to protect the liver.
The active ingredients are terpenoids. It is also wonderful for digestion and
detoxification, too. It supports the functioning of the kidneys and also acts
as a diuretic to help the body expel unwanted toxins. Basil has been known to
have anti-ulcer qualities
as well as antimicrobial effects that guard against bacteria, yeast, fungi and
mold. Basil seed can also help with constipation. The anticancer
properties of basil may also relate to its ability to
influence viral infections.
7. BEETS
A single
serving of beets can do more for your health than most foods in the produce
isle. Not only can they boost your
energy and lower your blood pressure, but eating beets in the
long-term can help you fight cancer, reduce arthritic pain, boost your brain
as well as help you lose weight. Beets contain a unique mixture of natural
plant chemicals (phytochemicals) and minerals that make them superb fighters
of infection, blood purifiers, and liver cleansers. They also help boost the
body’s cellular intake of oxygen, making beets excellent overall body
cleansers. When you’re detoxing, beets will help by making sure that the
toxins you’re getting out actually make it out of your body. Many detox
cleanses go wrong when toxins are reintroduced to the body because they don’t
make it all the way out.
8. BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries
contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the tissue-damaging effects of
chronic inflammation, while lessening pain. Just 300 grams of
blueberries protects against DNA damage. Blueberries also act
as antibiotics by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract, thereby helping to
prevent infections. They have antiviral properties and are loaded with
super-detoxifying phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins.
9. BRAZIL NUTS
These tasty
treats are packed with selenium, which is key to flushing mercury out of your
body. The body uses selenium to make ‘selenoproteins’, which work like
antioxidants preventing damage to cells and there is growing body of evidence
to show it has a key role in our health. The consumption of brazil nuts has
been found to be inversely
associated with risk of pancreatic cancer, independent of other
potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
10. BROCCOLI
Broccoli
specifically works with the enzymes in your liver to turn toxins into
something your body can eliminate easily. If you’re stuck for ways on how to
make broccoli taste better try dehydrating or consider eating it raw. But
don’t microwave it as this destroys both the nutritional and detox potential.
Broccoli contains a very powerful
anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-microbial called sulforaphane which
helps prevent cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and allergies.
11. BROCCOLI
SPROUTS
Broccoli
sprouts can actually provide more benefit than regular broccoli as they
contain 20 times more sulfurophane. They contain important phytochemicals that
are released when they're chopped, chewed, fermented, or digested. The
substances are released then break down into sulfurophanes, indole-3-carbinol
and D-glucarate, which all have a specific effect on detoxification. Add these
to your salads and get creative with them in your meals. Researchers have
found that an oral preparation made from broccoli
sprouts trigger an increase in inflammation-fighting enzymes in
the upper airways.
12. CABBAGE
In addition to
cleansing your liver, cabbage will also aid in helping you go to the bathroom,
which in turn helps you expel the toxins, getting them out of your system so
you can start fresh. It contains sulfur, which is essential when it comes to
breaking down chemicals and removing them from your body. Along with other
cole crops, cabbage is a source ofindole-3-carbinol,
a chemical that boosts DNA repair in cells and appears to block the
growth of cancer cells.
13. CILANTRO
Cilantro, also
known as coriander, Chinese parsley or dhania, contains an abundance of
antioxidants. Cilantro helps mobilize mercury and other metals
out of the tissue so it can attach to it other compounds and allow it to be
excreted from the body. It also contains an antibacterial compound called
dodecenal, which laboratory tests showed is twice as effective as the commonly
used antibiotic drug gentamicin at killing Salmonella.
14. CINNAMON
The oils from
cinnamon contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate,
and cinnamyl alcohol. Cinnamaldehyde has been well-researched for its effects
on blood platelets helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood cells. Cinnamon's
essential oils also qualify it as an "anti-microbial" food, and
cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria
as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. Cinnamon's
antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates
this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. It
has one of the highest
antioxidant values of all foods and its use in medicine
treats everything from nausea to menstruation and energy to diabetes.
15. CRANBERRIES
While they are
more popular as fruits that help prevent urinary tract infections, cranberries
are antibacterial and are known to remove many different toxins from your
body. Cranberries feature a rich profile of anti-inflammatory nutrients,
provide immune and cardiovascular support, as well as promote digestive
health. Consuming cranberry products has beenassociated with
prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for over 100
years.
16. DANDELIONS
Dandelions are
considered a powerhouse food full of nutrients that are essential for anyone
regularly eating processed foods. Dandelion root (taraxacum officinale) is
known to act on the liver and pancreas bystraining and
filtering toxins & wastes from the bloodstream and its
beneficial effects on liver complaints have been well documented by both Asian
practitioners and American physicians. They're a rich source of minerals and
provide a variety of phytonutrients. They're super antioxidants that support
cleansing of the digestive tract. Try adding dandelion leaves to your salad.
17. FENNEL
The fennel bulb
is high in fiber may also be useful in preventing colon cancer. In addition to
its fiber, fennel is a very good source of folate, a B vitamin that is
necessary for the conversion of a dangerous molecule called homocysteine into
other, benign molecules. The vitamin C found in fennel bulb is directly
antimicrobial and is also needed for the proper function of the immune
system.
18. FLAXSEEDS
When
detoxifying your body, it's essential to ensure toxins are eliminated
properly. Ground flaxseeds provide a wonderful source of fibre that helps to
bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract. They're also a great source
of health promoting omega 3 oils. Try consuming two tablespoons of ground
flaxseeds in lemon water every morning. University of Copenhagen
researchers report that
flax fiber suppresses appetite and helps support weight loss.
Men should be cautious when consuming flax as the lignans are similar to the
female hormone estrogen as can cause problems for some men.
19. GARLIC
Many detox
diets list garlic as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The reason is that garlic
boosts the immune system as well as helping out the liver. One good thing
about garlic is that you can up your intake without having to worry if your
body is going to get used to it or build up a resistance. Sulfur is found in
high quantities in garlic -- which makes it a good detox food and its
antibiotic properties heal your body. Garlic is proven to be
100 times more effective than antibiotics and working in a
fraction of the time.
20. GINGER
Along side
turmeric, ginger is one
of the world's most potent disease-fighting spices. Ginger
spikes your metabolism, flushes out waste, is thought to help liver function,
and has some astringent properties. Some detox diets ask you to chew on ginger
root. You may also find that adding it to hot water makes the water taste
better. Basically any way you can think of it get it into your system is going
to be beneficial, especially if you’re suffering from a fatty liver caused by
too much alcohol, or too many toxic foods and drinks.
21. GOJI
BERRIES
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Replace raisins
with nutrient-dense Goji berries to boost your vitamin C and beta-carotene
intake. Gram for gram, goji berries pack more vitamin C than oranges and
more beta-carotene than carrots. Vitamin C can help remove waste from your
body, while beta-carotene improves liver performance.
22. GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruits can
prevent weight gain, treat diabetes, lower cholesterol, fight cancer, heal
stomach ulcers, reduce gum disease and even keep stroke and metabolic syndrome
at bay. Grapefruits can treat
disease as well as pharmaceuticals without the side effects. The
rich pink and red colors of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid
phytonutrient. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest
capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can
damage cells. The big takeaway on grapefruit is that it gets your liver fired
up and ready for action, while infusing the rest of your organs with
nutrient-laden fruit juice.
23. GREEN TEA
Green tea is
often thought of as a great addition to any detox program because of its high
antioxidant value. It is the least processed tea and thus provides the most
antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate
(EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits
linked to green tea. According to 17 clinical trials, green tea is
linked with significantly lower blood sugar.
24. HEMP
Hemp might just
be one of nature’s most perfect foods since it is full of antioxidants like
Vitamins E and C, as well as chlorophyll which is wonderful for cleansing the
body from toxins of all kinds, including heavy metals. The soluble and
insoluble fiber in hemp can also keep the digestive tract clean and therefore,
reduce the toxic burden on other internal organs. Hemp could free us from
oil, prevent deforestation, cure cancer and it's environmentally friendly.
25. KALE
Kale is now
recognized as providing comprehensive support for the body's detoxification
system. New research has shown that the ITCs made from kale's glucosinolates
can help regulate detox at a genetic level. This vegetable is so good for you
that it is often recommended to patients that are following a doctor
recommended diet when fighting kidney disease. It’s packed with so many
antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties as well, not to mention all
of the vitamins and minerals it contains. Leafy greens are likely the number one food
you can eat to regularly help improve your health. They're
filled with fiber along with crucial vitamins, minerals, and plant-based
phytochemicals that may help protect you from almost every disease known.
26. LEMONGRASS
This is an herb
that is used in Thailand and other parts of the world as a natural way to
cleanse several organs at once. It not only helps the liver but also the
kidneys, the bladder, and the entire digestive tract. Benefits of using it in
your cooking, or drinking it as a tea include a better complexion, better
circulation, and better digestion. It is most often used as a tea in the world
of detoxing, and there are several recipes you can try until you find one that
suits your tastes best.
27. LEMONS
This wonderful
fruit stimulates the release of enzymes and helps convert toxins into a
water-soluble form that can be easily excreted from the body. In addition, they
contain high amounts of vitamin C, a vitamin needed by the body to make
glutathione. Glutathione helps ensure that phase 2 liver detoxification keeps
pace with phase 1, thereby reducing the likelihood of negative effects from
environmental chemicals. Drinking lemon water, which is alkaline-forming, first
thing in the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we've
consumed. They also have an incredible effect in detoxing the liver. Fresh
lemon juice contains more than 20 anti-cancer compounds and helps balance the
body’s pH levels. Here are 45 uses for
lemons that will blow your socks off.
28. OLIVE OIL
Some liver
cleanses out there call for olive oil mixed with fruit juice in order to
trigger your liver to expunge its gallstones. But aside from that olive oil
should be your go-to oil when you’re trying to detox the body. That’s because
it has a lot of healthy properties, and makes for a better choice of fat than
most of your other options. Just be sure not to cook with it at high heat. Use
it as a salad dressing to help things like dark leafy greens go down. Your best
choice is always ice-pressed
olive oil, but if you can find a very high quality cold-pressed
olive oil, although not as nutritious, it will suffice provided the quality is
high and not adulterated.
29. ONIONS
This ubiquitous
kitchen staple is as healthy as it is tasty. It’s brimming with sulfur-containing
amino acids, which efficiently detox the liver. Raw onions deliver the most
health benefits. Even a small amount of "overpeeling" can result in
unwanted loss of flavonoids. For example, a red onion can lose about 20% of its
quercetin and almost 75% of its anthocyanins if it is
"overpeeled". Onions will soak
up arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and tin in contaminated foods.
The total polyphenol content of onion is not only higher than its fellow allium
vegetables, garlic and leeks, but also higher than tomatoes, carrots, and red
bell pepper. Onions have been shown to inhibit the activity of macrophages,
specialized white blood cells that play a key role in our body's immune defense
system, and one of their defense activities involves the triggering of
large-scale inflammatory responses.
30. PARSLEY
Those pretty
green leaves don’t just make your plate look great. Parsley boasts plenty of
beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and K to protect your kidneys and bladder.
Diuretic herbs such as parsley prevent problems
such as kidney stones and bladder infections and keep our
body's plumbing running smoothly by causing it to produce more urine. They also
relieve bloating during menstruation. The flavonoids in parsley--especially
luteolin--have been shown to function as antioxidants that combine with highly
reactive oxygen-containing molecules (called oxygen radicals) and help prevent
oxygen-based damage to cells. In addition, extracts from parsley have been used
in animal studies to help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.
31. PINEAPPLES
This tropical
delight contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps cleanse your colon
and improve digestion. Excessive inflammation, excessive coagulation of the
blood, and certain types of tumor growth may all be reduced by bromelain. Two
molecules isolated from an extract of crushed pineapple stems have even shown promise in
fighting cancer growth.
32. SEAWEED
Seaweed may be
the most underrated vegetable in the Western world. Studies at McGill
University in Montreal showed that seaweeds bind to radioactive waste in the
body so it can be removed. Radioactive waste can find its way into the body
through some medical tests or through food that has been grown where water or
soil is contaminated. Seaweed also binds to heavy metals to help eliminate them
from the body. In addition, it is a powerhouse of minerals and trace minerals.
Seaweed extracts can help you
lose weight, mostly body fat.
33. SESAME SEEDS
Sesame seeds'
phytosterols have beneficial effects which are so dramatic that they have been
extracted from many foods and added to processed foods, such as
"butter"-replacement spreads, which are then touted as
cholesterol-lowering "foods." But why settle for an imitation
"butter" when Mother Nature's nuts and seeds are a naturally rich source
of phytosterols--and cardio-protective fiber, minerals and healthy fats as
well? Sesame seeds contain minerals important in a number of antiinflammatory
and antioxidant enzyme systems. Sesame representsone of the top
10 healthiest seeds on Earth.
34. TURMERIC
Curcumin is the
active ingredient in the spice turmeric, which gives it its yellow color. The
rate at which your detox pathways function depends on your genes, your age,
lifestyle and a good supply of nutrients involved in the detox process.
Curcumin is used a lot in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive
disorders. Turmeric has specifically been studied in relation to the positive effect
that it has on the liver. As a high antioxidant spice, turmeric protects the
body and prevents disease more effectively than drug based treatments and
without the side effects.
35. WATERCRESS
Give your liver
a big boost with cleansing action of watercress. If you’re into making
smoothies for your detoxing this is a great one to blend up and drink down. This
helps to release enzymes in the liver that clean it out and help rid it of
toxic buildup. Eating
watercress every day helps prevent breast cancer.
36. WHEATGRASS
Wheatgrass
restores alkalinity to the blood. The juice’s abundance of alkaline minerals
helps reduce over-acidity in the blood and thus also Is a powerful detoxifier,
and liver protector. It increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood
pressure. It also cleanses the organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris.
Wheatgrass stimulates the metabolism and the body’s enzyme systems by enriching
the blood. It also aids in reducing blood pressure by dilating the blood
pathways throughout the body. Pound for pound, wheatgrass is
more than twenty times denser in nutrients than other choice vegetables.
Nutritionally, wheatgrass is a complete food that contains 98 of the 102 earth
elements.
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