What you eat gets directly reflected in your health. Healthy food consumption is the best way to attain wellness.
However our instincts cannot simply surpass the craving for some cheesy pizza, yummy peri-peri fries, or the Big Macs that come our way.
Our lifestyle choices apart from our food habits have a lot of negative effects on our bodies. Fortunately, mother nature offers ample natural foods that restore healthy functioning by thoroughly detoxifying our system.
Here is a list of 12 superfoods you can bank on for regular cleansing –
1) Lemons
Every weight loss recipe would ask you to drink lemon water first thing in the morning. The reason is that lemon is a magical ingredient when it comes to detoxification.
It is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants as it activates ascorbate peroxide which is an antioxidant enzyme.
The citric acid in lemon helps stimulate stomach acid production which enhances the process of digestion and helps to remove toxins from our body.
Apart from making a morning drink, lemon can be added as a flavoring ingredient to your everyday cocktails and smoothies. It can be used as a salad dressing too.
2) Garlic and Onion
The right way to fight free radicals released by toxins in our body is by consuming garlic. Although this isn’t a favorite ingredient for many, the detox effects of garlic on our bodies are amazing.
It is rich in sulfur and allicin which has antimicrobial benefits, thus helping in removing toxins from the liver. Onion also has a similar effect which by stimulating glutathione, improves our immunity.
So the next time you cringe from its pungent smell, remember your body loves it and maybe you should too.
3) Fennel
With a rich profile of vitamins and minerals, fennel is very effective in cleansing the system.
Like lemon, a warm glass of water with fennel seeds work wonders to detoxify. In fact, you can leave fennel seeds in water overnight and drink it the next morning for maximum benefits.
Fennel is low in calories and rich in fiber. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
4) Turmeric
A superfood that has been an integral part of Ayurveda, turmeric, has various health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties are extremely effective in eliminating metal toxins from the body.
It contains an ingredient called curcumin which is rich in antioxidants. Turmeric is extensively used in making food and curries. You can even add it to your smoothies or sprinkle on fruit salads.
A glass of warm milk with turmeric is the most common remedy suggested by Indian mothers when suffering from body aches.
Turmeric can also be added to coconut milk together with grated ginger and pinch of black pepper, which makes it extremely appetizing for a drink.
5) Egg
Eggs is rich in sulfur and glutathione. It aids in proper functioning of liver and detoxification process.
An egg is high in proteins that contribute massively to proteins’ daily required intake.
The most important point to remember here is to be careful to shop only for organic eggs as farm-grown products may be injected with artificial hormones and antibiotics.
6) Wild Salmon
Fish, especially salmon is the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids which reduces inflammation in your body, thereby enhancing immunity. With a good concentration of proteins, it also helps to protect from cardiovascular diseases.
The omega-3 presence helps to detox your body and build resistance against common ailments.
Although Cod liver oil could be used as an alternative, having Salmon directly is more beneficial. Not only it helps to purify the blood, but it also boosts blood flow to vital organs too.
7) Banana
Banana is perhaps the most complete food of all. Highly nutrient, it contains a good amount of dietary fiber.
Because of added fiber, it creates bulk to stool and relieves constipation. In the process, harmful toxins are also released from the body.
Banana is rich in potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It must always be included in your daily diet.
8) Blackberries
Blackberries are like antioxidants in a bowl and are a great source of fiber. They contain ghrelin, a hormone that controls hunger.
This means binge eating is kept at bay, helping the body to purify and remain good in terms of weight.
You can add blackberries to your favorite smoothies and juices too.
9) Artichokes
Have you ever tried Artichokes? These are extremely beneficial for heart, diabetes, bones, and liver.
A daily serving of salad with artichokes goes a long way in removing waste from your body.
They add fiber to your diet and keep you in shape.
10) Sweet potatoes
Regular detoxification is a means of radiant skin. Including sweet potatoes to your diet adds to it.
The carotenoids present in sweet potatoes will leave you with sun-kissed complexion and glow that you always craved for.
11) Tea
Green tea is the best source of antioxidants, even higher than black, white, or oolong tea. A cup every day is a natural way of cleansing the body.
Green tea controls bloating and reduces water retention. It also adds to your energy levels which helps you to stay active throughout the day.
Try replacing your regular tea with Green over a few weeks and see the difference.
12) Kale and Broccoli
Fresh green vegetables play an important role in keeping our body healthy and energetic.
These are rich sources of glutathione which essentially detoxifies your liver as well as gut due to the rich presence of insoluble fiber.
While kale and broccoli may not be your first choice for a salad, their health side is tempting enough to bring them to your plate.
Did you know Broccoli is a veggie with NRF2-dependent elements? It is one of the best foods for the lung and respiratory system as it keeps nasopharynx and trachea in good condition.
Final Words –
Detoxification doesn’t essentially require you to go through a rigorous routine. Rather a clean and well-planned diet is sufficient.
Refrain from eating junk and foods that stay in our system for long. As long as we are able to churn the wheel, we’ll stay fit and fine. Rest assured!
-
Sanya
- August 4, 2018
