Recently
overindulged? 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 energized, improve
your complexion or boost your mood, check out these top 10 foods to
cleanse your body and boost your health.
1. 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,
benefiting the immune system. Try starting your day with hot water and a
slice of lemon to help flush out toxins and cleanse your system.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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,
globe artichoke is renowned for its ability to stimulate and improve
the functions of the liver - the body's main toxin-fighting tool.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Source: http://ph.she.yahoo.com/
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