Time to detoxify!
When you feel good, you automatically look good. And with summer around the corner and swimsuit season on the horizon, I was tempted to share some detoxifying foods compiled by reviewing multiple health websites and magazines.
Most of us are aware of these foods but it doesn't hurt to get a quick reminder.
By incorporating these in your diet, you can increase energy, improve digestion and also lose weight!
Top 10 Detoxifying Foods
1. Lemons
Lemon juice contains a number of alkalizing minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is also rich in vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant that supports your immune system. Lemon juice is great for a detox because it stimulates bile production in your liver, helping your body to remove toxins more efficiently.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries rate very highly in antioxidant activity compared to other fruit. They contain potent antioxidants, named anthocyanins, that gives them that beautiful blue color. The anthocyanins protect your body from free radicals in your bloodstream, and can help your immune system to fight off serious diseases. Blueberries also help to stabilize blood glucose levels and can reduce belly fat.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic. The vital sulphuric compounds garlic contains makes it an essential detoxifier.
4. Green Tea
Packed full of antioxidants, green tea not only washes toxins out of the system through its liquid content, but also contains a special type of antioxidant called catechins, known to increase liver function.
5. Flaxseed
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.
6. Red Beets
Beets are full of vitamins B3, B6, C and beta-carotene. They're also a valuable source of iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium -- all necessary to promote optimal detoxification and elimination.
7. 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.
8. Quinoa
This simple seed is a complete protein, and also boasts high calcium and lysine contents.
9. Green, Leafy Vegetables
Lightly diuretic, leafy greens, especially watercress and arugula, work with the liver to flush out toxins while their rich mineral content keeps you strong.
10. Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli contains important phytochemicals that are released when they're chopped, chewed, fermented, cooked or digested. The substances are released then break down into sulphorophanes, indole-3-carbinol and D-glucarate, which all have a specific effect on detoxification.
