What we eat greatly determines how our bodies function; hence detoxifying foods have to form an integral part of our diet. There are so many foods that can help us achieve this ultimate goal of cleansing our bodies, and they are mainly categorised into fruits, vegetables, grains and starches, nuts and seeds and beverages
Let's sample the best three from each category.
Fruits
Under this category of detox foods, Cranberries, Apples and Goji berries top the list. They all have one thing in common; they are citrus fruits. It has been noted that Vitamin C that happens to be present in all the three fruits is a very strong antioxidant. They have been shown to prevent kidney infections, urinary tract problems, and confer antimicrobial effect to the body. For instance, cranberries contain hippuric acid which prevents infections by E.coli. Apples on the other hand contain a high pectin concentration, which helps as a heavy metal antioxidant. Goji berries have also been proven to have a high antioxidant capability hence protect the body from diseases.
Vegetables
Of all foods, vegetables (especially the green leafy ones) are the most effective in detoxification of the body. Here, the most recommended are Artichokes, Broccoli and Asparagus. Artichokes are great detox foods as they increase the production of bile, hence protecting the liver and have a diuretic effect on the kidneys. Broccoli sprouts contain glucoraphanin, which when converted to Sulphoraphane in the body, enhances the activity of the liver enzymes hence detoxifying free radicals (toxic substances that lead to the development of cancer). Asparagus is a detox food that confers a diuretic effect on the body hence function in kidney detox, at the same time, help in maintaining the normal intestinal micro biota.
Grains and starches
The recommended Grains that assist in detox are Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole millet. Grains are considered wonderful detox food as they are high in fibre hence facilitating the excretory process and in the process, prevent colon cancer. Grains also have a low glycemic effect which leads to a controlled insulin release hence they form an integral part of the diet of diabetic individuals.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts form an important part of detox foods. There is an assortment of nuts to choose from, such as walnuts, cashew nuts, almonds, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. Sesame seeds for instance are well known for their function in protecting the liver from the effects of alcohol. Walnuts are highly recommended for their Omega-3 oils content, which prevents colon cancer by lubricating the intestinal walls; hence preventing absorption of toxins. Nuts and seed are one of the best detox foods as they are easily eaten as snacks.
Beverages
We spend most of our times taking beverages but how many times do we question their importance to our bodies? The beverages we take often, such as coffee, tea and fizzy drinks are far from helpful to us. Nutritionists recommend the intake of green tea, freshly squeezed unsweetened fruit juice and lemon water.
Green tea is a highly acclaimed detox food as it not only washes out the toxins through its water content, but also adds catechins into our bodies, which enhances the functioning of the liver. Unsweetened fruit juices confer the same antioxidant effect as the whole fruits and their nutritive effect can be enhanced by making a cocktail of more than one fruit. Lemon water has for many years been used as a remedy for stomach upsets and it enhances the digestion of fatty foods by.
It is quite evident that the choice of a healthier body lies in our hands. Detox foods are the simplest way to achieving this ultimate goal.