Give Your System a Boost with These 16 Detox Superfoods
Health is wealth, and the best time to take it seriously is now. If you want to be healthier, the solution is simple: Watch what you eat.
Eating is an essential part of our lives, and our diet can make or break our well-being. Monitoring the specific ingredients and nutrients you consume is an effective way to achieve good health.
If you're about to try a detox routine or want to make a permanent lifestyle change, know which food options will make you feel your best. Here are some options that don't sacrifice taste, and you'd be surprised how many may already be in your kitchen.
1. Yogurt
Packed with gut-friendly probiotics, yogurt helps your body break down food, absorb nutrients, and even kick out toxins.
Pairing yogurt with fresh fruits adds an additional boost of vitamins C and E. Yogurt is a delicious and nutrious way to keep your gut happy and healthy, especially during a detox.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins — components that put the blue in blueberry. More specifically, anthocyanins are the red, purple, and blue tints found in fruits and vegetables. This antioxidant helps prevent inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
Despite their size, blueberries are high in water content, which aids in hydration and helps organs function properly. Their size and bright taste make them easy to consume and combine with other ingredients, especially in desserts.
3. Apples
They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and they can definitely help. Apples are rich in fiber, which removes toxins and regulates digestion. This fruit is filled with antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids that repair cell damage.
Apples also help destroy impurities in your blood because of their malic acid content. With their sweet and tart taste, they are easy to pair with other ingredients like yogurt and oatmeal.
4. Soy
Soy is a powerful, complete protein, which means it has all the essential amino acids your body needs. Protein helps your body make enzymes that cleanse your liver and detoxify.
Soy also has anti-inflammatory benefits that can improve digestion and eliminate waste from your body. It's easy to add to your diet — swap meat for tofu in your stir-fry, grab soy milk for your latte, or munch on some soy nuts for a healthy snack.
5. Avocado
Avocado contains antioxidants like vitamins C, E and glutathione, which play a part in detoxification, tissue repair, and blocking carcinogens. Avocados are high in fiber, too, which helps your digestion and gut health.
Along with their health benefits, avocados have a light, buttery, and nutty taste that's easy to love. You can put it on your morning toast, drink it as a smoothie, or even make homemade guacamole.
6. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric does more for your body than you might expect. Turmeric's main active compound, curcumin, fights inflammation and boosts detoxification. Turmeric even supports your liver through bile production, which lets you flush out toxins.
While turmeric has a unique flavor, some people love it in tea or “golden milk.” Enjoy this ingredient in a way that suits your taste.
7. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a tiny superfood that encourages digestion thanks to its high fiber content. Fiber helps your body absorb and eliminate toxins, while the omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation and keep your detox on track.
Plus, flaxseed is easy to add to your everyday diet — toss it in smoothies, juices, oatmeal, or salads. You can also grind them up and add them to baked goods or soups.
8. Almond Nuts
Almonds are handy snacks abundant in fiber and vitamin E, which naturally help your body get rid of toxins. The fat content in nuts also reinforces liver health while promoting digestion.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy almonds. You can enjoy them as a roasted snack, put them in salads, or chop them up as an ingredient in baked goods.
9. Lemon
These bright, juicy fruits burst with vitamin C. Lemons strengthen the immune system, neutralize free radicals, and nourish your cells. The high amounts of vitamin C also help in proper digestion and prevent dehydration.
You can enjoy a metabolism boost by drinking a glass of lemon juice every day. Lemon water is also a refreshing and low-calorie way to introduce flavor to your hydration goals.
10. Beetroot
Beetroot is packed with a nutrient called betaine, which is great for your brain and liver. It also helps your body remove toxins by inflating enzymes (its natural cleaning crew).
Beetroot neutralizes free radicals and lowers oxidative stress, all contributing to your overall health. This earthy vegetable can be roasted and eaten on its own or added to juices and smoothies. You can add fruits like oranges or berries to balance the earthiness with some zest.
11. Broccoli
Green vegetables like broccoli are rich in phytochemicals like sulforaphane, which kickstarts enzymes that dispose of toxins in your body. Its fiber content also regulates bowel movement, cleansing your digestive system.
Broccoli adds a good crunch to any dish; try it in salads and meat-heavy foods. If you like soup, toss in some broccoli to pump up the nutrition.
12. Kale
Kale is another green vegetable you can count on for better detox. This leafy ingredient is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which keeps your digestion in check and helps rebuild cells.
In addition, kale helps lessen the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. While kale has a bit of a bitter bite, it's delicious in salads and stir-fry dishes. You can even incorporate it in smoothies for added health benefits.
13. Garlic
Garlic isn't just for keeping vampires away. This pungent vegetable is high in organo-sulfur compounds that give your liver a helping hand. Garlic helps your liver produce enzymes that flush out toxins, and it even has antimicrobial properties that fight off bad bacteria.
The distinct smell and flavor of garlic might be why people love it so much when cooking. It adds a kick to your dips, salads, sauces, and pretty much any dish. You can even slice and fry it for a crispy topping that adds texture and taste.
14. Onions
Like garlic, onion is a staple in kitchens for its flavor and detox benefits. The sulfur compounds in onion are essential to flush out harmful toxins in your body.
Onion is incredibly versatile as an ingredient. Use them to add depth to any meal, or caramelize them for a sweet and tangy topping on a lazy day. Throw some onions on a sandwich for an easy way to enhance the health benefits of your next meal.
15. Ginger
Ginger is present in most detox or diet programs because of its cleansing properties. The amount of Gingerol in ginger protects your cells from destruction. It also fosters good digestion, blood circulation, and the healthy release of sweat.
It's easy to add ginger to your diet — sip on it in a soothing tea or enjoy its spicy kick in savory dishes. No matter how you take it, ginger is a healthy way to level up meals and detoxify your body.
16. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and carbohydrates, which energize the body and stabilize your blood sugar levels.
You can bake or boil sweet potatoes until soft and enjoy them as a snack. It's a flexible and easy-to-use ingredient, so you can experiment and cook them in many ways.