The ultimate detox foods

Need to reboot? Try the ultimate detox foods. 

Detox is a word on everyone’s lips these days – with juice cleanses and detox retreats popping up all the time. But what is detoxification? It’s the body’s way of getting rid of stored toxins in its tissues and organs, which it does naturally by removing impurities from the blood through the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. They are also eliminated through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph system and skin.

Sometimes it can be difficult for the body to perform at its best, as our modern lives are loaded with physical and emotional stress, chemicals, preservatives and pollution from the environment. Fortunately, we can help out our liver and other organs by consuming foods that support their optimal function. Here’s what to try…

Lemons and citrus fruit

These offer great support for liver detoxification – aiding the body by flushing out toxins and starting the activity of the digestive system. Drinking a cup of warm water with the juice of half a lemon in the morning is a great way to wake up your digestion and metabolism. Citrus fruits also contain high amounts of vitamin C, which are used by the body to make one of the most powerful antioxidants: glutathione. Glutathione helps support phase 2 liver detoxification, fighting negative effects from environmental chemicals and pollution, and protecting cells from damage.

Beetroot

Beets assist our liver and gallbladder in breaking down toxins, and their fibre is great for digestion and elimination. They contain potent phytochemicals and essential minerals that are great to fight infections. They also increase the body’s cellular intake of oxygen, making them excellent body cleansers and promoters of that healthy skin glow we all want. Have some raw shredded beets on your salad, eat them pickled or boost your daily juice and smoothie with them!

Coriander and parsley

These amazing herbs are not just great alkalising agents, they also rid the body of heavy metals from pesticides, the environment, chemicals in food and households products. Their chemical compounds bind to these toxins, removing them from blood, tissues, and organs. Add coriander or parsley to superfood pestos, or mix into salads with some lemon zest and juice.

Chlorella

Chlorella is blue-green algae rich in chlorophyll that contains all of the essential amino acids, vital vitamins and minerals, along with being a high source of plant protein and antioxidants. One of the main uses of chlorella is to cleanse the body as it has been found able to remove heavy metals. Heavy metals like mercury are typically very difficult to get out of your tissues, but it’s so important to get rid of them as they can have a very negative impact on health. Add a teaspoon of chlorella powder to your smoothies or make super tasty energy balls with an added protein and detox kick!

Brassica vegetables

Broccoli, cabbage, kale and other brassica vegetables contain important phytochemicals that help in the detoxification process of the liver. They are one of the best additions you could make to your diet in order to support this organ. These nutrients stimulate detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract and aid the break down and elimination of excess hormones to avoid hormonal imbalances.

Brassica vegetables also contain numerous antioxidants and some of them are actually able to neutralise damaging compounds found in cigarette smoke. Juice them, steam them, blend them. Have them any way you like, but don’t forget to buy some next time you’re grocery shopping!