Top 10 Detox Foods
Spring is in the air and many people are starting to think about a good ol’ digestive spring clean. You don’t need faddy diets or expensive supplements, as your body naturally detoxifies every single second of every single day! Our bodies have an amazing ability to excrete natural and man-made toxins from our bodies using a complex cascade of chemical reactions and enzymes, predominately in the liver . In this post I am going to share with you my top 10 detox foods that are a MUST to include in your EVERY DAY diet.
Avocado
These are packed full of fiber, antioxidants and a compound called Glutathione, essential for detoxification. They are also tasty, versatile and full of good fats, great for a satisfying lunch or snack. Try Avocado, Egg and Prawns on Rye for a truly satisfying breakfast.
Citrus fruits
Particularly lemons are full of antioxidants & Vitamin C. They aid digestion, by stimulating the vegus nerve which, in turn stimulates digestive hormones and enzymes. Try hot water, lemon and ginger first thing in the morning to kick start the day.
Cranberries
These tart fruits are commonly used for urinary infections due to their antimicrobial properties. However they are very effective at promoting detoxification in the liver due to the abundance of antioxidants and vitamin C which bind to toxins, making them easier to remove. Why not throw a handful of frozen cranberries into your morning smoothie.
Broccoli
And other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower are full of a sulfur compounds which give that familiar smell when cooking. This can activate essential enzymes the liver uses for detoxification. Try my Crunchy Veitnamese Prawn Salad as a ‘go to’ lunch.
Beetroot
These wonderfully coloured vegetables contain betaine which can promote liver and bile duct health – they are also high in fiber and anitoxidants further assisting the liver. Try my Raw Beetroot with Capers and Dill.
Artichokes
These often appear on top 10 detox food lists – for this we have the flavonoid silymarin to thank. A powerful antioxidant, silymarin boosts liver function by stimulating cell regeneration and scavenging for free radicals. In addition, it helps the liver cope with big toxic loads. Another compound found in artichokes is cynarin that promotes the liver’s bile production, which in turn helps break down fatty foods.
Garlic
Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.
Turmeric
This is the liver’s favourite spice. It helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens. It is especially popular in Asian cooking, try my Malaysian Chicken Curry.
Walnuts
These have high amounts of the amino acid arginine. Walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Walnuts are also high in glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. Try making my Salmon with Walnut and Parsley ‘Pesto’, a good all-rounder for liver health!
Green Tea
You definitely want to be drinking a lot of liquids right now, and green tea is a great choice. It’s high in catechins, a flavonoid which speeds up liver activity and increases the production of detoxification enzymes.
