With continual increase in the levels of pollution beyond the permissible limit, our exposure to harmful chemicals has also escalated to a point, where it is impacting our day-to-day performance and overall health. These chemicals enter our bodies through air, water and food, and tend to interfere with our internal functions. Increased consumption of unhealthy foods, such as those laden with carbohydrates, processed foods and fast foods have loaded our bodies with nasty toxins.
Moreover, the modern lifestyle has made us more dependent on prescription medicines and increased our exposure to leisure drugs that result in the accumulation of some unwanted materials in our bodies. All these eventually lead to weakened immune system and numerous imbalances inside us.
If these are not flushed out by excretory system, comprising organs like lungs, liver and kidneys, these substances get stored in the fat cells. When these toxin-laden fat cells are burnt, it releases these toxins into the bloodstream and causes a number of problems. Moreover, these toxins are also known to cause premature cell deaths and bring about genetic changes, making healthy cells cancerous.
Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of these toxins to avoid internal imbalances. Detoxification is the process of cleaning our internal system, which restores the normal regulatory functions of the body. A number of enzymes and proteins are involved in removing the harmful metabolites formed in our bodies. We can help our systems in this cleansing process by including healthy food in our daily diet.
Here is a list of top 10 “superfoods” that can help you detoxify your bodies naturally, without putting in any extra effort.
1) Beetroot
Beetroot is known as the ‘Great Purifier’ due to its ability to purify blood and liver. It is rich in betalains, a type of antioxidant that helps in repairing and regenerating liver cells. It is also involved in protecting your heart and blood vessels against damage due to toxin build up.
2) Grapefruit
Grapefruit is rich in phytochemicals such as limonoids and lycopene that help the body to prevent fat deposition. It avoids the development of soft, loose skin or flabs in the body. It is a rich source of vitamin A and C that boost the immune system. It is also known to lower triglyceride levels in the body. It is also a rich source of pantothenic acid, vitamin B1, potassium, copper, dietary fibers and biotin. It is considered one of the healthiest foods in the world.
3) White Tea
White tea is obtained from the plant Camellia sinensis, which is loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals like tannins, fluoride, and flavonoids, including catechins and polyphenols. These chemicals help delay aging, promote healthy skin, prevent cancer and control diabetes. It also aids in weight loss.
4) Kiwi
Kiwi is another superfood, which is an excellent source of Vitamin C. It is also rich in vitamin A, K, E, folate, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber. It contains a number of flavonoids and carotenoids that protect DNA. Besides, it bears antioxidant properties as well.
5) Lemon and Lime
These are one of the best sources of vitamin C. Other important phytochemicals found in these citrus fruits are flavonoids, limonoids and limonin that help in fighting cancer, infections, premature aging and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin C is known to be a potent antioxidant and protects healthy cells from getting damaged by free radicals.
6) Garlic
Garlic is known as one of the best detoxifying foods. It helps liver in producing enzymes necessary for detoxification. It is rich in vitamin C that helps our immune system in warding off infections. Allicin, a phytochemical present in garlic, is responsible for its healing properties. Garlic helps the body to detox naturally.
7) Broccoli Sprouts
Being extremely rich in antioxidants, it is responsible for stimulating detoxifying enzymes at cellular level. It is known to contain sulforaphane, which prevents the development of prostate and breast cancer. It is rich in vitamin C, calcium and dietary fiber. The sprouts are known to be more effective than full-grown vegetable.
8) Seeds and Nuts
Almonds, brazil nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, pistachios, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and walnuts are to name a few seeds and nuts that should be included in one’s diet for a rich dose of antioxidants, healthy proteins, minerals like selenium, magnesium and zinc, plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that help in boosting the immune system. These also help in removing harmful toxins from the body.
9) Omega -3 oils
Incorporating omega-3 oils into your diet for detoxification is essential as it is rich in antioxidants. They lubricate the walls of intestine and aid in toxin absorption from gut walls. After being absorbed, they are filtered and flushed out from the body.
10) Spinach
Spinach, also known as ‘Intestinal Washer’ is known to completely cleanse the digestive system. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and K as well as minerals like sodium, magnesium, iron, sulfur and phosphorus. It is known to stimulate the immune system and prevents the development of cancerous cells.
