Detoxing the body does not have to involve seemingly complicated protocols of juicing, meditation, and short-term fasts. Those are all great, but cleansing the body can be simple and involve some of your favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Here are 8 foods that will kick-start your journey into healthy living and allow for the learning of long-term healthy eating habits.
1. Lemons
They are simple, accessible, and effective! The lemon is quite popular for its effectiveness at detoxifying. Enjoy half a lemon squeezed in a tall glass of warm water for a pre-breakfast elimination boost.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is very easy to enjoy. This vegetable is a powerful detoxifying food as it is filled with Vitamin C, sulfur, and fiber.
3. Cherry tomatoes
These bit-sized tomatoes are a convenient food to add to salads or simply enjoy on their own. They are juicy, sweet, and filled with tons of beneficial nutrients. Not only will you have a better detoxing experience, but also improved overall health as tomatoes keep the digestive system healthy and bodily functions running smoothly.
4. Ginger
The benefits of ginger are invaluable. This spicy and mildly sweet root is found in many cleansing programs, and I suggest that you incorporate it into your healthy detox diet. The rhizome of the ginger plant is what we usually consume, and it’s where we find powerful healing compounds. Steep thin slices in hot water and enjoy a delicious herbal tea that will stimulate digestion.
5. Beets
The beet plant is another plant of antiquity. The taproot along with it’s greens have been used to treat many illnesses for centuries. Beets are filled with anti-inflammatory compounds such as betalains and folate. Also, beets have plenty of fiber and minerals to boost the cleansing process.
6. Blueberries
Native to North America, the blueberry is a highly accessible and nutrient-dense food. The United States is the leading producer of this fruit and you can find wild and domestic blueberry shrubs across the country. Fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals are packed within these tiny, sweet, and juicy berries. Enjoy in smoothies, salads, jams, or fresh over cereal.
7. Apples
Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Perhaps. But, incorporating two or three unpeeled apples into a healthy diet daily may definitely help reduce inflammation and improve detoxification in the body. Whole apples, with the skin, contain the right amount of nutrients needed to maintain healthy bodily functions. There are many varieties to choose from, and many ways to enjoy them. Eat them with almond butter, in a salad, with oatmeal, in a smoothie, or a sugarless pie. They are rich in several different minerals and vitamins, so stock up weekly.
8. Pumpkin seeds
This protein-packed superfood is filled with minerals such as zinc and magnesium. These minerals will boost the efficiency of the high energy-consuming detoxification process. Consume raw pumpkin seeds for best results.