Lauryn Axelrod, HealthSPORT Nutrition Coach
Think the only way to detox is with a juice cleanse? Think again!
Our bodies are naturally built to detoxify. Everyday, we eliminate and neutralize toxins through our colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, and skin. It’s just that, in this day and age, these organs often get over-worked from the constant barrage of toxins from pollution, animal products, and processed foods.
Luckily, Mother Nature has the perfect antidote!
Below are 10 potent detoxifying foods that support your body’s natural cleansing system…and you don’t have to juice them to get the benefits. You’ll receive benefits just by incorporating more of these foods into your diet:
1. Cauliflower
This anti-oxidant rich cruciferous veggie aids your body’s natural detoxification system and reduces inflammation. Use cauliflower instead of rice or potatoes and you reduce your carbs and detox at the same time!
2. Broccoli
A strong detoxifier, broccoli neutralizes and eliminates toxins while also delivering a healthy dose of vitamins. Steam and drizzle with butter to get healthy fats and loads of good benefits.
3. Turnip Greens
A potent detoxifier, this cruciferous veggie also has been found to help prevent many types of cancer and is a great for reducing inflammation. Steam or sauté with other greens, garlic and drizzle with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils for a detoxifying side dish.
4. Lentils
This fiber-rich legume aids in elimination, helps lower cholesterol, balances blood sugar, and even increases your energy. Lentil soups, stews, and salads are great ways to get this food into your diet.
5. Grapefruit
This fiber-rich sweet and tangy fruit helps lower cholesterol, prevent kidney stones, and aids the digestive system. Start your day with ½ a grapefruit and your body’s elimination system will be happy.
6. Lemon
A potent alkalizer, ½ a lemon in a glass of water each morning will stimulate the bowels and begin your day by both hydrating and detoxifying your body.
7. Cucumber
Nutrient dense cucumbers, which are 95% water, help flush out toxins and alkalize the body. Use them in salads, on sandwiches, or for snacks with hummus or bean dip.
8. Steel Cut Oats
High in both soluble and insoluble fiber, oats will keep you satiated and your digestive system moving. A great way to start your morning, add nuts, seeds, fresh berries and cinnamon for a powerful and filling breakfast.
9. Sunflower Seeds
High in selenium and Vitamin E, sunflower seeds aid the liver’s ability to detox a wide range of potentially harmful molecules. In addition, they help prevent cholesterol build up in the blood and arteries. Add them to your salads and you have double benefit!
10. Hemp Seeds
These tiny nutritional powerhouses are an excellent source of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, are an easily digestible plant based protein, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and also aid in elimination. Add them to your steel cut oats and you get healthy fats, protein and a great detoxifying breakfast.