Looking for a way to keep yourself healthy and fit this summer? Well, simply hitting the gym won't work. You need to make that extra effort to keep your body in shape and free from harmful toxins and diseases. The answer is detox and healthy eating. We bring you 15 detox foods that will help you in staying fit and give your body long lasting benefits.
Apples
Apples are packed with fibre that cleanse the intestinal tract. Apples can successfully clean body by flushing out the bad accumulated toxins and undigested food particles. Make sure you include apples every day in your daily fruit diet. As they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Almonds
Almonds are not only high in calcium, fiber, calcium, useable protein and magnesium but it also helps in stabilizing blood sugar as well as removing impurities from the bowels. Make it a point to eat a few every day to keep yourself healthy and free from bad toxins.
Cabbages
Cabbage not only cleanses your liver and helps you get rid of the toxins but also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Make sure you include this cruciferous vegetable in your daily food diet. Make a cabbage soup or simply eat it in salad.
Lemons
Did you know that fresh lemon juice contains not one, not ten but more than 20 anti-cancer compounds. It also helps in maintaining the body’s pH levels. Lemons are great liver detoxifiers and contain high amounts of Vitamin C. Drinking a glass of water with lemon juice helps in keeping the body healthy.
Pomegranates
The deep, red colour that the pomegranate seeds get is because of the presence of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. These anthocyanins may protect us against DNA damage and inflammation. Eating pomegranate every day also reduces the risk of allergies, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Research suggests that they may also help to slow skin aging.
Beetroot
Beets contain a mixture of phytochemicals (natural plant chemicals) and minerals. These elements make beets effective against infection. Not only this, they are also blood purifiers and liver cleansers. The next time you decide to toss some salad, do not forget to add beet.
Broccoli
This mini tree shaped vegetable is often mentioned as a health food wherever possible. You may want to know, why should you include it in your detox food shopping list? Well the reason is that it specifically works with the enzymes in your liver and turns toxins into something your body can eliminate easily.
Garlic
The good old smelly garlic is greatly beneficial for the body. Not only does it help in cleaning intestinal parasites, harmful bacteria and viruses from the body but it also lowers the blood pressure, cleanses the buildup from the arteries. The anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of Garlic helps the body in getting rid of harmful substances.
Avocados
Avocado has successfully made it to the list of detox foods due to its antioxidant and fiber count. Don’t shy away from the fruit by considering it to be fat as it is good fat and your body needs it. Make sure you add this to your daily meal to help you detox your liver and keep you healthy.
Turmeric
This is one of the first foods you should add to your list of detoxifying foods. This magical herb is greatly beneficial for the health and the skin. To start detoxing, drink turmeric tea with a healthy diet. Turmeric also helps asthmatic patients.
Blueberries
Beautifully blue, blueberries contain natural aspirin which helps in reducing the tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation. They also act as antibiotics and prevent infections by blocking bacteria in the urinary tract itself. Their antiviral and super-detoxifying properties make them a must have fruit this season.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds contain essential fatty acids mainly the omega-3s which are essential for many cleansing functions and help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These seeds are good for your brain too. Make sure you eat a few seeds every day for good health.
Cranberries
Cranberries are loaded with powerful antiviral and antibiotic substances that helps the body in getting rid of harmful viruses and bacteria from the urinary tract. Make sure you either eat the fruit or drink 100% cranberry juice to help your body in staying healthy.
Ginger
If you drink a lot of alcohol or eat toxic foods, make sure you try this ancient Chinese civilization root out. You can either drink it with water or add it in tea or any other healthy drink. It not only has astringent properties but also detoxifies your body.
Olive Oil
Add a few drops of olive oil in your salad as dressing or use it as a basic cooking oil for your body. With a number of health properties, this oil is your best bet when compared to other edible oils. Make sure you do not cook food with olive oil in high heat to maintain the benefits.
This summer, keep your body free of toxins and follow the no junk food rule. Stay happy and healthy!