Health experts believe that many of the ailments and conditions of the body can be prevented or alleviated through better dietary choices. While your body needs a variety of nutrients to remain healthy and strong, including some of the following superfoods into your diet can help cleanse your system from unwanted or harmful substances.
Pomegranate: The Antioxidant Boost
These deep red foods are loaded in antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals that float around the body and wreak havoc with cellular health. Pomegranates have high levels of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that has been associated with fighting certain cancer cells, reducing the risk of heart disease, and reducing inflammation in the body. There is some evidence to suggest that the nutrients can also slow down the aging process and keep skin elastic and youthful. You can eat the seeds in a salad or as a snack. You can also add unsweetened pomegranate juice to water to sip on through the day.
Arugula: The Natural Detox
This leafy green cruciferous vegetable is often found in salad mixes or as a base for pesto. Arugula is full of magnesium, vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, and phytochemicals zeaxanthin and lutein. The mix of compounds has this vegetable known for aiding the body in a natural detox, though it wouldn`t be an appropriate or effective option in battling addictions. You would need to find a center that specializes in programs offering a detox for drugs.
Garlic: The Flavorful Fighter
The fragrance of crushed garlic is well-recognized in Italian foods, but there is more to these tiny cloves than just great pasta sauce. Garlic has sulfur-containing compounds that fight against bacteria and toxins within the intestines. Garlic has an effect on the production of glutathione, which directly eliminates certain toxins. Allicin, or the sulfur compounds, have the potential to guard against some types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. To reap the full benefits, the cloves must be chopped or crushed. Add garlic to a lentil or chickpea dip or to your salad dressing.
Lemons: The Sour Gut Punch
Lemons are a part of the citrus family, the fruits are known for their high concentrations of vitamin C. Within the digestive system, lemon juice is able to restore the alkaline-acid balance of the gut. This aids in more complete food and nutrient digestion and absorption, as well as effective elimination of both environmental or dietary toxins. Add lemon wedges to your water bottle, squeeze some into your salad dressing, or use the juice to flavor steamed vegetables.
Apples: The Home Physician
The saying that an apple a day will keep the doctor away may hold some truth, as any of this fruit variety contains soluble fiber pectin and insoluble fiber. Both of these fibers sweep through the intestines and soak up waste or toxins left behind. You can eat an apple whole for a midday or mealtime addition, but you can also add slices to salads, dessert, or oatmeal.
These are just a few of the foods you can use to cleanse your body of allergies, waste, or damaging foods. Toss a few of these items into the cart the next time you are at the grocery store.
