The festive season can be quite an indulgent time of year, with an abundance of delicious foods and drinks. And while our liver and kidneys do a good job of detoxing the body by themselves, there are certain additional actions that can help. Of course, we all know that drinking plenty of water helps to flush toxins out of the body. Equally, taking supplements and Vitamins is a good way of helping to enhance the detoxification process.
But one particularly effective way of boosting the body’s natural ability to detox, is to eat detoxifying foods. In essence, these are foods that help to flush out toxins, by either cleansing the liver, or boosting digestion. Additionally, foods that detox the body are usually rich in Vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and nutrients. So, to kick off 2022 with a boost of health, here are Prinos Farm&Deli’s ten favourite natural detox foods.
- Garlic: Garlic has long been known for its potent medicinal properties. So, it’s no wonder that today it is considered one of the top detoxifying foods. The food has antiviral, antibiotic and antibacterial properties. Specifically, garlic contains a compound called allicin, which helps the body to produce white blood cells that in turn fight against toxins. Garlic also supports the liver to produce enzymes that flush out toxins.
PRinOs Tip: Garlic is most potent when eaten raw, so crush it into a salad dressing to get the best detox benefits.
- Beetroot: Already known as a superfood thanks to its potent health benefits, beetroot is also a powerful detoxifier. In essence the vibrantly coloured vegetable supports the natural detoxification process of the liver. Beetroot is rich in an antioxidant called betalains that supports healthy liver function. Furthermore, they are packed full of Vitamin C, iron and magnesium making it one of the healthiest root vegetables out there.
PRinOs Tip: To get the most health benefits out of your beetroot, try drinking raw beetroot juice.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables that are part of the cruciferous family include cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. These foods specifically contain a compound called sulforaphane that fights against free-radicals and toxins. In particular, cabbage contains antioxidants that support healthy liver function.
PRinOs Tip: Try fermented cabbage for get the additional gut health benefits of probiotics.
- Green Tea: Delicately fragrant and aromatic, green tea is full of antioxidants that offer multiple health benefits. Benefits include helping the body flush out toxins. And of these antioxidants, active compounds called catechins are particularly efficient detoxifiers. This is due to their ability to help improve and increase liver function.
- Ginger: Packed full of antioxidants, ginger is one of nature’s greatest detoxifiers. This rich and fragrant root vegetable is particularly good after overindulging in fatty foods or alcohol. Additionally, it can help relieve bloating and gas, while also settling the stomach and reducing feelings of nausea.
PRinOs Tip: Try drinking a cup of ginger tea to aid digestion and boost the immune system.
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges are all especially good at flushing out toxins from the body. Lemon juice is particularly good at helping the cleansing process of the liver and kidneys. These fruits are also packed full of Vitamin C – a potent antioxidant which helps to fight free radicals in the body.
PRinOs Tip: For the ultimate daily detox, drink a glass of warm lemon water every morning before your coffee and breakfast.
- Turmeric: This beautifully bright orange food is particularly good at detoxing the liver thanks to its high quantities of curcumin. This compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This in turn works to fight free radicals, toxins or damage in the body.
PRinOs Tip: One great way of increasing your turmeric intake is by enjoying a warm cup of turmeric tea.
- Artichoke: Artichokes are full of both fibre and antioxidants. This powerful combination makes the food particularly good when it comes to detoxing. Not only do artichokes help stimulate the detox function of the liver, but also support the body to digest fatty foods.
PRinOs Tip: The healthiest way to eat artichoke is steamed.
- Leafy Greens: We all know that leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods we can eat when it comes to nutrients and Vitamins. But foods like spinach, kale, wheatgrass, chard and rocket all contain high levels of chlorophyll, which helps to remove harmful toxins from the body. Additionally, these nutritious foods also support the detoxification process of the liver.
- Brown Rice: Eating whole grains is always a good idea for our health. But one whole grain that is particularly healthy is brown rice. Why? Because brown rice is bursting with beneficial nutrients such as B Vitamins and iron. But also because it is rich in fibre, which helps the body to detox by supporting colon cleansing and protecting the liver.
There are so many easy ways to detox naturally at home. And using our diet is one of the best ways out there. So, now that you have the full list of foods that help the body to detox naturally, head to Prinos Farm&Deli in Larnaca and Nicosia or visit our online e-shop today to start your 2022 health kick!