The 15 Most Effective Detox Foods
These foods can help create a fresh boost in your weight loss. As a nutrition expert, I always encourage my clients to find new ways to spark their weight loss and their appetite for healthy eating, to wake up their digestive system, and to prepare their bodies for nourishing food.
It can be hard to know which foods will help clear toxins from your body. You might think of revitalising, rejuvenating options like hot tea, raw vegetables and fresh fruit — or, for good reason, raw vegetables rich in insoluble fibre, or green tea, whose diuretic effect keeps your gastrointestinal system moving for quicker digestion. Those are all good choices, but here are my favourites for detox and what each one does.
Artichoke, Avocado, Beetroot, Broccoli and Leafy Greens
Artichoke contains antioxidant compounds that stimulate bile flow. Bile helps digest fats in the body, and efficient bile flow clears the potentially inflammatory compounds in fatty foods. That's why artichoke is used in the treatment of liver disorders.
Avocado has a heart-protective effect thanks to its glutathione and monounsaturated fatty acids. These compounds also prevent fat absorption in the gut, helping clear the compounds that cause oxidative damage.
Beetroot, which contains compounds called betalains, is among the less-eaten plants. Betalains especially help build and repair cells in the liver — the body's detox centre. Deep-red beets have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous family, is known for its powerful antioxidant qualities, and research has found cruciferous vegetables reduce cancer risk. Other vegetables with this quality are cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.
Leafy greens increase bile-acid binders. They do this by capturing large bile molecules and separating them, and the remaining bile acids carry these large molecules out of the gastrointestinal system for removal. This quality also helps trap LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
Dandelion Root, Milk Thistle, Dill, Green Tea and Lemon
Dandelion root acts like a diuretic by increasing urine production.
Dill and fennel are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. The glutathione activity in dill binds free radicals and neutralises them, supporting the antioxidants in the liver.
Fennel has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and is rich in vitamin C. With its high fibre and low calories, it's an ideal detox food.
Green teas are richer in antioxidants than black, white and flavoured teas, even though they come from the same plant. The caffeine in green tea, thanks to its diuretic effect, can also be used to ease bloating.
Lemon and all citrus fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Milk thistle is a much-studied plant for promoting detoxification in the liver. Although more research is needed, it has been found to support the liver's antioxidants in clearing toxins from healthy blood cells.
Onion, Garlic, Fresh Vegetables, Wheatgrass and Yogurt
Onion and garlic contain glutathione, which stimulates antioxidant production in the liver. They also have a powerful antimicrobial effect and strengthen the immune system.
Fresh green vegetables contain glutathione, essential for liver detox. They also keep the gut moving thanks to their insoluble fibre. Crisp vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and kale contain more fibre.
Wheatgrass is usually served as a powder or juice and is very rich in vitamins and minerals. While scientific support for its health claims is still somewhat limited, tastier, low-calorie cleansing foods and drinks can be added to it.
Probiotic yogurts (make sure you read the labels correctly) contain beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and strengthen the gut's natural flora. This in turn helps boost the body's natural immune response.