Detox is an abbreviation of detoxification, which describes the act of removing toxic substances from the body. Several detox methods exist including fasting, colon hydrotherapy and eating foods that help cleanse the body of impurities. MayoClinic.com claims that there is no clinical proof that eating detox foods actually helps to flush out toxins. However, the site notes that many people report feeling focused and energized after undertaking a detox diet.
Citrus Fruits
Fresh citrus fruits are key for detoxifying the body. The fruits are packed with antioxidants, which attack and destroy the unstable molecules (free radicals) that ravage healthy tissues in the body. According to Whole-body-detox-diet.com, citrus fruits also have a certain phytonutrient called limonoids that helps the liver to grow toxin-fighting enzymes. These enzymes turn certain toxins--including some carcinogens--water-soluble, enabling them to be easily flushed from the body. The best detox citrus fruits are lemons, limes and grapefruit. Whole-body-detox-diet.com reports that pink grapefruits have the added bonus of containing lycopene, a substance known to protect against prostate cancer.
Green Foods
Most naturally green foods are excellent for ridding the body of impurities. Green foods are typically rich in chlorophyll, which fights against tissue-damaging contaminants caused by pollution, cigarette smoke, smog and other environmental toxins. According to GlobalHealingCenter.com, the best green detox foods include kale, spinach, arugula, wheatgrass, and blue-green algae. The site also notes that broccoli sprouts are a particularly powerful detox food as they are stellar at promoting production of enzymes that eliminate toxins. For best results, eat these foods raw, steamed or in juice form.
Green Tea
During your detox period, it's a good idea to make green tea your drink of choice. Green tea is widely known for its beneficial antioxidant properties. However, according to a 2007 study published in the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention," the tea also contains compounds essential for facilitating the formation of detoxifying enzymes. The study, conducted by researchers at the Arizona Cancer Center, found that subjects that took green tea catechin concentrate showed an increase in detoxifying enzymes--sometimes by as much as 80 percent. This led the researchers to conclude that green tea concentrate might help the body defend against cancer-causing toxins.
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