According to Natalia Rose, author of "The Raw Food Detox Diet," detoxification diets eliminate the harmful substances your body accumulates so that it is not threatening to your health. The primary organs involved in detoxification include the stomach, liver, kidney, intestines and immune system. Certain foods can be eaten to aid in the detoxification process. Make sure and consult with a doctor before beginning a plan to detoxify your system.
Broccoli
Broccoli, a nutritional powerhouse, offers significant amounts of protein, calcium, vitamin C, iron, folate and vitamin A. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant that researchers say helps the body get rid of toxins, supports the immune system and slows the growth of tumors. The antioxidant helps the liver break down toxins and prepares for the elimination of waste products. Eat other green vegetables such as peas, turnip greens, kale, collard greens, kelp, spinach and Brussels sprouts for more antioxidants.
Oranges
Oranges, famous for containing beta-carotene and ample amounts of vitamin C, protect your eye health and prevent certain cancers from forming. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system during detoxification. For more beta-carotene, try orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and squash. Other fruits containing powerful antioxidants and vitamin C include lemons, peaches and grapefruits.
Cucumber
The fiber content in cucumbers aids the digestive system during its detoxification phase. Cucumber cleanse the liver helping it metabolize toxins and chemicals that have accumulated inside the intestine and stomach. Other sources that help the liver include melons and winter squash which are in the same plant family as cucumbers.
Antioxidant Rich Foods
Red kidney beans have higher antioxidant levels than many fruits and vegetables to help decrease the chance of cardiovascular disease. Beans are also a great source of fiber which aids the digestive system in the detoxification process. Eat plenty of red fruits and vegetables for more healthy antioxidants and fiber. Raspberries, cherries, red apples and strawberries are all good sources. Red fruits also contain the antioxidant resveratrol, which decreases the growth of cancer cells. Another good option to include in a detox diet are red tomatoes, which contain lycopene. This antioxidant contributes to the health of the prostate gland in men.
Antibacterial Properties
Onions provide vitamin C and beta carotene and help prevent infections and disease caused by toxins within the body. Onion's other benefits include lowering blood pressure and lowering blood cholesterol because onions cleanse the bloodstream. Onions are members of the allium family that includes garlic, leeks and shallots, other foods that deliver the same detoxifying benefits.
References
- "The 3-Day Cleanse"; Zoe Sakoutis and Erica Huss; 2010
- "The Gut Flush Plain"; Ann Louise Gittleman; 2008
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2005
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association;1997
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