Foods That Help Detoxify

To detoxify the body, you must select foods that help to clear and neutralize toxins and free radicals caused from environmental exposure and oxidized fats. Detoxification is a remedy that helps to purify and cleanse the body. In addition, detoxifying aids in digestion. Foods that help to detoxify the body are those free from chemicals. Use fresh, organic foods whenever possible and always drink plenty of liquids.

Detoxifying Liquids

Detoxification is an elimination process. Purified water is an essential element of successful detoxification since it helps to move foods through the body. Drink at least eight glasses of purified water each day. Create detoxifying liquids from fresh vegetables using a juicer by combining any of top body cleansers: carrots, beets, beet leaves, dandelion greens, alfalfa sprouts, red radish, Daikon radish, burdock leaf, burdock root, garlic and ginger. Wheat grass is a food that helps to detoxify also. Consume wheat grass without mixing it with other liquids. Roni DeLuz, author of "21 Pounds in 21 Days" recommends consuming wheat grass in 1-oz. shots. Herbal teas are a powerful to cleanse the body and burdock root, cayenne, dandelion, echinacea, garlic, ginger, licorice root and milk thistle are preferred. During detoxification, other teas such as cinnamon, peppermint, nettle, lemon, ginger, fennel and rosemary are comforting as well as medicinal.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit is an essential food to help detoxify. The author of "Teach Yourself Detox" recommends three portions of fruit per day. Apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, dates, figs and grapes are just a few. Consume the fruit raw for best results. Grapefruit, kiwi, prunes, lemons and limes are appropriate for morning, while raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangerines or watermelon make late evening detoxification choices. Eat at least three portions of fresh or lightly cooked vegetables each day from the following choices: artichokes, asparagus, green beans, kale, lettuces, okra, radishes and yams. Think of creative ways to combine spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, cauliflower, carrots, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beet roots and peas. Consider pumpkin, if it is possible to find some fresh and in season, along with zucchini and squashes. If sea vegetables are accessible, one portion is recommended daily.

Grains, Protein, Oils and Herbs

Foods that help detoxify include whole grain brown rice, buckwheat, corn, millet and quinoa. Eat one portion of grains daily during detoxification. Proteins from plant sources originate from the bean family with the preferred beans being adzuki, black, butter, cannellini, kidney, mung, pinto and soy. Lentils, chickpeas and split peas are also wise choices. Healthy oil is essential, especially during detoxification. The best choices are flaxseed, sesame or extra virgin oil for the most omega-3 and omega-6 benefits. Some foods that help detoxify are from the herb family. Herbs not only create rich flavors to liven foods, they also hold medicinal and antioxidant properties. Recommended herbs are chives, sweet basil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, celery seeds, chervil, coriander, dandelion, chicory caraway seeds, cardamon, dill, fenugreek, garlic and ginger. In addition, try marjoram, mint, lemongrass, oregano, parsley and rosemary. All are appropriate salt substitutes.