If you are exercising regularly and still feeling sluggish and tired, it may be the time to detoxify your body. There are many hidden toxins in our everyday lives- from the chemicals in our cosmetics to the household cleaners- and they all have an extremely negative impact on our health. These toxins do not allow our body to rejuvenate and get enough energy for daily basic functions. Consequently, we may fall ill more often and even find it hard to lose weight.
And at that time, detoxification becomes important. It helps to get rid of the excessive chemicals get accumulated in the body. Some people take detox pills or powder to cleanse their body. But you might be surprised to know that there are many natural detox foods that will keep you clean from the inside out. Here are six detoxing foods that you should substitute for a few of your regular snacks to let your body work effectively.
1. Green Tea:
Green tea contains more plant antioxidants than black or white teas. These catechins help combat diseases while also making your liver strong. It is also rich in caffeine that gives this drink a diuretic effect, which lessens bloating by eliminating harmful substances from the body. Also, the natural polyphenols present in green tea stabilize free radicals so that they do not harm healthy cells.
2. Iaso tea:
Just like green tea, iaso tea is also a detox tea that is helpful in cleansing and detoxing the liver, blood and bowels. It is a wonderful blend of marshmallow leaves, ginger, holy thistle and other natural herbs. To get quick weight -loss as well detoxify your body, consume at least an eight-ounce glass of iaso tea both after lunch and dinner.
3. Lemon Water:
Lemons and lime are rich in vitamin C that helps stimulate liver enzymes to remove toxins or harmful substances from the body. Hence it is advised to start your day with a glass of water that contains lemon juice in it. Eating other citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, is also helpful in boosting the immune system and giving a kick to sluggish bowels.
4. Beets:
Although sugar content is fairly high in beets, this tasty side dish contains a plant pigment known as betalains, which has a potent anti-inflammatory and fungicidal properties and that gives it a deep red colour. Apart from improving overall liver function, beets also reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, enhance stamina and promote cell structure, restoration and regeneration. You can eat it raw in salads or can add it to your morning smoothie. You can also cook them just like any other leafy vegetables. A cup of cooked beets will not only keep you full but will help keep your energy up and diabetes, if you have, in control.
5. Garlic:
Loaded with several nutrients including, sulphur, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B and fibre, a fresh garlic is helpful in activating liver enzymes and flushing out toxins from the body. It also plays a crucial role in avoiding food poisoning by killing bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. It assists in weight loss by regulating the building of fat cells. This is a magical natural detox food that is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
6. Kale:
Kale is a nutrient-rich green veggie that can help with anything from counterbalancing substances found in tobacco smoke to strengthen liver function. It is an excellent detoxifying food that contains more iron per calorie than beef. The presence of iron in kale helps to support cell formation, improve liver function and promote haemoglobin formation. It is also highly rich in fibre and antioxidant compounds that help reduce blood pressure, inflammation and protect the heart. Moreover, high water content in it also helps to prevent constipation and ease digestive tract to flush toxins out faster.
7. Blue Berries:
Packed with iron, calcium, potassium, zinc and vitamin K, blueberries are more than just a cleansing food. They provide relief from the effects of chronic swelling and stop toxins from reaching the blood-brain barrier, support and strengthen bone growth, control blood pressure and even combat wrinkles. Blueberries are high in fibre that keeps you feeling full and satiate your craving for sugar or spicy or greasy evening snacks. The powerful antioxidants in blueberries help protect your body from free radicals and even in some cases they also help to slow tumour growth as well as several types of cancer.