BEAUTY - Top 10 Detox Foods

1. Leafy green vegetables. Eat them raw in a salad, throw them into a broth, steam them and mix with rice or add to an omelet, or puree them into juices. The chlorophyll in greens helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides). It’s also an all-around liver protector, which your liver needs since it’s your major domo detoxifier.
2. Lemons. Fresh lemonade made with filtered water will keep you hydrated, and its vitamin C helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that’s easily flushed away. (Add some pureed greens to further boost your C vitamin intake). A great detoxifying practice is sipping a mug of hot water with fresh squeezed lemon juice first thing when you wake up (see below).
3. Watercress. This is an excellent addition to all kinds of salads, soups, and sandwiches. Those little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps the flushing process. Plus watercress is a mineral goldmine since it is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
4. Garlic. Add it to everything such as salads, sauces, soups, and spreads for a great taste. In addition to the heart-friendly bulb’s cardio benefits, it also activates liver enzymes (make sure to not eat it before a date; garlic breath is not sexy!) Research also indicates that garlic diminishes a process that creates cancer-causing compounds in your body. B
5. Green tea. This antioxidant-rich drink (See our post on the amazing benefits of green tea) is one of the healthiest ways to get more antioxidants into your system. It also contains catechins, which speed up liver activity, making it ideal for detoxing.
6. Broccoli sprouts. They pack 20 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the actual broccoli vegetable we are more familiar with. Research suggests that eating the sprouts (they taste like radishes!) kills off H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach irritation and ulcers.
7. Sesame seeds. They are said to protect the liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that goes so well with so many dishes!
8. Cabbage. There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, and this potent veggie helps activate both of them. It’s the largest member of the Brassica veggie family, all of which delivers colon-cancer fighting isothicyanates and vitamin C. Coleslaw, anyone?
9. Psyllium. This plant’s bursting with soluble fiber, which absorbs toxins as well as cholesterol and helps clear them out (amazing!). Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have whole psyllium husk sprinkled on top your quinoa porridge for breakfast. I would recommend starting with a small amount and gradually increase your dose as your GI tract becomes used to it. It really is a great detox food, because trust me, it flushes it all out!
10. Fruits, fruits, fruits. They’re full of almost all the good things listed above — vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and assorted antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, perfect pear, or fresh berries.