Best Superfoods for Detox
Getting ready for a detox? Check out our list of the top 6 best superfoods for detox to help you start off on the right foot! Superfoods aren’t called “super†for nothing! They have been shown to contain more nutrients than other foods, which can help support liver detoxification and flush toxins from the body. Try adding the following foods to your diet the next time you detox or whenever you want to give your body some extra TLC. You can even incorporate them into your diet daily to help naturally clean out your system without formally going on a detox. Here are the best superfoods for detox that you can buy. 1. Acai berries Acai berries contain one of the highest amounts of antioxidants of all of the plant world. Research shows that acai inhibits the activity of enzymes that cause reactive oxygen species production, such as cyclooxygenase, xanthine oxidase, and lipoxygenase, which contributes to cell death and damage in the body. Additionally, antioxidants and dietary polyphenols, such as the ones found in acai, activate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which is responsible for stimulating the production of antioxidant enzyme genes, including the most important ones for detox – superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Finally, acai is low in sugar and has a sweet flavor similar to red wine and chocolate, which makes it extremely enjoyable to eat! Most people enjoy acai in juice form. Just be sure to buy a brand of juice that is cold-pressed and contains no added sugars, or make it yourself at home! 2. Beets Beets are one of the best foods you can eat for liver support, thanks to their high antioxidant content. They have been shown to enhance the activity of phase II liver detoxification enzymes, which helps with the elimination of xenobiotics (foreign chemical substances) from the body. The best way to enjoy beets is to add them to smoothies or salads. Many people also add beets to their freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juice, thanks to its sweet flavor and vibrant color. 3. Asparagus Asparagus help naturally clean out your system because they contain prebiotic fiber, which is responsible for feeding the good bacteria in your digestive system. Boosting your digestive health is important because it helps eliminate toxins through your stool. This is why staying regular is an important part of cleansing! Research shows that asparagus is also good for your liver. It has been shown to help alleviate alcoholic hangovers and protect the liver cells against toxins. We recommend enjoying sauteed, baked, or steamed asparagus with a lean protein and whole grain as part of a nutritionally complete lunch or dinner. 4. Spinach Spinach is an excellent source of chlorophyll, as are most green vegetables. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that gives plants its color. It has been shown to increase the activity of the phase II enzyme quinone reductase, which helps promote the elimination of carcinogens and potentially harmful toxins from the body. A one-cup serving of spinach contains 23.7 mg of chlorophyll. Other good sources of chlorophyll include parsley, green beans, leeks, arugula, sugar peas, and Chinese cabbage. Spinach tastes great in smoothies or salads. It can also be sauteed and served with your favorite stir-fry recipes. 5. Organ meats It might surprise you to see organ meats on a detoxifying list. You might even be surprised to hear it called “superfood,†but hear us out on this one. Also known as offal, organ meats are high in vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in your diet. When compared to muscle meats, offal is often higher in B vitamins, vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as many minerals, especially iron. Iron is important during a detox because it assists with the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Iron is needed for the synthesis of oxygen transport proteins, especially hemoglobin and myoglobin, as well as for the formation of certain enzymes that are needed in oxidation reductions and electron transfers. Offal is also high in B vitamins, selenium, and magnesium, which are needed for the synthesis of liver detox enzymes. Selenium further contributes to the detoxification of the body because it acts as an antioxidant to clear toxins. Try adding offal to your diet once or twice per week to get in some much needed iron and B vitamins for detox support. Be sure your organ meat is from clean sources, such as organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised animals. This will reduce the amount of antibiotics, chemicals, and hormones that you are exposed to. 6. Coconut oil Do you remember back when coconut oil pulling gained popularity for its ability to pull toxins from the mouth? Coconut oil isn’t just good at pulling toxins from your oral cavity. It can also help flush them from your body. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids (MCTs), especially lauric acid, which has been shown to possess antibacterial properties. Research shows that MCTs have antimicrobial effects against fungi, viruses, protozoa, and bacteria. They are effective in the alternation of methane production and ammonia concentration. You can add coconut oil to your morning coffee, smoothies, or as your favorite cooking oil. Further reading: Why Should You Detox? What is Detoxification and Why Do You Need It? Best Foods & Drinks To End Your Day With