Planning a detox? Check out our list of 7 add-to-everything detoxifying spices.
Spices are often an overlooked component of the culinary experience. However, even though they are only used in small amounts, spices add incredible health benefits to any dish.
They can be added to just about any dish to enhance the flavor and help naturally flush toxins from the body daily.
We’ve put together a list of the best detoxifying spices to help you naturally detox.
1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is one of the best detoxifying spices. It’s well studied and has scientifically proven effects. This is why you’ll find it in many nutritional supplements that help support liver detoxification.
Research shows that milk thistle can help block toxins at the membrane level. It also supports enhanced protein synthesis and contains antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating properties.
Milk thistle has also been shown to protect the liver from several damaging conditions, such as viral hepatitis, liver disease, and alcoholic cirrhosis.
The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin. Research shows that silymarin may enhance glutathione synthesis, which supports phase II liver enzymes and aids the detox process.
Milk thistle is best taken in supplement form. We recommend using SolFuel Clear to get your daily intake of milk thistle in along with a combination of antioxidants, herbs, and fiber to help support detoxification.
2. Parsley
Parsley has a diuretic effect on the body. This helps support the detox process by eliminating toxins via the urinary system. Parsley is also a great source of antioxidant compounds that help clear toxins and heavy metals from the body.
One study found that parsley helped protect against the changes associated with chronic cadmium treatment in mice. Specifically, parsley was able to protect the neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress, behavior, and brain neurons of the cadmium treated mice.
You can add parsley to just about any dish making it another one of our perfect detoxifying spices. It pairs well with eggs, meat, and vegetables.
3. Cilantro
Cilantro is a spice that belongs to the same family as parsley. Just like parsley, it has a savory flavor and contains high levels of antioxidants that help flush toxins.
Research shows that cilantro may help enhance mercury excretion. It may also decrease lead absorption into the bones and supports the renal excretion of lead.
We recommend adding cilantro to chicken-based dishes, stir fries, and even smoothies.
4. Basil
Research shows that basil helps the body with its internal housekeeping duties by protecting from toxin-induced damage. This is likely due to the spice’s high levels of phenolic and antioxidant compounds.
According to one study, basil helps protect against toxins by increasing the body’s levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. It also helps protect against cancer by reducing DNA damage and causing cell death in precancerous and cancerous cells. Basil doesn’t just protect against damage caused by toxins. It also helps the body transform and eliminate toxins by enhancing the actions of liver detoxification enzymes, including P450 enzymes, which are responsible for deactivating chemicals and excreting them safely.
Additionally, research shows that basil may be able to prevent liver, brain and kidney injury by protecting against immune, cellular, and genetic damage from pesticides, industrial chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It has been shown to protect against the following potentially harmful agents:
â— Butylparaben
â— Carbon Tetrachloride
â— Copper Sulfate
â— Ethanol
â— Rogor
â— Chlorpyrifos
â— Endosulfan
â— Lindane
â— Acetaminophen
â— Meloxicam
â— Paracetamol
â— Haloperidol
â— Anti-tubercular Drugs
Basil has also been shown to protect against heavy metals, such as cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and arsenic, as well as the toxic side effects of radiation. It has a sweet and savory flavor that works well in meat and vegetable dishes.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet spice that has numerous health benefits. It has been shown to possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, anticancer, antimicrobial, and heart-protective abilities. It also helps protect against neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Research shows that cinnamon helps support the detoxification process by augmenting the activities of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione-s-transferase (GST), which is a phase II detoxification enzyme that protects cells against toxins.
Cinnamon can be added to sweet baked dishes and healthy snacks, including pancakes, gluten-free breads, oatmeal, yogurt, and other healthy treats.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is a cholagogue herb that helps support the detoxification process by promoting the excretion of bile.
Research shows that cholagogue herbs, such as rosemary, help promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder and liver into the intestines where toxins are excreted out of the body.
Rosemary is a savory herb that works well in marinades or to flavor meat-based dishes.
7. Garlic
Garlic can be used to promote various areas of health. Research shows that garlic oil is a sulfur-containing compound that helps support the detoxification process by increased hepatic detoxification. It works by enhancing phase II metabolism through GST.
We recommend looking for organic spices whenever possible as they may contain higher levels of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. They also contain lower levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.