There is overwhelming scientific evidence that toxic chemicals accumulate in our bodies from poisonous metals, agricultural pesticides, and chemicals in the foods we eat. These substances slowly build up over time and are stored in the cells of our bodies. These toxins can cause significant damage by destroying cells and disrupting cellular metabolism. Here are the 20 best foods for detox.
Detoxifying is essential for good health… But it doesn't have to be grueling! One of the best ways is to take a whole foods approach.
20 Best Foods For Detox
1. Lemons and Limes
2. Berries
3. Green Tea
Loaded with the antioxidant catechins, green tea flushes the toxins from our body. According to a report that appeared in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, green tea contains the antioxidants epigallocatechin gallate and glutathione along with the amino acid, L-theanine. The synergic effect of these components makes it a powerful detoxifier.
With this in mind, high-quality tea is better than refined forms that can have artificial properties that can damage life force.
4. Turmeric
Add a teaspoon of ground organic turmeric to your milk, soups, and stews. Turmeric is the main ingredient in all curries.
Consume black pepper with turmeric to boost the detoxification potential by 2,000%.
5. Mung Beans
To begin with, mung beans are a high source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Ayurveda advises the use of these beans in the form of khichari while undergoing cleanses because they are easy to digest and absorb toxic deposits from your intestinal walls. At the same time, mung beans are an especially useful food for liver disorders, alcohol detoxification or cancer. Especially interesting is that mung bean flour makes an excellent plaster for inflamed joints to help draw out toxins.
6. Leafy Green Vegetables
Pick from a wide array of leafy greens like spinach, watercress, cilantro, arugula, and bok choy. As a rule, the darker the green is, the better the detoxification process will be. All leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals and very cleansing to the blood and lymphatics.
Still, choose the organic variants to ensure that you are not piling up more toxins. Enjoy them raw or cooked… add them to your salads, juices, smoothies, and soups.
7. Beets and Carrots
8. Tomatoes
9. Walnuts
10. Garlic
11. Grapefruit
12. Ginger
13. Cabbage
14. Avocados
15. Flaxseeds
16. Cruciferous Veggies
17. Spices
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Turmeric
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Cinnamon
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Oregano
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Black pepper
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Cumin
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Cilantro
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Fennel
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Fenugreek
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Cayenne pepper
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Clove
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Parsley
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Thyme
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Rosemary
18. Dandelion
19. Apples
Akin to grapefruit, apples also contain pectin. This fiber helps to keep your gut clean, which helps the liver to function better. Remember, one of the main ways the body rids itself of toxins is through the liver.
Apple seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.
20. Water
Ideally seen, water should top the best foods for detox list. And, why not? 60% if the human body consists of water. And, in the absence of adequate hydration, your body loses its potential to function the optimal way. While 64 ounces of water is water you should at least drink, you need to up your intake based on your diet and exercise levels.
Fresh spring or well water is usually the best form of water to take. Tap water is chlorinated and devitalized and my aggravate toxic conditions. Water is best taken at room temperature or hot. Cold or ice water weakens the digestive fire and clogs the channels of the body.
What are some Signs You Need to Detox?
- Gas and bloating
- Acne and other skin issues
- Sleeping problems
- Food cravings
- Sinus problems and headaches
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Menstrual problems like pain
How To Detox the Liver in 10 Days
I can tell you put a lot of work and research into this article. I completely agree that we have surrounded ourselves with all kinds of unnatural chemicals which affect our bodies in ways we do not understand. Some of the foods you mention like green tea and turmeric have been a part of my diet for a long time. A friend of mine says he got cancer from being close to Agent Orange in Vietnam, and he says that lemon juice cleaned his system and cured him from his cancer.
Hi Mark! Awesome story! Thank you for sharing my friend!!
It’s a good thing I regularly consume 19 out of 20 of these detoxifying foods!
I’m definitely inspired to purchase some Dandelion Tea so that I can tick off all 20.
I knew a bit about the detox benefits of this list of foods however, I really appreciate the information you’ve given on each one. You’ve gone into enough detail, without complicating things! Thank you.
I start my day with Apple Cider Vinegar in my water, but I have fresh lemon juice in my water bottle throughout the day.
Awesome Joanne! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Hi Jackie, I thought your article on 20 Best Foods for Detox was revealing.
I was very surprised that lemons and limes were at the top of the list. Was it surprising to you as well? Did any other foods surprise you that were on the list?
I had never heard of Mung Beans before. I suppose there’s a lot that I don’t know. You taught me a few things so thanks a lot.
Hey Robert, Since I take people through cleanses all the time, there were no real surprises for me. Mung beans are the top detox food in most Ayurvedic cleanses…. Mostly because they are high in protein and very easy to digest. So happy to meet you here and thanks again for commenting. I wish you great health!