Detox Foods

Today I want to introduce you to some special foods that help detoxifying your body. These should be on your list when it comes to cleansing your body. They will help to excrete toxins, encourage liver function, and increase bile production and urination.

Read on and try out our recipe ideas.

In my next blog, next week, I will introduce you to special herbs that help with detoxifying.

First thing to do: Find a local Farmer's Market. Make sure all veggies, fruits and herbs you buy are grown locally - and if possible naturally. Some local farmers do not have the money for the 'organic' label. Try to find out whether they are using chemicals or not.

Let me introduce you to some special foods:

Artichokes

Artichokes – assist the liver to perform at its best, while clearing the body of toxins. They stimulate the production of bile fluid, which helps to extract nutrients, which the body needs. In addition artichokes contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, folic acid and potassium.
 
How to use best: If possible buy fresh artichokes. Cook as a whole. They are done, when the leaves come off easily. Dip each leave in a sauce made of Greek yogurt, garlic and salt to taste. Scratch out the flesh with your teeth - it's fun! When you are done with the leaves, carefully discard the 'hay' above the core. Put some extra sauce on the core and enjoy!
Canned artichokes in a jar (not can) are fine. Add to salads.

Asparagus

Asparagus – is one of the most important foods when it comes to draining and with that detoxifying kidneys and bladder. Eat it steamed as a side to chicken breast. If you cook asparagus, do not discard the cooking water. Use it in soup or your smoothie. It still contains valuable ingredients.
How to use best: Use fresh or frozen asparagus. Cook and eat as veggie or top your salad with it.

Beets

Beet greens

Beets – are a very important element in any detox diet. They support the detoxifying and cleansing process. Beets contain a lot of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C), folic acid, lots of minerals and fiber. They are considered a blood cleanser.

Be sure to buy locally grown fresh beets. They should have the leaves attached - and the leaves should not be limp. Chop the leaves and cook with some sautéed onions and garlic as a healthy side dish.

How to use best: Cook beets as a whole. They are easily to peel after cooking and do not ‘bleed out’ this way. Let cool, peel, and cut into bite size pieces. Marinade with a mix of lemon, salt, and other herbs you like. You may use mustard as well. But read the label: It should only mention mustard seeds, vinegar, and maybe turmeric. No other additives or preservatives. Eat beets cold as a salad of its own or put it in your salad, or eat warm as a side dish.

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Broccoli

Broccoli – a super food everyone has heard about. But why is it on the list of foods for detoxifying? Constituents in broccoli work together with liver enzymes, especially, in order to transform toxins into something the body is easier able to excrete.

How to use best: Add raw broccoli florets to your salad or eat as a snack. For a quick side dish cook frozen broccoli florets in a steam bag in your microwave. Don’t like broccoli? Season it! Or try it with a quick cheese sauce, stirring hot water into softened fat reduced cream cheese.

Find more detox foods in my booklet 'Detox 3'.