TIME FOR A CLEANSE? WHAT? How About These DETOXIFYING Foods Instead???

here is a list of 10 foods that can help detoxify the body, without all of the work of doing a full cleanse!

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DITCH THE CLEANSE FOR NATURALLY DETOXIFYING FOODS AND DRINKS

10. Almonds:

How’s this for almond joy: just a couple handfuls a day may help cleanse your liver of fatty deposits and significantly reduce your risk of cancer according to a recent study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers found a clear inverse response between vitamin E intake and liver cancer risk; those that consumed the most—about 16 mg, or two small handfuls of almonds—showed a 40 percent lower risk of liver cancer than those who consumed less.

9. White Tea:

Brew yourself a pot of white tea and you just might be looking at the most soothing “fat-flush” on the market. A study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism showed that white tea can simultaneously boost lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and block adipogenesis (the formation of fat cells) due to high levels of ingredients thought to have an effect on human fat cells, such as methylxanthines (like caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

8. Cilantro:

You could drizzle your Mexican food with Pepto-Bismol, or you could just garnish with fresh cilantro. Research shows the herb’s unique blend of oils (specifically, linalool and geranyl acetate) work like over-the-counter meds to relax digestive muscles and alleviate an “overactive” gut. A study published in the journal Digestive Diseases and Science found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefited from supplementing with coriander (also known as cilantro) as opposed to placebo.

7. Avocado:

Holy guacamole! Researchers in Japan have discovered that avocados contain potent chemicals that may reduce liver damage and could lead to the development of new drugs to treat liver disease. A study in The Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry analyzed the effects of feeding 22 different fruits to a group of rats with liver damage caused by galactosamine, a liver toxin. The fruit that proved most beneficial? You guessed it: the avocado.

6. Turmeric:

Indulge in an Indian curry this weekend. If not for your lover, for your liver! Curcumin, a compound derived from the bright-orange spice turmeric, works as a powerful anti-inflammatory in the liver, research shows. A study in the journal Gut found supplementing with curcumin could significantly reduce bile duct blockage and curbed scarring (fibrosis) by interfering with chemical reactions involved in the inflammatory process.

5. Olive Oil:

Olive oil is no substitute for regular colonoscopy, but it’s certainly a far more enjoyable means of preventing colon cancer. New research suggests olive oil phenols, compounds in the oil that rid the body of cell-damaging free radicals, can help prevent colon cancer and even slow its development. A study in the International Journal of Cancer found supplementing with 50 ml of olive oil decreased the invasiveness of HT115 colon cancer cells by approximately 60 percent after just 48 hours.

4. Asparagus:

When you’re huddled over a plate of greasy diner food, asking the Hangover Gods for forgiveness, ask the waiter for a side of steamed asparagus. According to a study in the Journal of Food Science, the amino acids and minerals found in asparagus may alleviate hangover symptoms and protect liver cells against toxins. The veggie spears are also a natural diuretic, which will help flush the excess toxins from your system.

3. Collard Greens:

A staple vegetable of Southern cuisine, collard greens have an incredible ability to cleanse your system of excess cholesterol, especially when steamed. A recent study published in the journal Nutrition Research compared the bile acid binding capacity of steamed collard greens to Cholestyramine (a cholesterol-lowering drug). Bile acid binding refers to the ability for positively charged compounds to bind with negatively charged bile in the intestine and block cholesterol absorption. Relative to the drug, steamed collard greens increased bile acid binding by 13 percent! Suffice to say more steamed collard greens = lower cholesterol = healthier you. Just hold the artery-clogging fried chicken!

2. Lemon:

Start each day by making a large pitcher of “spa” water filled with sliced whole lemons, and make a point of sipping your way through at least 8 glasses before bedtime. Citrus fruits are rich in the antioxidant de-limonene, a powerful compound found in the peel that stimulates liver enzymes to help flush toxins from the body and gives sluggish bowels a kick, according to the World Health Organization.

1. Wild Salmon:

The best way for a smoker to detox is to quit. Researchers say a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids may then help to reverse arterial stiffness—a common side effect of smoking, which, like a kinked hose, inhibits the flow of cleansing blood through the arteries and to vital organs. A three-week study in the International Journal of Cardiology found smokers who supplemented with just 2 grams of omega-3s a day—what you’ll find in a 4-ounce portion of salmon—saw marked improvement in the elasticity of the arteries, allowing for healthy blood flow. (Reminder: when it comes to buying fish, stay off the farm!)