10 Foods to Detox Your Body

If you’re looking to detox your body, your only option isn’t to cut out solid foods in favor of a restrictive juice cleanse. Instead, you can make smarter choices about the foods you’re eating to cleanse your body and maybe even shed a couple extra pounds. You just have to know which foods provide the right benefits for you!

To help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 foods to help detox your body. Below you’ll find suggestions to slim your waist, reduce inflammation, and more.

1. Grapefruit

If you’re looking to detox your body and shed some inches off your waistline, you might want to stock up on some grapefruit during your next grocery store run. According to a study of 91 obese individuals, researchers found participants who ate half a fresh grapefruit before meals lost 3.5 pounds over a 12 week period.

The reason grapefruit can deliver these kinds of results has to do with the phytochemicals it contains, which can help reduce body fat. So, if you’ve had some trouble whittling your waistline, try snacking on grapefruit and see how it works out for you.

Do keep in mind that grapefruit can actually interfere with certain medications. Before you start adding it to your diet, you’ll want to consult with your doctor just to make sure it won’t cause any sort of complications.

2. Turmeric

Curcumin is a compound that’s derived from turmeric and it’s what provides the anti-inflammatory benefits. In fact, a study has shown it works well to reduce inflammation in the liver. It can also reduce bile duct blockage to keep everything flowing and functioning properly. A great way to add turmeric to you diet is by getting curry the next time you eat out or making it yourself at home.

3. Asparagus

It should come as no surprise that getting your daily dose of greens is essential if you want to detox your body. One green veggie that’s great to consume is asparagus. It’s packed with amino acids and minerals that your body needs. In fact, it may even relieve hangover symptoms and can also protect your liver cells again toxins.

Another benefit of eating asparagus is that it’s a natural diuretic. Consuming foods that are natural diuretics will help flush any excess toxins from your system.

4. Wild Salmon

The reason wild salmon is so beneficial is that it’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are an anti-inflammatory, so it’s important to incorporate plenty of foods with these essential fatty acids into your diet. Salmon also provides your body with other good-for-you things such as: heart-healthy vitamin B12, selenium for immune support, protein for building muscle, the antioxidant known as taurine, and more.

If you find that you’re not able to eat salmon very often you can also take omega-3 supplements to make up for it. However, it’s always great to get your vitamins and minerals from food whenever possible.

5. Tomatoes

By now, you probably know all about the benefits of tomatoes. They’re packed with lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant for your body. Many studies have shown it helps prevent cancer, it keeps your eyes healthy, plus it’s great for your brain and heart. And that’s just a short list of some of the benefits lycopene can have.

When it comes to cancer, research has shown lycopene to be beneficial in fighting breast, prostate, renal cell carcinoma, and uterine cancer. It can even prevent or delay cataracts to keep your eyes healthy for a longer period of time. With so many incredible benefits, you just might want to ask for extra tomato on your next sandwich or have a bowl of tomato soup for lunch.

6. Beets

Do you always pass up the beets when your family puts them on the table at holidays? If you do, you might want to reconsider next time. Beets are actually a great food to detox your body. They contain an antioxidant known as betalains, which can aid in repairing and regenerating cells in the liver. Keeping your liver healthy is so important because it does a lot of hard work already to detox your body.

7. Spinach

Whether you add it to your smoothie or salad or eat it as a side dish, spinach is one green you should definitely be eating regularly. Because it’s low-calorie, you don’t even have to feel guilty about eating it! What’s so great about spinach is that it contains thylakoids, which are compounds that work to suppress your appetite. So, if you’re trying to lose weight or want to cut back on snacking, add some spinach into your diet.

8. Oats

To detox your body, it’s important to make sure you’re getting plenty of fiber in your diet. One great way to do this is through oats. Just one cup of oats has about 16 grams of fiber, including insoluble fiber. This is what helps promote healthy bacteria in your gut. Plus, oats are anti-inflammatory as well and have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

9. Lemon Water

We already know the importance of keeping our bodies hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. However, if you want to step it up a notch, add some lemon to your water. Lemon and other citrus fruits contain an antioxidant known as de-limonene. This antioxidant is found in the peel of citrus fruits and can help flush toxins from your body. It’s always a great way to kick your bowels into gear to increase regularity.

10. Guacamole

And we saved the best for last: guacamole! If you’re someone who loves to enjoy chips and guac or needs to have add guac to your taco, you’re in luck. It turns out there are actually some big health benefits to eating guacamole.

Avocado is a healthy fat, making it great for your body when you consume it. Plus, many guacamole recipes call for cilantro, which can help soothe an upset stomach. That’s great news for anyone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome. With healthy fats and vitamin E, a serving of guacamole can provide your body with plenty of nutrients. To make it even better for you, make it at home so you can control what goes in it!