Best Cleansing Foods for Natural Detox

From germs and harmful chemicals to fat and cholesterol, there are many things we could do without. While the liver and kidneys are fantastic cleansers, it’s up to us to finish the job. And it’s not as hard as you might think. The secret lies not in a special detox supplement or torturous exercise regimen, but in the natural health benefits of foods you see every day. Here are some of the best foods to eat to cleanse your body, lose weight, and feel good all around.

Almonds

High in fiber, vitamin E, and healthy omega-3 fats, almonds can help cleanse fat deposits and reduce your risk of liver cancer. Almonds have also been linked to improved cognitive function and elevated mood. Their high fiber content also helps manage hunger and reduce cholesterol. Almonds go well with nearly everything – salads, yogurt, cereal, fruit, or as an anytime snack. Just don’t overdo it, as these nuts pack a good number of calories per serving.

Kale

This low-calorie leafy green packs a whopping amount of nutrients including antioxidant vitamins A and C, manganese, copper, and vitamin K. Its antioxidant properties help stave off infections and speed recovery from viral illnesses. Numerous studies show that kale’s unique combination of flavonoids and carotenoids can help prevent and even treat cancer as well as reduce general inflammation. Kale is great in salads and smoothies, and its light texture and flavor complements a variety of dishes.

Pineapple

Despite controversy over its place on pizza, there’s no denying pineapple’s powerful detoxifying properties. The key player is bromelain, a digestive enzyme that you may recognize from the slight burning sensation on your tongue. Bromelain in pineapple helps break down amino acids for absorption, burn off fat, and reduce inflammation. Pineapple also has another all-star in manganese, a mineral that helps cleanse the body and improve your mood.

Wild Salmon

Chock full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can improve brain function and help reverse arterial damage caused by poor diet and smoking. This allows for healthy blood flow, which can improve mood and muscle function. Salmon’s high selenium content is vital in reducing joint inflammation and protecting cardiovascular health. The fatty fish is one of few foods to be naturally high in vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and preventing muscle weakness. Salmon is also rich in B vitamins, which help the body produce energy and regulate mood.

Water

While not a food, we can’t wrap up this list without mentioning water. With zero calories, water helps manage hunger and supply the fluid the body needs to regulate everything from muscle and nerve function to toxin removal. Coupled with a diet high in fiber, water can flush out cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Try to drink at least eight to nine cups of water a day and hydrate well before, during, and after exercising.

We recommend using this list as a guide. There are countless other cleansing foods packed with the nutrients your body needs to flush out the bad and bring in the good. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to learn more about the best foods for you.