Top 10 Detox Foods

Avocado

Avocados are packed full of fibre and antioxidants, making them an excellent detox remedy. Full of monounsaturated fatty acids (the good kind), they provide heart healthy compounds that block the absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage. Avocados are also very effective for liver pathway cleansing. But this doesn’t mean that you can simply add an extra spoonful of guacamole with your burrito! Try it spread on wholemeal toast for a filling breakfast to get the full benefit of this healthy content.

Beetroot

The forgotten superfood, beetroot is an extraordinary way to rid your body of toxins. Packed full of benefits, they really should be a regular part of any diet. The betalain – which gives beetroot its strong colouring – has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which promote cell structure, and regeneration of the liver – the bodies primary detox centre. Beets also help with free-radicals, making them an anti-cancer aid. Add them to a salad or smoothie, or roast them to make the most of their delicious sweet flavour.

Fennel

The aniseed flavoured fennel bulb has tons of vitamins and anti-inflammatory chemicals. Not only is it rich in Vitamin C, which has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, fennel is also high in fibre but low in calories – so it’s ideal as part of a detox diet.Fry with a splash of balsamic vinegar, and pair with oily fish.

Garlic

Not only does garlic boost the immune system, helping to ward off coughs and colds, it also helps out the liver. If the flavour is too strong for you, you can take it in supplement form to make sure you still reap the rewards. Use the bulbs to add flavour to otherwise bland food (and to ward off vampires of course!)

Ginger

Ginger’s medicinal value dates back to ancient Chinese civilizations, and is believed to offer many health benefits. It is also thought to help the liver function, and has some astringent properties. It’s great paired with lime juice and chillies as a marinade for fish, or grate it over carrots with some orange zest before roasting. Most commonly used in tea or other drinks, ginger is great when you’re on a detox and has many benefits, especially if you’re suffering from the after effects of too much alcohol.

Grapefruit

Filled with fibre, grapefruit is one of the most nutritionally dense foods there is. Packed with nutrient-rich juices, it’s heaven sent if you want to cleanse your body of toxins. High in Vitamin C, grapefruit is said to reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Green Tea

High in antioxidants which seek out and kill free radicals before they can do any damage, green tea is a great addition to any detox program. The caffeine in green tea also acts as a diuretic, which helps to alleviate bloating by counteracting water retention.

Kale

The latest superfood, kale seemed to be everywhere in 2015. It was in smoothies, salads, and even cake! But however you get it into your body, the benefits are hard to deny. Kale contains a number of kidney-cleansing nutrients, and is so good for you, some doctors have recommended it to patients fighting kidney disease. It’s also full of antioxidants, so it acts as a fantastic anti-inflammatory too.

Lemons

Lemons are a great digestive aid, and there are a number of lemon water detox diets out there. A cup of hot water with a slice of lemon in the morning is a rich source of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fibre. It also contains medicinal values and antibacterial properties along with traces of iron and vitamin A.

Turmeric

The warm, peppery flavour of turmeric means that it’s not difficult to add this into your regular diet. Because of its deep yellow-orange colour, turmeric has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. This anti-inflammatory agent has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual pains, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.

To kick start your detox, why not book in at the Devonshire Spa for a revitalising treatment? Our invigorating Tabula Rasa treatment is available until February 29, and is a great way to rid yourself of toxins and repair your skin. Find out more here >