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5 detox foods to include in your diet

For a lot of people who are feeling sluggish, bloated or having skin issues like acne, detoxification seems like the obvious solution. So, what exactly is detoxification? I describe it as a way to stop exposing our bodies to the toxins that accumulate thanks to our indisciplined lifestyle, and the preserved, canned and fast food we eat.
Today, 'detox' has become quite the buzzword and a health fad, with companies trying to sell products and services for it. But, one of the best and safest ways to detoxify your body is to simply eat real, healthy and chemical-free food. Research has shown that there are certain foods that have a positive effect on our body when it comes to removing toxins. Try incorporating these ingredients in your diet and you find yourself feeling lighter, more energetic while also having better concentration and shedding a few unwanted pounds.
Green tea: No detox plan would be complete without this drink. We all know that keeping our bodies hydrated is one of the first steps to healthy living. Fluids are essential for keeping organs healthy and helping to flush toxins from the body, so what could be better than green tea for your fluid intake? This wonder drink improves our metabolic rate, is high in antioxidants and studies have also shown that they lessen the risk of heart diseases. Green tea is also a great source of vitamin C, thus helping to prevent the flu. Have 2-3 cups daily to rehydrate and rejuvenate the system.
Ginger: This root has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant for thousands of years now, and is one of the main ingredients of all detox recipes. Ginger acts as a catalyst to stimulate digestion and circulation, which indirectly helps in detoxification. The high content of gingerol in ginger helps prevent gas formation and other digestive issues like nausea and bloating. The best part? It has no side effects. Add a small piece of ginger to a cup of water and boil for some time. Have that ginger water and watch as it works its magic. To further boost your digestion, sip ginger tea 4-5 times a day, or incorporate it into various dishes.
Lemon: Lemons are packed with the antioxidant vitamin C, which is why they are an important part of the detox diet. Lemon juice is alkalising for the body, thus helping the liver to cleanse the toxins and reduce bloating. It is also great for your skin as it prevents acne eruption. Start the day with a glass of lukewarm water with a few drops of lime juice to cleanse your body.
Cabbage: You may not know this, but this veggie is a great way to detoxify your bodies. Not only does it have a high nutritional value but numerous medicinal properties too. Cabbage contains sulforaphane, a substance that can increase the production of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes. Sulforaphane works by stimulating the production of glutathione, which plays a role in liver detoxification. This vegetable can be eaten either in cooked form or raw, so add it to as many meals as you can.
Yoghurt: This is a wonder food as it also serves as a delicious and healthy snack. The probiotics (body-friendly bacteria) in yoghurt, along with its calcium and protein content, put it at the top of any detox food list. It is also good for those with water retention problems and urinary tract infections. Try adding a bit to soups, stews, sorbets and desserts.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com