Jennifer Danter
Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your diet. Nutrient-rich whole foods can help speed up your body's natural detoxification process, boosting your immune system and calming chronic digestive and inflammatory conditions. Incorporate the following items regularly into your diet to support your health from the inside out.
Our bodies are constantly undergoing detoxification by eliminating and neutralizing toxins. These waste products are created from normal cell activity as well as reactions to toxins we’re exposed to through food, water, and environmental pollution. Eating certain foods may improve functions of the kidney, colon, and liver; strengthen the immune system; and provide relief from chronic digestive and inflammatory diseases, as well as diabetes. The key is to eat a diet rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals by consuming real, whole foods. Tip: Pepper every meal with brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, and cut back on your intake of red meat. If you have dietary allergies or intolerances, abstain from dairy products, white sugar, gluten, and yeast.
Recipes
- Breakfast - Blueberry Spelt - Millet Muffins
- Lunch - Smashed Avocado and Eggy Toast
- Dinner - Forbidden Black Rice Bowl
- Snack - Firecracker Popcorn
- Drink - Blue Bite Smoothie
Detox Dust
Up the benefits ante and sprinkle this detoxifying, nutrient-dense blend over everything. Think soup, salad, eggs, oatmeal, pasta, and yogurt.
In mini blender or spice grinder, whirl 1/4 cup (60 mL) toasted chopped almonds with 1/4 cup (60 mL) goji berries, 2 Tbsp (30 mL) flaxseeds, and 1 sheet chopped nori seaweed until well blended into “dust.” Work in batches, as necessary.
Turn into a Mason jar, and add 2 Tbsp (30 mL) each chia seeds and hemp hearts, and 1 Tbsp (15 mL) sesame seeds. Seal with a lid, then shake to mix. Refrigerate up to 1 week. This recipe should yield 48 tsp per 1 cup (250 mL).
Each 1 tsp (5 mL) serving contains: 18 calories; 1 g protein; 1 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 2 g total carbohydrates (1 g sugars, 1 g fibre); 5 mg sodium
7 detox superstars
Incorporate these health-supporting foods into your meals on a regular basis:
Avocados
Rich in protein and monounsaturated fats, avocados help boost liver function. Preliminary clinical studies show that avocados may also support cardiovascular health.
Beets
Full of phytochemicals and minerals (including dietary nitrate, folate, manganese, and iron), beets promote a healthy digestive system, increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, and naturally boost athletic performance.
Ginger
High levels of antioxidants and compounds (notably gingerols) provide anti-inflammatory relief to the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating and improving digestion.
Blueberries
Loaded with fibre, vitamin C, and a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins, blueberries protect cell health. Studies show they promote digestive health, and help fight heart disease and diabetes.
Green tea
Containing only 20 to 45 mL caffeine per 8 oz (250 mL) cup, green tea is a rich source of antioxidants called polyphenols that destroy free radicals, halting oxidative cell damage. Green tea also provides anti-inflammatory and cancer protective benefits.
Seaweed
Seaweed contains fibre; essential amino acids; omega-3 fatty acids; and vitamins A, B, C, and E. Its soluble fibre content promotes digestive health.
Watercress
Its peppery green leaves are packed with nutrients, such as vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, which promote a healthy complexion, increased energy, and may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
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