Top 10 Detox Foods

If you’re still recovering from the overindulgences of the holiday season, there’s no better time than right now to revamp your diet and give your body a well-deserved break. Many healing, cleansing foods known for their disease-prevention properties are probably ones you already eat; those included here that you’re not consuming on a regular basis might offer inspiration the next time you’re stuck in the kitchen. Consider a warming bowl of miso soup with slivers of ginger and garlic, or roasted cauliflower atop a bed of turmeric-and-cayenne spiced quinoa. Nourishing, healing, and delicious, these culinary offerings can be mixed and matched in myriad ways, and incorporated into meals year-round for optimal health and nutrition.

Cauliflower: Members of the cruciferous family, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all known for their cancer-fighting properties.

Cayenne: Enhances blood circulation, stimulates the digestive system, and protects the body with its antioxidants from the effects of harmful chemicals.

Cinnamon: Helpful for reducing intestinal gas and aids in increasing blood circulation. This spice is also known to treat diarrhea, nausea, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and Candida.

Garlic: Antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and antifungal, garlic is used to treat ear infections, influenza, blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It eliminates toxins from the body and is antiparasitic.

Ginger: Used to improve circulation, aid detoxification, and improve the cleansing of the kidneys and bowels. Also used to treat colds, motion sickness, nausea, and morning sickness.

Miso: Helps to protect the body from radiation, cancer, air pollution, and environmental toxins. A wonderful digestive aid and protein source.

Nori: This sea veggie is great paired with fried foods since it emulsifies fat and aids in its digestion. Rich in vitamin A, protein, B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

Quinoa: This simple seed is a complete protein, and also boasts high calcium and lysine contents.

Turmeric: Found in most curry powders, this mustard-colored spice is high in beta carotene, strengthens the immune system, and helps to dissolve cysts and tumors.

Winter Squash: A warming food, these sweet squashes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium.