Whenever we decide to cleanse our body or reduce those extra kilos, we get tons of recommendations of following a detox diet first and then stepping on to the next step towards the weight loss journey. There are so many trendy eating or even diet plans that are touted for the incredible benefits of both cleansing and detoxing our body. However, you need to make a note that according to certain scientific research and evidence, the states can do more harm than good to our bodies.
In the year 2015 the review concluded that there was no compelling study that supports following detox diets to manage weight or eliminate toxins from the body. In the year 2017, a review was published that spoke about how detox diets and juicing can initiate weight loss because of the amount of low calories that a person is consuming but it could also lead to immediate weight gain once the person gets back to normal diet.
You see, the concept of detox or cleansing one’s body is not necessarily unhealthy, but the results that these diets claim could be very misleading. Additionally, following crash dieting or a detox diet in order to reach your weight loss calls could actually lead to gaining additional weight or could also lead to eating disorders.
Therefore, a detox diet could be unnecessary because a human body is an amazing machine and it can actually detox itself. Here’s what you need to know about certain detox foods. These foods can help balance your eating and help you achieve your body weight goals as well. Read on.
Firstly, what exactly are detox foods?
Ask any dietician and they will not claim that one single food could detox your entire body as if it was magic. Instead, there are several types of foods which are known to contribute to our overall well-being and health and benefits in adding the detox process. Let’s learn more about these foods.
Antioxidant rich foods
For those who don’t know antioxidants are a substance that protects the cells within a body from any kind of damage caused by free radicals which usually occurs when the cells are exposed to certain harmful chemicals such as pollution, radiation, smoking or even a byproduct of just normal metabolism. Some of the dietary antioxidants are vitamin A, selenium, vitamin E and C, and various other phytochemicals.
Antioxidants can be found in several natural resources and they are excellent because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Fibre rich foods
Phiber plays a vital role in the process of digestion, but its health benefit doesn’t end just there. Dietary Fiber is known to promote various additional health benefits such as managing healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, lowering chances of heart disease or diabetes, preventing obesity, helps in weight loss, and decreases the risk of contracting cancer.
Prebiotic rich foods
We must know that prebiotics are ingredients that are non-digestible in our system but they’re added to the category of functional foods. They promote healthy growth of the gut bacteria. They promote healthy gastrointestinal health. They’re also known to improve our immune system’s defence mechanism, help in better calcium absorption, decrease allergy issues, and increase metabolism positively.
Foods that are heart healthy
Heart friendly force helps in detoxing the body by decreasing the levels of bad cholesterol. If there is an increase in bad cholesterol levels, LDL, it can cause plaque in the arteries.
This could lead to several critical health conditions such as PAD-peripheral artery disease, CAD-coronary artery disease and much more. All of these could directly lead to stroke or even heart attack.
Foods that are hydrating
For optimum functioning of our body, hydration is the key! Each day we need to ensure that we are drinking enough water and if a body stays well hydrated, it automatically detoxifies a body. And it is very important to ensure that the salt intake is good and you do not over do it or under do it. Excess amount of sodium intake could create negative impacts on one’s health.
Vegetables to consider
Vegetables contain phytochemicals that help regulate hormones, prevent any damage to blood cells, and stimulate our immune system. It is essential to eat 2 to 4 cups of vegetables every day. For liver detox include vegetables like garlic, onions, artichokes, beats, and certain cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, coloured greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli. You can also include other types of healthy vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, cucumber, leeks, okra, spinach, zucchini, and much more.
Fruits to consider
Fruits contain several phytonutrients that provide exceptional health benefits. Eating 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups of fruits every day will keep you healthy. Always opt for whole fruits either frozen or fresh such as black berries, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, apples, lemon, mango, oranges, pineapple, pomegranate, raspberries, and much more.
Complex carbs and whole grains to consider
We often think of cars as an enemy but cops can be beyond your pasta and bread. Try whole grains and complex carbs, for example-barley, quinoa, rice, tapioca, sweet potato, arrowroot, amaranth, oats, millet, and much more.
Facts to consider
People usually avoid eating fat while doing a body cleanse, however, eating healthy fats such as avocado, seeds, and raw nuts is beneficial.
Remember that detoxing one’s body does not mean one must deprive the body from nutrients or skip meals. The ultimate goal of a detox is to bring positive lifestyle changes by eating whole and healthy foods.