Feeling sluggish lately? Eating a balanced diet can help our bodies get the right nutrients it needs to fuel us throughout the day. Many foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants can assist your body’s natural ability to cleanse and detoxify itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, “As a bonus, fruits, vegetables and whole grains high in antioxidants are also typically high in fiber, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and good sources of vitamins and minerals.” Add these nine foods to your plate to help you start feeling better:
Asparagus
Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as being beneficial to those with high blood pressure. Asparagus is also known to promote kidney and bladder function.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. Eating broccoli also may help your body fight off cancer-inducing chemicals and boost the liver’s ability to regulate chemical levels in our bodies.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is loaded with nutrients including vitaminsA, C, and B1 and pantothenic acid, fiber, potassium, and biotin. Enzymes found in grapefruit may also break down the fat in your body to help promote weight loss. Please note that grapefruit may interact with some medications, so you should speak with your primary care provider before increasing your grapefruit intake.
Avocado
Avocados are loaded with antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals. A nutrient-dense food, avocados contain around 20 different vitamins and minerals that help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Kale
What’s the fuss over kale? Packed with amino acids that help keep your mind sharp, kale is beneficial for managing cholesterol too. Kale can also help with managing blood pressure and supporting the immune system.
Artichokes
Give your liver a break! Artichokes provide a wide variety of nutrients for your blood and liver. Two phytonutrients found in artichokes help the liver produce bile, which is important in the digestion of fats and the removal of harmful toxins.
Collard greens
Collard greens are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that support your body’s detoxification process. Not only are they high in vitamins K and A, but collard greens may also lower your risk of breast, colon, and lung cancers due to indole-3-carbinol.
Beets
Beets are a high-antioxidant vegetable that are also rich in nutrients. Beets contain betaine as well as a fiber called pectin that clears toxins that have been removed from the liver. In addition, beets can help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease and stroke, help fight inflammation, and provide a boost to your immune system.
Spinach
Spinach is low in calories but packed with nutrients. Spinach contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium ‒ the list goes on! Flavonoid antioxidants in spinach help prevent cholesterol oxidation in the body.
