The Top 8 Fruitful Health Benefits Of Limes

Limes are often overlooked in a world full of lemons, but the little green fruits have just as much merit as their larger yellow cousins, and offer something a little different within the citrus family. Recipes that call for lemons can almost always be substituted for limes, and vice versa, although substituting will make the food taste a little different. Besides the fact that limes are bursting with delicious, zesty flavor, they are also packed full of health-boosting nutrients that look after our bodies from the inside out…

All About Limes

These little green round citrus fruits are a little stronger but slightly less sour than lemons, and are often used to enhance flavors or add a zesty touch to a meal. They grow on thorny, scrubby evergreen trees called ‘lime trees’, which can grow to around 17-feet high. Limes are commonly used as an ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine and grow all-year-round in tropical climates. They are extremely nutritious and versatile, used in food, cosmetics and cleaning products. They are generally around 3 to 6cm in diameter and the juice of just one of these flavorful fruits holds more than 30% of your recommended daily vitamin C intake.

The word ‘lime’ is of Arabic origin, although it is believed the fruit originated in Southeast Asia. Persian and Arab traders are understood to have introduced limes to India and the Middle East, before they were brought to France and Italy by returning 13^th century crusaders. Mexico is now the world’s largest producer and consumer of limes.

Nutritional Information

Despite their size, limes are extremely flavorful and come with plenty of valuable nutrients. The juice of one lime, which is about 67 grams, is made up of 20 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrate, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 32% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is fundamental to the body’s connective tissue development, which includes the healing of wounds and blood vessel wall support. Besides vitamin C, there are other important micronutrients in lime juice, in lesser amounts, including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and B.

Limes are rich in flavonoids, which are pigments that give plants their color. These flavonoids, which are strong and potent in citrus fruits, act as powerful antioxidants, helping to protect the body from free radicals that can damage healthy cells. The citric acid in sour limes, which gives them their tart taste, also has its nutritional benefits.
In a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, which looked at the antibacterial activity of lime juice against harmful bacteria, scientists found it was effective in decreasing the spread of bad bacteria. Researchers concluded that fresh lime juice may be effective in preventing certain bacterial infections.

Health Benefits Of Limes

Eating all kinds of fruits and vegetables has been associated with increased overall health and a reduced risk of a number of lifestyle-related health conditions. Lime juice, and vitamin C, which is abundantly available in lime juice, are believed to minimize the risk of a number of health problems and ailments, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as improve the immune system and promote healthy hair and skin.

1. Limes May Decrease The Risk Of Obesity

Like warm lemon water, a glass of warm water with the juice of one lime works as a refreshing antioxidant-rich drink that may aid weight loss. This is because the citric acid in lime juice might be able to help the body burn fat. Lime juice in general is a healthy, weight-conscious option when compared to more common fruit juice choices, such as orange juice, because it provides vitamins with very few calories and sugar. By switching from sweeter, more calorie-dense juices and drink options to lime juice, you can almost trick the body into being satisfied with a flavorful, sweet drink without those extra calories!

2. Limes May Lower The Risk Of Diabetes

Citrus fruits, including limes, are considered ‘super foods’ when it comes to managing diabetes. This is because the high levels of soluble fiber in limes help regulate the body’s sugar absorption into the blood, reducing the risk of a blood sugar spike. This soluble fiber is found in the peel, juice and pulp of limes, meaning the more of the fruit you can consume, the better. Soluble fiber might also help lower blood pressure and reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, which can clog arteries. The low glycemic index of limes also means the fruit will not cause glucose levels to spike unexpectedly.

3. Limes Promote Heart Health

The soluble fiber found in limes, which can help diabetics maintain their blood sugar levels, is also known to eliminate the presence of LDL cholesterol, known as ‘bad cholesterol’, and lower blood pressure. It is also known to cut down on blood vessel inflammation, which can help prevent heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Limes are rich in vitamin C, which is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, while low levels of vitamin C in the blood is linked to an increased risk of stroke.
According to a UK study from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, consuming higher amounts of citrus fruits may lower women’s risk of suffering an ischemic stroke. This was one of the first studies to examine the results of consuming flavonoid subclasses, which are found in fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate and red wine, and how they might affect the risk of stroke. In this case, researchers concluded that flavonoids may provide some protection against ischemic stroke by improving blood vessel function and offering an anti-inflammatory effect.

4. Limes Can Help Prevent Asthma

The vitamin C in limes can help prevent asthma and allergies. A number of studies have found vitamin C consumption to have positive effects on pulmonary function tests, decreased respiratory infection, improved white blood cell function and motility, and bronchoprovocation challenges with methacholine, histamine or allergens.
There are a number of natural remedies for reducing asthma and allergy outbreaks and wheezing. One recommendation is to consume a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice every morning to prevent symptoms from cropping up.

5. Limes Increase Iron Absorption

One of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the developed world is iron, which is a leading cause of anemia. Foods that are high in vitamin C, like lime, can be paired with iron-rich foods to maximize the body’s ability to absorb dietary iron. This can be achieved by drinking lime juice with an iron-rich meal, or by adding lime as an ingredient to a meal with iron-rich food in it. Foods high in iron include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables, like spinach.

6. Limes Enhance The Immune System

Vitamin C is well-known as a powerful immune system booster that can help combat cold and flu germs. Because the immune system is strongly influenced by nutrient intake, a vitamin C deficiency can result in reduced resistance to certain pathogens, while a greater supply can enhance a number of immune system parameters. That’s why fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are an extremely important part of your diet all-year-round – to help keep your health and immune system in tiptop shape. A glass of warm lime or lemon water every morning is a great way to consistently get a vitamin C boost into your diet.

7. Limes Boost Skin Health

Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, which play an important role in the production of collagen, strengthening the capillaries underneath the skin, and increasing circulation, which can help prevent lines, cellulite and varicose veins. Ascorbic acid has beneficial effects on skin cells, when taken in both dietary and topical form. The juice of one lime, for example, provides 32% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which helps build and maintain collagen. Some studies have shown that vitamin C may even prevent and treat ultraviolet-induced photo-damage.

Lime juice and the natural oils from the peel are very beneficial to the skin, whether consumed or applied externally. The antioxidants in lime rejuvenate tired skin and protect it from infections. It can be used as an exfoliator because its acids remove dead skin cells and can help reduce rashes. There are a number of natural skin scrub, bath soak and moisturizer recipes available that use lime as a nourishing, skin-tightening ingredient for a radiant complexion. This DIY mask combines lime and oatmeal to diminish the appearance of skin pigmentation…

8. Limes Promote Healthy Hair

The healing properties in lime juice can be extended to hair health, especially when combined with other natural ingredients. The acid in lime juice can be used to help treat and rid the hair of dandruff. Simply add some lime juice to water and use the solution as a final rinse after washing your hair. You will find the lime will also condition your hair, giving it a healthy, natural shine, while removing excess oils from the scalp. There are a few ways you can add lime into your haircare routine for strong, shiny locks.

Recipes

Limes can be used in both sweet and savory meals to enhance and adjust the flavor, or add a nice zingy bite. Popular uses include cooking white fish with sliced limes on top or squeezing it on cooked fish and Thai curries. It can be used in herbal tea, as a base in salad dressings and marinades or as a zesty ingredient in desserts. Try these healthy sweet and savory lime recipes to get your dose of vitamin C…

Lime Cilantro Swordfish Kebabs – This is a fantastic barbecue option that is a bit more creative than traditional shrimp or chicken skewers (or steak and hamburgers for that matter!). Swordfish is similar to tuna steak in that it is rather meaty compared to other fish. However, unlike tuna, which actually looks quite like steak, swordfish has a lovely white fish color, and grills beautifully, without sticking. The marinade used in this recipe is quick to whip up and very versatile – the vegetables can be swapped and changed depending on what is seasonal. And there’s nothing better than a tangy, limey fish option at a barbecue to win over your guests!
Grilled Pineapple Lime And Chilli Salad – This quinoa salad is bursting with sweet, spicy and tangy flavors – perfect for a light summer meal. The lime, chilli and olive oil-based dressing complements the sweet pineapple perfectly, and the quinoa gives it the substance it needs to be a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Guacamole – The thing about guacamole is that we often buy it premade and dip salty corn chips in it while sipping on margaritas. So perhaps you don’t think of it as a healthy option. But, on the contrary, guacamole is made from some of the healthiest ingredients on the planet – avocado, lime and garlic, and you don’t need nachos to accompany it. It makes the perfect side to poached chicken and salad, or spread on grainy toast for breakfast or lunch. This guacamole recipe features cilantro, onion and tomato alongside lime, garlic and avocado, for a flavorful, healthy and filling dip.
Lime Cilantro Spinach Smoothie – Anyone who loves cilantro, ginger and lime will love this energizing smoothie that will have you feeling revived, healthy and ready to take on the world! It is a great drink to aid digestion and boost the immune system, and with the avocado and banana, it will keep you nice and full.

Raspberry Lime Chia Oatmeal – This delicious breakfast definitely takes the bland out of oatmeal. Bursting with a beautiful bright, pink color as well as sweet and zesty flavors, it’s the perfect cheerful way to start your day. Oatmeal is a great breakfast option because it doesn’t cause a sugar spike and will keep your full for hours.
Raw Key Lime Tart – We couldn’t have a lime blog without a key lime tart recipe. Unlike the original key lime pie dessert, which is full of traditional unhealthy ingredients like sugar, butter and condensed milk, this recipe is packed full of healthy, wholesome ingredients for a filling, nutritious sweet treat. This dessert takes just 15 minutes to put together, with a nut, coconut and date crust and a creamy lime filling made from cashews, coconut oil, maple syrup, and, of course, limes.

P.S. Take a look at the 5 veggies that boost female metabolism and burn off lower belly fat.

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Detox Question and Answer

Detox FAQ

What is a detoxing diet?

A detoxing diet is one that is set up to get the body to flush out toxins and accumulated waste so that it functions more properly, and sets the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. The working theory is that the body lives in a toxic environment, from the foods we eat to our homes and offices, there are plenty of things that make it so we get away from our natural state. Detoxing is presented as a way of helping to get rid of those toxins, allowing our digestive and immune systems to get back to normal and keep us healthy.

Can detoxing cause diarrhea?

Depending on what type of detox program you’re on, you may experience diarrhea. This is especially true if you are using a special type of tea or food that is meant to help clean out your colon or digestive system. The severity of the diarrhea will depend on how much you needed to expel, or how powerful the food or drink in question is. It is not the same as having diarrhea caused by a stomach bug.

Does detoxing cause breakouts?

If your detoxing efforts are successful, your body will be expelling toxins at a rapid rate. This has been known to cause breakouts in some individuals as your body tries to cope with what is happening. The good news is that once you have completed the detox program you should notice an improvement in your skin. It should be more radiant and clearer once it’s not battling excess amounts of toxins.

Can detoxing make you constipated?

Many times a detox program will have you cutting back on the amount of food you eat. The less that goes in, the less that comes out, so many people experience what seems to be constipation. With other programs that have you eating foods you’ll likely be eating more leafy greens and other foods that are high in fiber, and that should be enough to keep you regular throughout.

How long does detoxing take?

In many instances this is entirely up to you, but there are also several programs that have a set amount of time, like a 24 hour detox, or a 3 day detox, or even a week, two weeks, or a month. That’s why it’s important to pick a time frame that sounds right to you, and to approach this so that you don’t bite off more than you can chew if it’s your first time detoxing. Take it slow and know that you can always stop early if you feel you need to.

Can detoxing cause nausea?

With the drastic changes happening to the body during a detox, it’s quite possible that you may experience nausea. There are several reasons why this might happen. First, if your body has grown accustomed to certain toxins, it will be somewhat traumatic for them to be purged. Also, if you are eating a specific food or drinking a detox tea that doesn’t agree with you, it might make you feel nauseous.

Does detoxing make you gassy?

There is a chance that detoxing will cause gas, since many of them will have you eating all-natural and raw foods, and if your digestive system isn’t used to them it may respond with excess gas. You may also be doing a colon cleanse during the program, and that can lead to gas as you are cleansing the walls of the colon and releasing built up feces and other debris that has accumulated.

Is detoxing a hoax?

Because of the drastic claims made by some companies and authors about what their detox program can do for you, many have come to believe that the whole concept is bunk. But while detoxing may not be the miracle solution it’s often described as, it can’t really be considered a hoax either. It’s logical to think that giving the digestive system a break and treating the body well for a span of time would have enormous benefits. If nothing else you’re stopping the constant flow of processed foods and upping your intake of nutrient-dense foods, so some good must come from it.

Can detoxing make your period late?

Many factors can affect your period, including stress and changes in your diet and lifestyle. Since detoxing typically involves drastically changing your food intake, some women have reported a change in their menstruation cycle. If you are concerned about how a detoxing program will affect your cycle be sure to consult with your doctor and let them know which one you are considering, including how long you’ll be on it and what it entails.

Does detoxing help with cellulite?

Cellulite is a pesky problem, and those that have it will consider most viable options for getting rid of it. While there are several reports that certain detox diets help to improve the skin, there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of scientific evidence or research studies into how detoxing can help with cellulite. If cellulite is one of your major concerns, pick a detoxing program that specifically states it’s designed to help with it.

Is fasting detoxing?

The two are not synonymous, but many detoxing methods involve fasting, or drastically cutting back on food while you’re on the program. The idea is that by cutting off your food supply you’re giving the digestive system a chance to rest. By not having a constant supply of food to eat, it’s able to process whatever the last thing you ate was, and then work on repairing itself, or purging itself of anything that doesn’t belong. You may also see things like a fruit and veggie fast, or a juice fast, where you’re not exactly fasting in the strictest sense of the word, but you’re limiting yourself to only those foods, or only juices.

Can detoxing cause anxiety?

It’s not uncommon to feel anxious while detoxing. It involves treating your body in ways that are likely unusual, and this can lead to stress and anxiety because you don’t quite know how your body will respond. If your detox program involves fasting, you may get a bit antsy about the process, and you may even panic halfway through if you haven’t established a proper re-entry plan. That’s why it’s a good idea to follow a program that resonates with you so that all of the steps are laid out and you don’t have to worry about it.

Does detoxing help eczema?

You’ll want to make sure that you choose what’s called an “eczema detox program” in order to make sure that you end up treating it, instead of making it worse. There is anecdotal evidence that you can actually worsen the condition if you are following a detox plan that doesn’t take it into account. Stick with a program that is specifically designed to have you abstain from things that make it worse, and flood your body with things that can help.

Does water detox the body?

Water has a cleansing effect on the body and every detox program out there will stress the importance of keeping yourself hydrated while detoxing. If you’ve been in a dehydrated state for an extended period of time – and many Americans are – you can get a great benefit by gradually bringing more water into your life. If you are following a detox program, be sure to drink enough water since all of your organs benefit by it, and it will help facilitate the release of toxic substances and waste.

Can detoxing help you quit smoking?

One theory of detoxing is that you can help the body purge itself of nicotine, as this is a toxic substance. If you want to go this route be sure to follow a program that is designed specifically for nicotine detox. It will help you to cope with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that are sure to arise, and will have you eating foods and drinking drinks that are geared towards flushing out the nicotine.

Do detoxifying foot pads work?

Detoxifying foot pads are meant to be worn at night, and are supposed to extract toxins out of the bottom of your feet. The “proof” is allegedly in the pad, since it changes color from a bright and clean white when you put it on, to a disgusting black or dark brown when you wake up in the morning. But numerous studies have shown that there aren’t any toxins in the used pads, and that the color change is due to a chemical reaction from ingredients in the pad reacting with the sweat produced by the feet during the night.

Does detoxing help with hair growth?

Many a balding man has wondered if detoxing will cause the problem to stop, or even reverse itself. It’s nice to think that it’s a toxin that is causing the hair loss, but if it’s male pattern baldness you’ll likely see no difference in the problem. Just ask the many men that have completed several detox programs and still have seen no change in their hair loss. A detox may help with the quality of the hair you do have, making it appear more healthy and shiny, but we have found no evidence that it can help with male pattern baldness. There may be other causes of hair loss that it is effective with.

Does detoxing make you poop?

Many detoxing programs focus on clearing out your digestive system including your colon, so you’ll likely see an increase in the amount of poop coming out of you. This is due to the large number of vegetables, fruits, and other foods and drinks that are consumed during a detox that are geared at stimulating the bowels, or that are full of fiber so that it really gets things moving. If you don’t typically eat a lot of fiber, and have a sluggish digestive system, this will most assuredly get you to go more often than you do.

Is detoxing good for diabetics?

There are certain programs that have been established for those with diabetes, which takes into account the special needs in regards to blood glucose levels. In any case, you’ll want to run it past your doctor, since they’ll have your full medical history and will be able to alert you any possible problems they see with the foods you’ll be eating and the amount of time between meals. What you don’t want to do is choose a program that does not mention whether or not it is suitable for diabetics.

Does detoxing make you sick?

There is some concern as to whether detoxing can make you sick, by tampering with the immune system and leaving you susceptible to colds and other illnesses that you otherwise wouldn’t get. But overall the detoxing should provide you with an improved immune system, as well as improved digestion, which should make it so you’re healthier and less likely to get sick. There is also the phenomenon of releasing a load of toxins all at once, and feeling like you have a cold, but this is a temporary condition that passes with time.

Can detoxing cause joint pain?

It all depends on the program you pick. Some detox programs focus on anti-inflammatory foods and beverages which should actually provide relief for joint pain caused by inflammation. There are others that will actually cause more inflammation while you’re on them, which is why it’s a good idea to study up on what is involved, what you’ll be eating, and how long you’ll be doing the program. Take this information to your doctor for their advice.

Do detoxification programs work?

Since everyone has their own goals and expectations when it comes to detoxing, it really is a subjective situation. If you get swept away by claims of improved sleep, more energy, a clearer complexion, rapid weight loss, clearer thinking, and more, you may be disappointed when all that happens is you feel a little better. You may be even more disappointed when you find that you feel worse. It’s a good idea to set clear goals when it comes to what you’re trying to accomplish, and then do your best to objectively analyze the results.

Is detoxing really necessary?

This is really up to you to decide. Some people find that the idea of detoxing makes a lot of sense, and they schedule it at regular intervals throughout the year. Others take the approach that it’s not really necessary because those in previous generations didn’t detox, and they lived to be 80, 90, etc. When you consider that foods today are more heavily processed than any time in our history, and that there are more people on the planet than any time before, it starts to make more sense to cleanse the body on a regular basis, if nothing more than to help put a dent in how many impurities we’re exposed to.

Does detoxing make you smell?

There is a thought that if you are eating nothing but fruits and vegetables and drinking herbal teas that your body will start to give off a particular odor. Since you’re also supposed to be releasing toxins it only makes sense that your body odor would be affected. But aside from a few stories from those that said they noticed a smell while detoxing, you shouldn’t expect it. There may be some programs that have a higher likelihood of causing a smell than others, based on what you’re eating and drinking.

Is detoxing your liver safe?

Detoxing the liver is generally safe as long as you don’t go to extremes or do things to jeopardize your overall health. The liver is a resilient organ, and it just needs a little TLC to provide great benefits. Choosing a detox program with an emphasis on cleansing the liver is a good idea in most cases, especially if you haven’t exactly been kind to your liver through the years.

Can detoxing cure herpes?

Herpes has no cure currently, but you may find that detoxing helps to minimize your symptoms and outbreaks. There are several programs that say they have figured out the cure for herpes and that it involves following a certain detox plan. But in these claims they fail to establish that the herpes virus has really been “cured” and that it is no longer found in the body.




P.S. Take a look at the 5 veggies that boost female metabolism and burn off lower belly fat.

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11 Secrets About 7 Good Reasons to Try the Apple Cider Vinegar Detox

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Top 20 Foods that Detox Your Body & Mind

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Artichokes

Artichokes help the liver function at its best, which in turn will help your body purge itself of toxins and other things it doesn’t need to survive. It ups the liver’s production of bile, and since bile helps break down foods which helps your body use the nutrients inside them, an increase in bile production is typically a good thing.

Aside from all of the benefits to your liver, it’s also filled with fiber, protein, magnesium, folate, and potassium. It’s simply a good food to add to your diet in order to stay regular, stay healthy, and keep your liver happily doing its job.

Asparagus

Despite being a tasty veggie asparagus ranks highly on the detox-o-meter. Not only does it help to detoxify the body, it can help you wage the anti-aging battle, protect you from getting cancer, help your heart to stay healthy, and is a general anti-inflammatory food.

It’s also known to help with liver drainage, which might sound like a bad thing, but since the liver is responsible for filtering out the toxic materials in the food and drinks we consume, anything that backs up its drainage is not doing you any favors.

Avocados

Because of its fiber and antioxidant count this is a food that is making it onto more and more detox lists. At first many shied away from them because of they’re high in fat, but ever since the difference between good fats and bad fats become more commonly known, they are now getting the respect they deserve.

Don’t think that the guacamole you can add to your meal at a fast food restaurant for 50 cents more is going to do the detox trick. Opt for organic avocados and consume them without any other ingredients to get the full benefit of their healthy content.

Beets

You may only see beets when you order a Greek salad, but you should make a bigger effort to include them into your regular menu, and definitely pick some up if you’re going on a detox diet. There are so many different benefits to them, it’s easy to see why they are often mentioned as a super food.

When you’re detoxing they will help by making sure that the toxins you’re getting out actually make it out of your body. Many detox cleanses go wrong when toxins are reintroduced to the body because they don’t make it all the way out. Beets also help with free-radicals, making them an anti-cancer aid.

Broccoli

You’re probably sick of seeing broccoli show up all over the place whenever health food is mentioned. But that’s only because it packs a nutritional punch in a mini-tree shaped vegetable. Why does it belong on your detox food shopping list? It specifically works with the enzymes in your liver to turn toxins into something your body can eliminate easily.

If you’re stuck for ways on how to make broccoli taste better try changing up the way you cook it, or consider eating it raw. But don’t microwave it or it won’t have the same detox properties.

Cabbage

Don’t let the fad Cabbage Soup Detox Diet throw you off course with this helpful vegetable. Like most things that go viral this diet has some truth to it, but you don’t have to go to extremes. Cabbage helps your liver with the byproduct being lower cholesterol, so there is more than one reason to include this cruciferous vegetable.

In addition to cleansing your liver cabbage will also aid in helping you go to the bathroom, which in turn helps you expel the toxins, getting them out of your system so you can start fresh.

Dandelions

Happy liver, healthy life is the motto here, and dandelion root can help you on your quest to a healthy liver that does its daily duties. This plant is considered a weed by most lawn enthusiasts, but it has several healing properties for the liver, and therefore should not be overlooked when it comes time for detox.

Dandelion has been used to treat liver problems dating back hundreds of years, but you don’t have to wait until your liver is in dire straights to get the benefits. Strengthening an already healthy liver will still yield plenty of good results and makes it worth looking into dandelion on your quest for a cleanse.

Garlic

Many detox diets list garlic as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The reason is that garlic boosts up the immune system as well as helping out the liver. One good thing about garlic is that you can up your intake of it without having to worry if your body is going to get used to it or build up a resistance.

One other positive aspect is that it can help to add flavor to otherwise bland foods that you’ll be eating on your detox program. But if you don’t like the taste of garlic you can still get its benefits because it comes in supplement form.

Ginger

This is one root whose medicinal value dates back to ancient Chinese civilizations, and one that is still believed to offer many health benefits. Often used in a tea or other drink, you can add it to the meals you make as well. It is thought to help the liver function, and has some astringent properties.

Some detox diets ask you to chew on ginger root. You may also find that adding it to hot water makes the water taste better. Basically any way you can think of it get it into your system is going to be beneficial, especially if you’re suffering from a fatty liver caused by too much alcohol, or too many toxic foods and drinks.

Grapefruit

The fiber and the nutrient-rich juices in a grapefruit pack a nice detox punch and can really get your body into action as far as detoxing goes. It’s all about flooding the body with good things for it while helping it dislodge the bad things. The effects of grapefruit on weight loss are well-established, and one reason may be because of the way it makes the liver burn up fat.

The big takeaway on grapefruit is that it gets your liver fired up and ready for action, while infusing the rest of your organs with nutrient-laden fruit juice. It’s a winner when it comes to detox foods.

Green Tea

Green tea is often thought of as a great addition to any detox program because of its high antioxidant value. Antioxidants are helpful because they will help seek out and kill free radicals before they can do any damage. This is a great beverage to drink on a daily basis for this factor alone.

Getting into a healthy state of mind is a matter of feeling like you’re doing what’s best for your body. It can be something as simple as substituting green tea for colas, juices, and other teas so that you can actually be benefiting your body from a beverage instead of hurting it.

Kale

Dr. Oz includes kale in his 48 Hour Weekend Cleanse and recommends blending it up in a shake. However you choose to get it into your body, the benefits are that it contains plenty of nutrients, and also acts as a way to help flush out the kidneys, a set of organs that must be cleansed on any good detox effort.

This vegetable is so good for you that it is often recommended to patients that are following a doctor recommended diet when fighting kidney disease. It’s packed with so many antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties as well, not to mention all of the vitamins and minerals it contains.

Lemongrass

This is an herb that is used in Thailand and other parts of the world as a natural way to cleanse several organs at once. It not only helps the liver but also the kidneys, the bladder, and the entire digestive tract. Benefits of using it in your cooking, or drinking it as a tea include a better complexion, better circulation, and better digestion.

It is most often used as a tea in the world of detoxing, and there are several recipes you can try until you find one that suits your tastes best.

Lemons

Lemons and lemon juice are often mentioned when detoxing, and there’s even a few Lemon Detox Diets floating around out there. It’s simply a matter of adding lemon juice to water and drinking it. It’s supposed to flush toxins from your body. Some people add cayanne pepper and sweeten it with sugar, but sugar is not recommended if you’re trying to get a detoxifying effect from it.

It helps with your digestion and you can drink a cup of hot water with lemon added in order to prepare your digestive system for that day’s work.

Olive Oil

Some liver cleanses out there call for olive oil mixed with fruit juice in order to trigger your liver to expunge its gallstones. But aside from that olive oil should be your go-to oil for use in cooking when you’re trying to detox the body. That’s because it has a lot of healthy properties, and makes for a better choice of fat than most of your other options.

Just be sure not to cook with it at high heat. Use it as a salad dress to help things like dark leafy greens go down.

Seaweed

This probably doesn’t enter your menu unless it’s wrapped around a piece of sushi, but seaweed has a ton of nutrients and antioxidants in it. If you’re trying to get more detox foods into the body, don’t go for the nori they used to hold together a sushi roll, you’ll want to go with kelp instead to get the most out of it and avoid the salt that’s added to the dried nori.

The kelp is used in Asian cuisine and can often be found in soups. That’s a great way to have it when you’re detoxing, and it makes it so it’s easy to digest and tastes good too.

Turmeric

This is an herb that usually shows up as a tea, and it has specifically been studied in relation to the effect that it has on the liver. It’s said that you can do a detox using just turmeric tea, and drinking it for a week straight along with a healthy diet.

If you are simply looking for a way to start adding detoxifying foods to your diet, it would be good to keep this on hand and to substitute it for another beverage to reap its healthy benefits.

Water

Water is often overlooked but is so important for all of your organs, and for flushing toxins out of your body. If you’re exercising and taking saunas to help release the toxins it becomes even more important to stay hydrated.

If you’re not used to drinking water daily, be sure to only increase your intake by one cup at a time so you don’t overload yourself. Your kidneys won’t know what to do if they’re not used to getting water and then get a ton of it.

Watercress

Give your liver a big boost with cleansing action of watercress. If you’re into making smoothies for your detoxing this is a great one to blend up and drink down. You can also try adding it to a salad, but you might want to make sure you enjoy the taste first. It’s an acquired taste for some, and a source of consistent dislike for others.

This helps to release enzymes in the liver that clean it out and help rid it of toxic buildup. A great way to be good to yourself!

Wheatgrass

All of those health nuts that have been drinking wheatgrass shakes for years were onto something. This is a great boost to your liver and it can help you feel good all day due to its alkaline property.

It’s also effective at lowering your blood sugar and for getting your metabolism back on track. It’s simply a great food to consume, and is a nice counteraction to any junk you may have eaten in the past. Show your body you really do love it.

+ 4 Things to Avoid

Alcohol

Alcohol has a very toxic effect on the liver, and will undo all of your hard detox work. It can single-handedly cause a fatty liver, or it can contribute to one. When your liver is taxed your whole body suffers. Try to eliminate or at least drastically cut back during any detox program you follow.

Caffeinated Beverages

Beverages with caffeine in them have a dehydrating effect on the body, and make the liver work overtime to process the caffeine they contain. You have to drink plenty more water to counteract the dehydrating effects they cause, so it’s easier to just avoid them while you’re trying to detox.

Sweets, Candies, Chocolates

Excess sugar will also cause excess stress to your liver, and will thwart your cleansing efforts. Try your best to cut out these foods you’re craving. You’ll find that as you release toxins from your body you’ll crave these kind of foods less and less, but you have to give them up in order for this to happen.

Overeating

Overloading your digestive system leads to things moving sluggishly, and can lead to an accumulation of toxins. While you’re trying to detox you want to make sure that you’re stopping when you almost feel full, and that you’re eating freshly prepared foods that are high in fiber and nutrients.

Keep in mind that not one single detox food on this list is a magical one that you can focus all of your attention on to fully cleanse the body. Consider increasing your intake on as many as you can reasonably accommodate. Some might be hard to incorporate, either because you can’t find them locally or you can’t picture yourself adding them to your diet. Just do the best you can to come up with a detox plan that works for you and that you feel good about.

P.S. Take a look at the 5 veggies that boost female metabolism and burn off lower belly fat.

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