Here is a list of foods with clear and proven benefits that you might want to include on your next shopping trip.
Broccoli
Broccoli contains a unique chemical called sulforaphane—a chemical that detoxifies cancer-causing pollutants before they get a chance to cause problems. Broccoli is also filling, and contains phytochemicals that aid with weight loss.
Ginger
Perhaps one of the most underrated health foods, ginger is one of the most effective ways to reduce gastrointestinal distress. Consuming ginger expands the blood vessels, which increases body heat and raises metabolic rate.
Garlic
Chock-full of powerful antioxidants C and E, garlic can help with digestive disturbances. It contains the compound allicin which has strong anti-bacterial compounds and sulfur, a mineral that helps cleanse the body of toxins. Garlic has also been proven to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and has been used in the treatment of high blood pressure, artherosclerosis and bacteria-related illnesses.
Green Tea
Containing a potent antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that has shown to reduce cholesterol and inhibit the growth of cancer cells, the EGCG in green tea helps set off a chain reaction prompting the breakdown of fat cells to be used as energy.
Prune Juice
Research reveals that this fruit is six times better at ridding the body of cancer-causing agents than broccoli, and eight times more effective than red grapes. They also help the body eliminate waste and water more efficiently.
Peppermint
Peppermint helps to eliminate foreign particles in the internal organs and ease digestion and cramps by calming the stomach and relaxing the intestinal muscles. It also relieves heartburn and nausea, cleanse the gut and rid the body of foul-smelling gas. Furthermore, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant that increases alertness and decreases hunger pangs.
Turmeric
Used for centuries for its medicinal properties as a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects on the body, turmeric has the ability to help rid the liver of harmful compounds and combat the cell damage that comes with ageing.
Flaxseeds
With a mix of nutrients that help internal cleansing, flaxseed contains both soluble and insoluble fibre that help with smooth bowel movement and prevent the re-absorption of cholesterol from the colon.
Coriander
Coriander seeds can help digestion and maintain normal cholesterol levels, while its leaves aid in detoxifying heavy metals like lead and mercury that can accumulate in the body over time.
Artichokes
They are high in prebiotic inulin and help to promote the formation of probiotics in the gut, which may play a part in improving one’s overall gut health, thereby decreasing the burden on the liver for detoxification. Inulin also promotes immunity before nutrients are metabolized by the liver.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Such vegetables include the likes of brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower; all high in fibre and promote gut, kidney and liver health by helping with excretion. They also contain sulforaphane, which according to studies, may keep pre-carcinogenic cells from impacting other cells.
Tomatoes
A serving of raw tomatoes has a healthy dose of glutathione, and are famed for their lycopene content which has shown to protect against breast, skin and lung cancers.
Spinach
Raw spinach has 166mg of glutathione per serving, and also contains twice as much energy-boosting iron as other leafy greens. Not to mention, it is also known as a cancer-fighter.
Sweet Potatoes
Containing high concentrations of vitamins B6, B12, and B vitamin folate, sweet potatoes help the body with normal digestion, cell function and metabolism.
Lentils
Lentils and beans are great sources of zinc, which increases the immune system-boosting zinc. Zinc is also important for many biochemical processes that aid in digestion and liver metabolism.
Yogurt
Probiotics found in yogurt help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria so the body can process and pass waste more easily. Greek yogurt, in particular, is known to be a good stabilizer of blood sugar.
