The Best Detox Foods: Day 2: Greens
GREENS, HEY?
PERHAPS YOU’D LIKE US TO BE MORE SPECIFIC…
We’re not talking peppermint patties and green frogs. To get the detoxifying effects of greens you want to be opting for green vegetables and the darker and leafier the better.
GREENS, HEY?
PERHAPS YOU’D LIKE US TO BE MORE SPECIFIC…
We’re not talking peppermint patties and green frogs. To get the detoxifying effects of greens you want to be opting for green vegetables and the darker and leafier the better.
Aim to include a bunch of these into your five serves of veg a day: kale, silverbeet, spinach, watercress, rocket, mustard greens, swiss chard, endive, lettuce and beet leaves.
It’s a full week of detox foods over here at Bondi Harvest HQ. Yesterday we walked you through the detoxifying benefits of beetroot, today we challenge you to try and squeeze as many greens as you can into your day. Up for an even greater challenge? Squeeze greens into EVERY meal – breakfast, lunch and dinner (find some hot tips below).
You also can’t go past green vegetables like broccoli, cucumber, celery, zucchini, asparagus beans, peas, brussel sprouts etc.
WHY ARE GREENS GOOD FOR DETOXIFICATION?
And let us not forget supplements like spirulina, chlorella, barley brass, wheat grass and moringa.
Well, it all comes down to a little pigment called chlorophyll. Found in all green vegetables, this molecule helps rid the body of environmental toxins, heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides and increases bile production all of which lowers the burden on the hardworking detoxifying organ the liver.
Cruciferous veg like broccoli and cabbage will also increase the production of enzymes in your system that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.
But greens are good for other stuff too…
THEY’RE LOW IN CALORIES
They have next to no calories but a butt load of nutrients, which means you can jam-pack your plate with them, getting a high dose of good quality nutrients and not have to worry about your waistline.<
THEY’RE FULL OF FIBRE
Fibre reduces the risk of bowel cancer, lowers cholesterol and improves blood sugar levels. It also keeps you full and controls hunger levels which is ideal for weight loss.
THEY’RE ALKALISING
An alkaline body (opposed to acidic) helps to prevent diseases, and improve bone health, hormone levels, and blood pressure. Greens are a particular alkalising food that helps to maintain a healthy balance.
THEY’RE HIGH IN CALCIUM
his will help keep your bones and teeth strong and reduce your risk of osteporosis.
THEY’RE FULL OF ALL THIS GOOD STUFF TOO
Iron, magensium, beta-carotene, lutein, and potassium.
THEY KEEP YOU YOUTHFUL
Thanks to age preventing vitamins like C, E and K greens help your body make adequate collagen production and prevent age related diseases like arthritis and macular degeneration. Leafy greens also contain a lot of water which helps keep your skin, hair and nails hydrated.
THEY’RE A CANCER PREVENTATIVE
Green veg contains a variety of cartenoids, flavonoids and other powerful antioxidants that have cancer protective properties. A higher consumption of green leafy vegetables has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of breast and skin cancer.
How to eat your greens?
We add chimichurri to everything, but you can’t beat pouring it on a perfectly cooked steak.
This dish is rolled in herbs and is the perfect dinner party dish to impress your mates.
Add them to green smoothies, mint and parsley taste great – coriander and dill… not so much!
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