Every day, we are exposed to toxic substances in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, the water we drink and the creams we put on our skin. You can reduce your exposure to these toxins by filtering your water, using natural skincare products and by using as little air freshener as possible in your home. And by choosing the right foods, you can help your body to get rid of the harmful substances that build up in your tissues over time. Smoothies with rocket, turmeric tea and lemon juice with cayenne pepper are just a few examples of foods with detoxifying properties… Detox-ing really is easy!

Here are five true ‘detox’ foods: 

1. Dark green vegetables
Dark green vegetables contain chlorophyll. Many studies have shown that this substance assists in the removal of heavy metals and other harmful substances in the bodies of both humans and animals. Dark green veggies include spinach, bok choy, kale, rocket and watercress and…

Broccoli
In juices, soups or in the wok, to me broccoli is the king of vegetables. I absolutely love it! Cauliflower’s green brother tastes great and is extremely nutritious. It contains vitamins A, B, C, E and K and is rich in the minerals calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and copper. All the more reason to take a second helping! And did you know that broccoli has certain properties that delay the aging process? Bye bye wrinkles, hello my green friend!

And… Green smoothies for all! 

2. Turmeric
I’m a huge fan of this yellow root and for good reason! Turmeric helps to rejuvenate liver cells. Your liver processes and removes toxins from your bloodstream. In order to do so, your liver has to produce bile. Increased bile production assists in the detoxification process. Turmeric helps increase bile production and thus rejuvenates the liver cells so your liver can do its job properly! 

Feel-good drink: Add two pinches each of turmeric and powdered ginger, a teaspoon of honey, a chamomile tea bag and the juice of half a lemon to a large mug. Fill the mug with hot water, allow the mixture to steep for a few minutes, stir and enjoy! 

3. Beets
Beets contain great deal of antioxidants, fiber, iron, folic acid and pectin. Pectin is a fiber that helps to ensure that the toxins removed by your liver are flushed out of your body instead of being reabsorbed. 

4. Garlic
Garlic is amazing! (Just not for your breath on a first date.) It lowers bad cholesterol, prevents cardiovascular disease and purifies your airways and blood. It also activates gastric juices and cleanses your intestines. It has been proven that raw garlic makes you feel more vital, and rejuvenates several organs like your adrenal glands, pancreas, liver and spleen. 

5. Lemon and cayenne pepper
Also known as the ‘Master Cleanse’! This detox method requires that you drink only a mix of freshly-squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and hot water for several days. It’s an effective cleanse for your liver and colon. The official version of this cleanse lasts ten days (or longer), but just drinking the mixture every now and then will also help with detoxification. We all know that it worked for Beyoncé. If you really want to go all the way and do the official cleanse, more information can be found here: themastercleanse.org 

Recipe for one glass:
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup 
2 pinches cayenne pepper
250 ml warm water 

Try to incorporate these foods into your daily eating routine because cleansing your body from time to time will make you feel younger, more fit and healthy!