Dr Oz 3-Day Detox: Breakfast Shake

Raspberries  have significantly high levels of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals. Scientific studies show that the antioxidant compounds in these berries have potential health benefits against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neuro-degenerative diseases. 

Flaxseeds When detoxifying your body, it's essential to ensure toxins are eliminated properly. Ground flaxseeds provide a wonderful source of fiber that helps to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal tract, all while giving you a healthy dose of Omega 3's.

Almond butter- is a rich source of Vitamin E, calcium, folic acid, as well as the minerals magnesium, selenuim, phosphorus and zinc. Almonds are wonderful for maintaining skin elasticity as well as helping to lower cholesterol. They are also a good source of protein.

Spinach is a dark green leafy powerhouse. It contains a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A, and Vitamin E. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals. The nutrients in spinach play a role in protecting against aging and disease.

Lemon contains Vitamins C and B as well as phosphorous proteins which help to strengthen the immune system, and enable the body to fight disease. The acidity in lemon juice helps to purify and cleanse the colon, while the acid helps to break up any food, toxins or nutrients hanging out in your digestive system. Lemons stimulate the release of enzymes and help convert toxins into a water-soluble form that can be easily excreted from the body.

Bananas are very high in potassium so are a great source of energy. Bananas also contain tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine,  which promote feeling of well-being and relaxation. This wonder-fruit also contains soluble fiber which aids in the elimination process

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

We've talked about the health benefits of detoxifying foods - how they help your body push along and process the toxins that come in from the outside world. But if we want to help our bodies detoxify, what do we actually eat? 

There are literally thousands of detoxifying foods. Here are my "Top 10" - they're easy to find and adaptable into many recipes. It's not a coincidence that many of my recipes use these foods.

Tapp's Detoxifying Top 10

   

1. Artichokes -very high in antioxidants. Known to stimulate and improve liver function by increasing bile production which helps with liver purification and protection.
2. Garlic -powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and natural antibiotic. Garlic produces a chemical called allicin which promotes the production of white blood cells which help fight against toxins. 
3. Cabbage -like all cruciferous vegetables, cabbage contains sulforaphane which helps the body to fight toxins. Cabbage also has glutathione, which is an antioxidant that supports the liver detox pathways.
4. Butternut squash -along with all other orange colored vegetables, butternut squash contains beta carotene which the liver converts to Vitamin A. The body uses the Vitamin A to sweep toxins out of the body.
5. Beets -packed with magnesium, iron and Vitamin C. All of which support liver in the detoxification process. They also purify the blood and assist in keeping the lymphatic system moving.
6. Watercress -like most green leafy vegetables and herbs, watercress is packed with detoxifying nutrients. It also has natural diuretic properties that help the body to flush out toxins.
7. Lemons - contain Vitamin C, help to balance body’s PH and flush the liver.
8. Ginger - very high in antioxidants. Ginger helps with digestion and stimulates the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients to the body. Ginger also has a relaxing and cleansing effect on the body which helps to purge toxins.
9. Flaxseeds -aid in the proper elimination of toxins. They are a great source of fiber which help to bind and flush toxins from the intestinal track. 
10. Water- though technically not a food, you need to be well hydrated for your body to be able to detoxify. I am NOT talking about sodas, sports drinks, coffee or tea. I am talking about water, coconut water, and herbal teas. 6-8 glasses per day. The general rule is, if you're thirsty you are already dehydrated. Drink drink drink.