9 Essentials of a Diet Detox
Set yourself up for detoxing success by keeping these key ingredients on hand
By The Editors of Prevention
Getting ready to clean up your diet with a detox or cleanse? Here are nine ingredients that should be part of your regimen, says Rebecca Katz, MS, the author of The Longevity Kitchen.
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Blueberries
These tiny berries pack a wallop of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that help your body eliminate toxins. You get the benefits whether fresh or frozen, so throw a couple in these 25 Delicious Detox Smoothies for an extra healthy boost.
Ginger
This spice is right for you; ginger is a digestive tonic that aids circulation.
Lemon
Tart and smart, lemon offers up antioxidant compounds called limonoids that activate detoxifying enzymes.
Mango
Just one cup of sliced mango meets 3/4 of your daily vitamin C needs. The fruit also contains fiber, which aids your digestion. (Learn more about How Your Gut Affects Your Health.)
Orange
One orange packs more than 100% of the suggested intake of vitamin C. Like lemon, oranges contain limonoids that help activate the body's detox process.
Parsley
Add some parsley to your diet for a natural diuretic: The herb promotes the elimination of toxins in the urine.
More from Prevention: 16 Simple Healing Foods
Peppermint
More than just a breath freshener, peppermint also works as a natural appetite suppressant and antimicrobial that eliminates germs in food and makes you feel fuller.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice contains punicalagin, an antioxidant that promotes detoxification and may inhibit colon cancer.
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Thyme
More than just a tasty herb, thyme helps neutralize bugs, including strains of E. coli and staph that can cause serious illness.
Ready to put these to work? Give our Totally Sane 3-Day Detox a try!