Free radicals can be very harmful components, but they’re also essential players in our immune system. Our bodies produce free radicals as byproducts of cellular reactions; the liver produces and uses free radicals to detoxify; white blood cells send free radicals to destroy bacteria, viruses and damaged cells.
So why are they thought to be dangerous? As naturopath Dr. Stephen Byrnes explains, free radicals are unstable molecules. Electrons exist in pairs and free radicals are missing an electron. This is their weapon of sorts. They “react” with just about anything they come into contact with, robbing cells and compounds of one of their electrons.
This makes the affected cell or compound unable to function and turns some cells into electron-seeking muggers themselves, leading to a chain reaction in the body and the proliferation of free radicals. Free radicals damage DNA, cellular membranes and enzymes.
Normally, free radicals, or as they’re also referred to, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), live in balance with antioxidants in the body. It is when this balance is disturbed and free radicals multiply that damage is done. The clean-up crew, our immune system’s soldiers, loses their control and end up marauding and pillaging throughout the body, affecting healthy cells.
Top 10 Foods That Fight Toxins and Recluse Free Radicals
Lemons
Vitamin C produces collagen in tissue, helping to revitalize your skin. The citric acid helps reduce risk of heart disease, stomach and oral cancer and speeds up your metabolism.
Limes
Tequila shots? Don’t forget the lime! Limes are loaded with antioxidants, detoxifiers, antibiotics and anticarcinogens. These components help flush out toxins from the body and aid digestion.
Orange
The Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and beta-carotene helps guard the health of your cells.
Apple
An apple a day will keep you flushed out every day! Rich with B-complex vitamins that are helpful in keeping your digestive system regular and flavanoids with toxin-fighting antioxidant effects.
Berries
The flavonoids and phytochemicals boost your immunity and can even help prevent certain types of cancer, while the fiber helps to flush attacking and unhealthy cells out.
Asparagus
Not only does it help fend off a hangover (yeah, eat it before or during drinking and your next day won’t be as painful), but with 288 milligrams of potassium (which reduces belly fat) and 3 grams of cleansing fiber per cup it’s an awesome detoxifier! It also helps to pull out excess water (depuff bloat), plus it has no fat or cholesterol, and only 40 calories per cup!
Artichokes
The phytochemical cynarin helps your body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes.
Garlic
With a little bad breath, tell your significant other that garlic is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals that may cause cancer and premature aging. It’s also naturally antibacterial and antiviral, helping to kill bad germs living inside your system.
Raw Whey Protein Powder
The amino acid cysteine can bind to toxins, sending them to the liver to be further detoxified.
Flax Seeds
Flaxseed can decrease inflammation of the lining of the stomach, aiding the detox process, plus the Omega 3 filled seeds are great sources of fiber that help to clear you out, pulling the bad stuff with it.
Your Detox Shopping List
Print this list or write it down and keep it in your purse for your next grocery shopping trip:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Apples
- Berries
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Garlic
- Whey Protein Powder
- Flax Seeds
QuickieChick’s Grilled Asparagus (total party pleaser)
Sprinkle a bunch of Asparagus spears with Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper and either place them on the grill or wrap the bunch in foil or parchment paper and bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until just starting to brown.
How easy, clean, healthy, and tasty (you’ll see) is that?!
Watch The QuickieChick makes it here.
Asparagus is the ultimate multi-tasking ingredient! More than detoxing, here is why you should pick some up at the grocery store today:
- Fights Cancer: High in cancer-fighting antioxidants Vit A, C, E
- De-Puffs: Filled with water, it’s a natural diuretic
- Fills You Up: High fiber helps fill you up, not fatten you up
- Prevents Hangovers: Breaks down alcohol, minimizing hangovers
- Makes You Happy: High in tryptophan, converted into serotonin
- Builds Muscle: Iron rich, a main element in muscle-building protein
Source: Dr. John Axe
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