Day in and out, your body works round the clock to process and digest whatever you eat. But just like you could do with a break every few months from piles of work and stress, your body could do with one week of detoxifying at least two times a year. No, we’re not suggesting that you go on a one week fast and consume only water, but periodically giving your body a much needed break helps in rejuvenating it and cutting down the possibilities of further illnesses. Plus, you’ll also get rid of toxins that usually build-up in the body over a long period of time.

Consuming only foods that are known to detoxify the body from within by making dietary changes has long been known to have a positive effect on the mind and body. Most dieticians advise consuming shakes, soups, broths, fresh juices and other liquid preparations while going on a detox diet. We list some of the must have detox foods which may be a part of your daily diet but which are known to give your body multiple benefits:

a) Green Tea: Research has proved time and again how wonderful green tea is for the body. Besides being full of antioxidants, it also enables weight loss and helps to prevent cancer as well. A few cups of green tea every day with a dash of lemon and a teaspoon of honey works wonders.
b) Fruits: Fruits contain natural sugar and their fiber content is great for keeping you full for longer as well. They contain plenty of naturally occurring vitamins and it is advisable to eat at least 5 servings of different coloured fruits every day.
c) Citrus Fruits: Think oranges, limes and lemons. These are superb detoxifiers and help to cleanse the liver as well. The best way to start your morning is by drinking a cup of warm water with a few drops of lemon in it. The high content of Vitamin C helps to ward off illnesses too.
d) Garlic: Sure, these little bulbs don’t exactly give out a pleasant smell but they are one of the best detox foods around. No surprise then that, they have featured for centuries in Chinese cuisine. Garlic bulbs help to enhance the production of detoxification enzymes in the body and remove toxins as well.
e) Cruciferous Veggies: Grandma wasn’t joking when she said that broccoli was good for your health. They help to rid the digestive tract of toxins with their high fiber content.
f) Raw Vegetables: Drinking a cup of juices vegetables may not be everybody’s idea of a meal but nothing stops you from making a yummy rainbow coloured salad at meal-times and giving your body a complete detoxifying ride. Besides, why say no to all those health boosting vitamins and goodness?

Don’t forget to consume at least 8 glasses of water every day and to stay away from processed, sugary, refined and other unhealthy food. Within just one week, you’ll feel lighter, healthier and much more energetic than before.