Summer has come early this year—it’s time to put those winter coats and umbrellas away! The sunlight and warm temperature outside keeps everybody happy and more vibrant. Everything tends to grow and breathe this time of year, and our bodies are no different. This is an optimal time for a cleanse or detox. Among many other cleansing and healthy superfoods and juices out there I found a few that are less well-known. But if used properly, they can keep your body healthy better than a magic pill from your doctor.
Sea Vegetables
- Dulse: A high source for potassium and iodine. Dulce protects from free radicals (aging) and can improve sleep.
- Kelp: The highest source of iodine and very high in chlorophyll. Kelp reduces appetite and stabilizes blood sugar level. Sprinkle on the top of your salad in form of kelp chips.
- Nori: A source of Vitamin B, C and iodine. Most common form: dark nori paper to wrap your sushi.
All sea veggies help to remove heavy metals from your body.
Gelatinous foods
- Aloe Vera: A powerful antioxidant (helps to maintain healthy levels of vitamin C and E). Aloe improves skin health and speeds up tissue repair. Drink it or eat it raw.
- Bone Broth: High in collagen, amino acids, and minerals (calcium and magnesium). Bone broth can help with osteoporosis (degenerative bone disease). Use it as a base for soups and sauces.
- Chia and Flax seeds: A complete protein (contains all essential amino acids), a great source of fiber, and able to restore gut health and improve digestion. Avoid buying any ground seeds as they are exposed to oxidation and loose their antioxidant property after grinding. Grind it yourself at home in a coffee grinder.
- Okra: Another gut-healing food. Try okra soup.
Medicinal Mushrooms
- Chaga: The king of medicinal mushrooms: 10x more antioxidants than chocolate! A source of super oxide dismutase (SOD), chaga protects your DNA from damage, is an immunity booster, and is clinically proven as anti-cancer compound! It is probably the most effective and most studied of all the medicinal mushrooms. Forms: tea or tincture drops.
- Reishi: Another anti-aging bomb. Reishi supports production of nerve growth factor. It is clinically proven to protect the nervous system.
- Cordyceps: Another natural antioxidant plus natural stimulant. Try one instead of your 3rd cup of coffee!
Fermented Foods
- Kimchi: Kimchi is a radish fermented with vinegar, salt, garlic, chilli peppers and water. It creates healthy bacteria —lactobacilli—that improves digestive health and immune function, reduces appetite, and protects from heavy metal toxicity. You can even make your own!
- Kombucha: Fermented green tea great for digestion and to boost immune system. Kombucha has been a new hit in past few years as a healthy alternative to pop or beer! Try one yourself this summer.
- Miso: Who does not like miso soup? Aside from its lovely taste, miso improves digestion and overall gut health. Get your miso before you hit the rolls and sashimi!
While foods can have a significant impact on our health, please do not take this as a medical advice. Do go see your doctor if you are seriously ill. Also, keep in mind that your body is unique and your response to these foods might be different. This is why there is no single “best diet” that would work for every single person on the planet, although many would claim that there is. That said, you’ll never know until you try!
David Vavrik, ACE, FMS Level 1
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness – Four Seasons
Cell: 604.902.0391/Phone:604.609.5450
www.innovativefitness.com
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