Top 10 Detox Foods

Fruits, fruits, fruits

They're full of almost all the good things above—vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids, and all kinds of antioxidants. Besides, nothing tastes better than a ripe mango, fresh berries, or a perfect pear. Find recipes that feature these and more healthy foods with the RealAge Recipe Finder.

Psyllium

A plant that’s rich in soluble fiber, like oat bran, but more versatile. It mops up toxins (cholesterol, too) and helps clear them out. Stir powdered psyllium into juice to help cleanse your colon, or have psyllium-fortified Bran Buds for breakfast.

Cabbage

There are two main types of detoxifying enzymes in the liver; this potent veggie helps activate both of them. Coleslaw, anyone?

Sesame seeds

They're credited with protecting liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other chemicals. For a concentrated form, try tahini, the yummy sesame seed paste that’s a staple of Middle Eastern cooking.

Broccoli sprouts

Get 'em at your health-food store. They pack 20 to 50 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable.

Green tea

This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more fluids into your system. Bonus: It contains catechins, which speed up liver activity. Here’s another beverage your liver loves.

Garlic

Add it to everything—salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk. Discover the best way to prepare it.

Watercress

Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. The peppery little green leaves have a diuretic effect that helps move things through your system. And cress is rich in minerals, too.

Lemons

You need to keep the fluids flowing to wash out the body, and fresh lemonade is ideal. It has vitamin C—considered the detox vitamin—which helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that’s easily flushed away. Bonus: Lemons may also help fight asthma.

Leafy green vegetables

Eat them raw, throw them into a broth, or add them to juices. Their chlorophyll helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and is an all-around liver protector. They also help keep your heart healthy; find out how.