Detoxification is the process to remove toxins from our body .Detoxification enhances the body’s natural cleansing process, allowing it to build better defenses against illness and disease. It also helps to stimulate blood circulation, preventing clotting.Our body has innate
mechanism to rid itself of toxins. Detoxification happens in 2 phases. Phase I prepares insoluble toxins and modifies them slightly to make them water soluble and therefore excretable from the body. Phase II is the process of carrying these activated compounds and cleansing them from the body.So why do we need some external detoxification process? Well, it's because the exposure of our body to various chemicals has increased at an exponential rate and have become ubiquitous in our daily living.
Not going much into the science of detoxification, lets see how we can prevent ourselves from the toxins with the help of certain spices found in our very own kitchen.
1.Cayenne:
This is currently gaining buzz for cleansing and detox regimes.This encourages digestion and muscle movement in the intestine.It also causes to sweat, which is another important detoxification process.Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for total body detox
2.Cilantro or Corriander:
Also known as coriander, Chinese parsley or dhania, this popular Mediterranean herb is used extensively in Indian, Thai, South American and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its a natural cleansing agent.It is also a effective toxic metal cleaner. Many people suffering from mercury exposure report a reduction in the often-cited feeling of disorientation after consuming large and regular amounts of cilantro over an extended period.
3.Garlic:
Its a great source of sulfur, which is important for phase 2 detoxification. Garlic helps the body to naturally detox nicotine, and other toxins and can even help to reduce stress. Germanium, found in garlic is also known to cleanse deep tissues and boost immune system.
4.Cumin:
Cumin, a key flavor in many Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes, is one of the most popular household spices around. It has been shown to boost the power of the liver and pancreas ability to detoxify the human body.Cumin also has the ability to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help the body to break down food, and also aid the liver in ridding the body of toxins.The manner in which cumin is beneficial to the metabolism is linked to its property of increasing heat throughout the body, therefore aiding metabolic function.
5.Ginger:
Ginger is used in many popular cleansing programs, as it is thought to cleanse the body by stimulating digestion, circulation and sweating. Its digestive actions may serve to cleanse the build-up of waste and toxins in the colon, liver and other organs.The healing and detoxifying properties of ginger may be due to its high concentration of gingerol and shoga, which provide anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal system.
6.Rosemary:
Rosemary is an aromatic herb that has been widely used in Mediterranean cuisine.has been used for centuries to treat liver problems. Hippocrates, the great Greek physician prescribed it for this purpose.
7.Saffron:
Saffron has been found to suppress DNA damage in the livers, lungs, kidneys, and spleens of laboratory mice.Saffron also has been shown to cause cell death in liver cancer cells.
8.Asafoetida:
it originates in Persia and Afghanistan.It is extremely sulphur-rich and is very beneficial as a detoxing agent, even more effective than garlic, it is used in very small quantities only a pinch being required. It is also credited with being an antiflatulent.
9.Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is high in manganese, iron, calcium, and fiber. Calcium and fiber together help to eliminate bile which helps protect the colon from the formation of malignant cells which may prevent colon cancer. It aids in detoxifying compounds that are excreted through the colon such as estrogen .
10.Cardamon:
The most aromatic of all spices.It is used to counteract the toxic effect of coffee and mucus forming foods, such as dairy products.
11. Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is noted for its restorative digestive properties and its unique slightly bitter flavor. As a diaphoretic it is able to bring on a sweat and to help detox the body. This takes place through the pores of the skin. The pungent aroma of fenugreek may be smelt on the skin and in under-arm perspiration. This is evidence that the herb is working well.Fenugreek also has the reputation as a lymphatic cleansing herb. The lymphatic system is the vacuum cleaner of the body. It has the vital role to irrigate the cells with nutrients and to remove toxic wastes, dead cells and trapped proteins.
12.Black Pepper:
It is a diuretic. It encourages urination and sweating, which help rid the body of harmful toxins. As a result, evidence shows that black pepper may help keep the liver healthy.Sprinkle on this spice to calm a cold, detox your skin, and even help fight cancer.
13.Cloves:
These dried flower buds of the clove tree are considered one of the “hottest” among spices. They are an analgesic, anesthetic, anti-fungal, expectorant, stimulant and carminative. Cloves tone the muscles making it harder to damage muscle tissue. It also protects the liver from adverse effects and elevates the antioxidant level within.It reduces gas pressure in the stomach, aiding in the proper elimination of food and toxins.
14.Turmeric:
The agent that gives turmeric its bright yellow color contains a powerful phytochemical component known as curcumin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, curcumin stimulates production of bile by the gallbladder. The liver uses bile to eliminate toxins; bile also rejuvenates liver cells that breakdown harmful compounds. For this reason, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestion and liver disorders.
15.Fennel:
This herb or spice is very much rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium and vitamins like B1, B2 and B3. It helps with proper digestion of your food and also controls your appetite. It cures the acidity or bloating problems of the stomach.Since the seeds are high in fiber, they are also great for detoxification of the body and also in losing weight.
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