Written by Omolade Abu and Temitope Alao-Sanni, RD.

In a previous article, we established detoxification and what it truly means. You should check it out first if you have not. Afterwards, you will understand why these gut-friendly recipes, full of antioxidants that fight free radicals are worth trying for the real detox. However, you do not need to eat or drink these on a specific day, week, or month. Rather, include them in your regular meals. In fact, I recommend you add the ingredients to your grocery list.

Recipe 1; Carrot Escapade

You’ll need

• 4 medium carrot fingers
• 1cm fresh ginger
• 1 red apple

Recipe 2; Beet-it-Up

You’ll need

• 1/2 beetroot
• 1/2 lemon squeeze
• 1 green apple
• 1/4 small pineapple

If you desire the antioxidant advantages of beets but not the strong flavour, this version provides the same nutritional benefits with a milder beet flavour. Beets, like other vegetables, contain the nutrients your body requires to make antioxidants.

Recipe 3; Cucu-nach

You’ll need

• 1 cucumber
• A handful parsley
• 1 handful spinach
• 2 green apples

Cucumber is 95% water, a vital component that helps the liver and kidneys work properly. This recipe is high in nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin K). It is a nutritious powerhouse!

Blending (and not just extracting the juice) will provide even more nutritional benefits and increased fibre. Bright coloured fruits (orange, papaya, red berries), cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), dark coloured leafy greens (Spinach, Waterleaf, Pumpkin leaves) and herbs with a pungent smell (Garlic, Fennel, etc.) also have phytonutrients to help support the effects of oxidative stress

Other lifestyle choices will help prevent or reduce oxidative stress. They include:

• A regular, moderate exercise routine.
• Avoid smoking (tobacco and second-hand smoke).
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• Use caution with chemicals.
• Be environmentally conscious.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Rest.

Speak to one of our registered dietitians to learn more about these other lifestyle choices here.