Plants and Detox

The body is exposed to numerous chemicals everyday. Many of these are found in our food, air and water. Its when we reach the tipping point and there is that one chemical too much, that our detox system becomes overloaded.

Our liver is the most important organ in the body involved in detoxification. Liver detoxification involves 2 general phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Adequate intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and certain naturally occurring plant nutrients help protect the liver against damage.

Certain plants have been shown to help with these 2 phases and they are:

Isothiocyanates- found in cruciferous vegetables(broccoli, cabbage, kale)

Glucosinolates- cruciferous vegetables

Organosulfur compounds – Garlic, onions

Curcumin- turmeric

Flavonoids- numerous plants

Monoterpenes- citrus peel

Good nutrition, rich in essential nutrients, helps to ensure a healthy detox system. Many natural chemicals in plant foods, specifically garlic and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, support liver detoxification.