A Tale of Two Detox Salads

Did you know the liver has over 500 hundred functions and one of its main functions is to detoxify our bodies? Did you know every food, beverage, vitamin, mineral, over the counter or prescription medication you ingest may speed up or slow down your liver function?

Healthy liver detoxification is crucial to prevent the development of various types of cancers, inflammation and diabetes so incorporating Detox Super Foods into your daily diet will put you on the fast track to health.

So what do I consider to be Detox Super Foods and why?

Foods high in folic acid such as spinach, papaya, asparagus and lentils
Foods high in carotenoids like carrots ans sweet potatoes
Foods that increase your body's glutathione levels such as broccoli and garlic
Foods that are full of minerals like sea vegetables, sesame seeds and beans
Beets, citrus peel, avocado, artichokes and green tea all have unique abilities to boost liver detoxification

Last week I had the opportunity to speak at Whole Foods Market in Andover about the Phytonutrients present in our food and how they impact Liver Detoxification. Eileen Webster, Healthy Eating Specialist at Whole Foods Market prepared a Detox Salad full of broccoli, cauliflower and purple cabbage to showcase how tasty these vegetables really can be.

Whole Foods Market DETOX SALAD

2 cups cauliflower

2 cups broccoli

2 medium carrots, grated

1/3 cup raisins

¼ cup dried currants

½ cup sunflower seeds

2 tsp kelp granules

½ cup chopped parsley

1/3 cup lemon Juice

½ tsp lemon zest

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Chop cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized pieces. In batches, transfer to the bowl of a food processor and pulse. Chop or grate the carrots separately.

Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Note: You do not have to use a food processor. Finely chopping is just as nice.

Feel free to add other ingredient like red cabbage or greens.

Eileen's Detox Salad also inspired me to create my own...

Dr. Tracy's Detox Salad

Toss the following ingredients in a large bowl, it will make enough for two entree sized salads:

4 cups romaine lettuce
1 avocado, sliced
1 roasted beet, sliced
zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup unsalted pistachio halves

Add 1/4 cup Arame that has been soaked in cold water for 15 minutes and then drained.

For the dressing mix 1 tablespoon flax oil with the juice of 1 orange, salt and pepper to taste.

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Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars

Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars are packed with protein, healthy fats and minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc. They are just sweet enough to satisfy a sweet tooth and are the perfect afternoon "pick me up" with a cup of tea. They are also a good option for when you arrive home famished after a long day and you still need to cook dinner. Snacking on one of these will help tide you over so you can prepare a healthy meal. All the ingredients in Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars are also Whole Health DETOX approved. Because these bars are packed with nutrient dense seeds and nut butters, it is best to limit yourself to one bar a day if you are watching your weight. Chocolate Sesame Raw Bars 2 cups sesame seeds ½ cup ground milk thistle seeds or flax seeds 1 ¾ cups shredded coconut (unsweetened) ½ cup agave nectar ¼ cup almond butter or sunflower seed butter ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup raw cocoa powder 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon ...

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