Frozen or fresh blueberries
What's a more delicious snack on a summer day than a few handfuls of blueberries? If you love packing this refreshing treat into your picnic basket, you're in luck: Doebrich says whether this fruit is fresh or frozen, it's one fantastic option for those looking to detox their bodies.
"Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. They are also an excellent source of fiber," she explains, noting that all of these nutrients are perfect at supporting the body's natural detox abilities.
For blueberries that are perfectly ripe every time, Doebrich recommends opting for the frozen variety. "All fruits and vegetables are frozen at peak ripeness making frozen ones a better alternative than not-so-ripe fresh ones," she says. "Of course fresh ones are great too but they aren't always available."
Frozen or fresh raspberries
Another berry that works perfectly both frozen and fresh is raspberries, Doebrich says. Like blueberries, this fruit is perfect for snacking on the go and nourishing your body with delicious antioxidants that will allow it to carry out the detoxifying process.
"They are an excellent source of antioxidants and are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese," Doebrich explains. Not only will raspberries help you flush your body of toxins, but they're also great for keeping your heart healthy: "The main antioxidants in raspberries are anthocyanins, which are known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health," she notes. Perfect!
Oranges
Whether you're sipping on fresh-squeezed juice or biting into a juicy segment, oranges are another great, naturally detoxifying fruit you can eat every morning to jumpstart your day and keep your body in tip-top shape.
These yummy citruses really pack in the Vitamin C, which Doebrich says is a powerful antioxidant. Plus, they're great for your overall health for several reasons. "They are also a source of hesperidin—the main antioxidant in citrus fruit," Doebrich explains. "This compound may help lower blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory properties." What a beneficial breakfast food!
Red grapes
Who doesn't love a great batch of crunchy grapes? Luckily, this juicy fruit is as good for you as it is delicious, especially when it comes to helping your body detox properly. Red grapes are an especially good option, Doebrich notes, because "the red color is due to antioxidants called anthocyanins."
In addition to anthocyanins, grapes are also rich in lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Plus, have you ever heard that red wine is great for your health? Doebrich says this is because red grapes are packed with something called polyphenol resveratrol, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body fight disease—and detox. "Needless to say that fresh grapes are a superior source of resveratrol when it comes to detox," Doebrich adds. Nice!
Incorporating fruit into your diet
Looking for fresh ways to fit these detoxifying fruits into your meals? Doebrich says that while all fruits are a perfect snack when eaten on their own, it's best to eat them along with a protein or fat. "This will make the snack more satiating and prevent blood sugar spikes," she explains. Doebrich recommends combos like berries and almonds, an orange and walnuts, or grapes with Greek yogurt, noting that they each make "excellent, balanced snacks." Yum!
If you love a good salad, she also suggests adding fruit into the mix. "Fruit makes a great add-in to salads," Doebrich says, "especially citrus or berries, which add a little sweet-and-sour flavor." And of course, there's one more classic combo to consider: "Grapes make a great combination with many cheeses." Our mouths are watering! A healthy detox has never sounded tastier.
At the end of the day, though, Doebrich says your body knows what it needs to do to detox itself. "What it needs from us is limiting intake of substances that take a toll on the body," she explains, warning against things like alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs."
It's also important to note that as long as you're maintaining a well-balanced diet and avoiding these health pitfalls, you can steer clear of anything labeled as a detox product. "A balanced diet, rich in fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein, will usually provide us with nutrients needed for overall health. There is no need for special detox products in most cases," Doebrich concludes.