Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
A colourful and healthy array of vegetables and cheese that help in cleansing the body. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
For 2006 get a new body by cleansing on the inside. We are exposed to toxins on a daily basis. In addition, we eat foods, drink liquids, and breathe air that contain many chemicals that are foreign and harmful to our bodies. They accumulate over the years and greatly compromise our health.
Increase your vitality and well-being by giving your body a good 'spring-cleaning'. Use delicious, detoxifying fruits and vegetables to decrease the risk of ill-health and perfect the functioning of the organs, remove excess water, and gain increased energy.
We sought the assistance of nutritionists, Paul Johnson and Dr. Sherrill Chong, who suggested the best 'spring-cleaning' foods.
HERBS FOR CLEANSING
HERBS ARE important ingredients for cleansing the body, noted Paul Johnson, lifestyle transformation consultant and nutritionist. While he suggested the best herbs, he also noted that instead of eating a lot of food at once, focus on a narrow range of foods. "Flush or cleanse actually means backing off of the foods we eat. Cleanse is what we do to heal and in order to heal you must clean," he said.
SARSAPARILLA
This cleanses the blood stream and removes unwanted substances, causing us to urinate more, hence getting rid of some of the toxins out of the blood stream. Mr. Johnson suggested for cleansing: boil one ounce of dried roots for 20 minutes on medium flame. Strain and cool, don't allow to get cold as roots will start to reabsorb. Have half cup, three times daily for five days, and this will give a mild blood cleansing effect.
DANDELION
Used to cleanse the liver and kidneys.
COCONUT: This is antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer when had in any way, shape or form. The jelly, oil, or cream are all healthy. Also, when heated coconut loses it's Vitamin E and anti-oxidant effect. Despite this, Mr. Johnson said that after heating, the coconut still has everything else. "Put aside the soy milk and use the coconut milk. It is a cheaper ingredient, nice tasting and provides a better nutrition."
WATERMELON, CUCUMBER: These are extremely useful blood-cleansing properties. "Just wash and eat or blend them with a fluid base or have them extracted."
CARROT: The beta-carotene in carrots is a powerful anti-oxidant that destroys free radicals in the body that, when built up, are harmful and can lead to heart disease and cancer. Apart from the cleansing properties of carrots they also reduce the cholesterol in the diet. "Carrots are best when had raw as they will lose some of the medicinal value when cooked."
SPICES: Mr. Johnson noted that the excellent cleansing properties of garlic cannot be overstated. Garlic is superb in removing toxins, protecting against stomach cancer and reducing blood pressure. It is also an antibiotic and anti fungal that helps with the digestion of food. Bird pepper is also recommended for assisting digestion. Remember too that garlic also loses it's medicinal properties when heated.
DESTROYING FREE RADICAL
These are harmful substances in the body that routinely form from a variety of sources such as stress, pollution, raw foods. The build-up of free radicals can cause damage to the chromosome and increase the risk of cancer and heart diseases, noted Mr. Johnson. While the body is accustomed to a number of free radicals and normally deals with them adequately, too much exercise, excessive stress, and a toxic system can cause an over-abundance of free radicals that puts a strain on body cells which may lead to premature ageing and cause damaging effects to health.
He suggested the following to eliminate the build-up of the substance in the body.
ALOE VERA: From this, juices can be made, with or without the skin. However, note that the skin has three layers - firm covering rich in chlorophyll; yellow stain or latex responsible for bowel movement; gel rich in anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing substances. If constipated, blend aloe vera with skin. If you have proper bowel movement, remove the skin and blend. This will help to improve immunity.
GREEN JUICE: This is high in iron, Vitamin C, folic acid and other nutrients which are cancer-fighting substances. It also provides a high source of calcium that helps to stimulate and strengthen the bones. Examples of these juices are green vegetables blended into a fluid base (coconut water or carrot juice) recommend cucumber, ginger (optional depending on your taste), lime juice, and for diabetics it is best to use string beans.
