Five Superfoods for a Winter Cleanse
Winter undoubtedly brings feelings of coziness and calm for many. However, for many others, the winter is associated with being cold all the time and tired for no reason. This year we also have the added uncertainty of a national lockdown which is affecting us all in different ways. Focussing on what we can do proactively to nourish ourselves and support our health during these times embraces a positive mindset.
We all know that vitamin D is something to consider supplementing during the dark winter months, but did you know that there are many superfoods you should be including in your diet to give yourself the best chances possible? Take a look at five of the best we have found to help us the most when we need to cleanse.
Sweet Potato
In winter, our skin tends to look pale, dull, and lacking life. The sun isn’t out nearly as often, our eating habits shift and we may not get as much exercise and fresh air. Eating some sweet potato can help remedy sallow skin. Sweet potato is a source of some of the best nutrients to consume in order to get some life back into your skin. With a rich content of biotin, Vitamin B2, B6 and E as well as containing some iron and potassium, copper, manganese, and folate, sweet potatoes are a must that should be in everyone’s diet.
Garlic
The health benefits of garlic can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was used for medicinal purposes as well as culinary purposes. It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for the digestive system, it supports the body in fighting any bacteria and viruses that may be present. Garlic has also been used to help increase energy and improve mental clarity.
Ginger
The ginger you find in your kitchen has many medicinal benefits. Ginger is known as “the king of all spices”. Traditionally, ginger has been used to treat various ailments like cough, diarrhoea, indigestion, menstrual problems, sore throat, and stomach aches. It is anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
Ginger has an affinity with the digestive system, easing digestive problems and helps to stimulate the bowels for more comfortable and regular bowel movements, thus supporting you cleanse.
In Winter, the warming nature of ginger can feel comforting and one of our favourite ways to use ginger is drinking it as herbal tea. Next time you get a cough, try drinking some grated fresh ginger and a squeeze of fresh lemon as a tea with a dash of honey, it works wonders!
Red Cabbage
Cabbage is a natural diuretic that can help expel excess fluids from the body. It’s packed with glucosinolates, organic compounds that contain nitrogen and sulphur which help flush out unwanted toxins. Cabbage delivers a good dose of many essential vitamins, including vitamins C, K, E, and A, minerals, dietary fibre, and folic acid.
One of our favourite ways to enjoy all colours of cabbage is fermented. Homemade sauerkraut is easy to make, tasty and a beautiful support for the gut microbiome because it is naturally rich in probiotics, our gut’s good bacteria.
Kale
Kale is one of nature’s superfoods. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are nourishing vegetables to add to your diet because they help support the liver to cleanse and are highly alkalising to the body. By adding these to your daily diet, you can also help buffer the effect that xenoestrogens (chemicals that mimic our natural oestrogen) have on your hormone system.
Join us for our up and coming seasonal cleanse to nourish yourself this winter.
Ready to make a change? Join me on my 18 Day Cleanse HERE.
