Top 5 Vegetables for Detox and a Long Life

March 10, 2016
Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, which promotes the creation of collagen and protects against free radicals, slowing the aging process.

No doubt you’ve heard of “superfoods” on more than one occasion. This group refers to fruits and vegetables that are rich in phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, and essential proteins and amino acids. In today’s article we’re going to discuss the 5 best vegetables for detox and fighting the signs of aging. We’re certain you’re going to love them!

In order to benefit from superfoods in a healthy way, you’re not going to “only” eat these foods. You wouldn’t eat oats and grapes all day, for example. The trick is to follow a balanced diet with a variety of these “superfoods,” while leading a more active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and stress management.

1. Vegetables for detox: Brussels sprouts

A dish with brussels sprouts.
They’re delicious, they complement any dish, and they’re a natural source of an incredible number of beneficial compounds. Brussels sprouts are hands down the best vegetable for detox and longevity. Want to know why?

  • Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and lutein, all of which fight the effects of free radicals and prevent the oxidation of cells that cause both aging and tumor development.
  • They also contain a substance known as sinigrin, which protects your liver and enhances its most important functions, such as eliminating toxins produced by the cellular aging process and cleansing your body.
  • Brussels sprouts are also high in protein, which helps to care for your skin and bones.

2. Carrots

A glass of carrot juice.
Carrots are refreshing, delicious, and can be eaten raw, roasted, steamed, or even combined with other fruit and vegetables in smoothies to create a beverage that’s full of minerals and proteins. They also contain an important compound known as falcarinol.

According to the School of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development at the University of Newcastle (United Kingdom) and the University of Denmark, eating cooked carrots can provide you with the following benefits:

  • Carrots restore your skin cells, thanks to falcarinol, an excellent antioxidant.
  • The fiber in carrots facilitate the removal of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and other toxic substances from your body.
  • The attractive orange color of carrots is due to their high content of alpha and beta-carotene, which help restore the cells of your skin and other organs.

3. Squash

A portion of squash and squash puree.
Do you already like squash? Then don’t think twice about trying every variety, no matter what the season. They’re all excellent for helping to detox your body and preserve your youth.

  • Squash is rich in water and fiber, both of which help promote detox.
  • Thanks to their vitamins and minerals, they care for the skin, the joints, the bones, and the brain.
  • Squash is rich in coumarin, a type of benzopyrone that helps reduce inflammation and fight unhealthy bacteria in the intestines.
  • Squash also contains vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that fight free radicals and premature aging.

Read more: Dietary Habits to Fight Premature Aging

4. Watercress

A plate of salad.
Whether sautéed with a little garlic, boiled, raw in salads, or served with cheese, watercress is delicious and one of the best vegetables for detox and promoting longevity. These benefits and more are why you should always look for it at the farmers markets!

  • Watercress contains abundant amounts of carotenoids, antioxidants that fight free radicals and promote the healing of the skin.
  • It’s good for your digestion, and helps improve liver and kidney function.
  • You might also be interested to know that watercress contains high levels of iodine, which can regulate your metabolism and stabilize your weight.
  • Watercress has numerous antioxidants as well, including iron, calcium, and magnesium, which along with vitamins A, C, and E help fight wrinkles and damage from the sun.

5. Shitake mushrooms

Some mushrooms growing in a wood.
Another one of our vegetables for detox are mushrooms. The shitake variety is really worth adding to your grocery list thanks to its incredible ability to cleanse your body, strengthen your immune system, and above all preserve your youth and fight the signs of aging.

Although this mushroom (and others like it) are more typically found in Asian cuisine, it’s always fun to experiment with new recipes – especially if it’s healthy! Once you read the following, no doubt you’ll be looking for shitake mushrooms in the special foods section of your regular grocery store:

  • They boost energy stores and strengthen your immune system.
  • Shitake mushrooms help care for the liver because they’re a natural source of beta-glucan, which eliminates harmful toxins.
  • They’re rich in vitamin B3, processing excess sugar stores in the body and preventing weight gain.
  • They contribute to more youthful looking skin thanks to the high content of antioxidants and minerals like zinc and selenium.

Read more: Three Ways to Use Mushrooms in Your Recipes

Enjoy each of these wonderful vegetables to cleanse your body and live a long and healthy life!

  • Chiavaro, E., Mazzeo, T., Visconti, A., Manzi, C., Fogliano, V., & Pellegrini, N. (2012). Nutritional quality of sous vide cooked carrots and brussels sprouts. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf300692a
  • Yadav, M., Jain, S., Tomar, R., Prasad, G. B. K. S., & Yadav, H. (2010). Medicinal and biological potential of pumpkin: An updated review. Nutrition Research Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422410000107
  • Hansen, S. L., Purup, S., & Christensen, L. P. (2003). Bioactivity of falcarinol and the influence of processing and storage on its content in carrots (Daucus carota L). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.1442
  • Yazdanparast, R., Bahramikia, S., & Ardestani, A. (2008). Nasturtium officinale reduces oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Chemico-Biological Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2008.01.006
  • Kitzberger, C. S. G., Smânia, A., Pedrosa, R. C., & Ferreira, S. R. S. (2007). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts obtained by organic solvents and supercritical fluids. Journal of Food Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2006.06.013
  • Borguini, R. G., & da Silva Torres, E. A. F. (2009). Tomatoes and tomato products as dietary sources of antioxidants. Food Reviews International. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559120903155859
  • Manchali, S., Chidambara Murthy, K. N., & Patil, B. S. (2012). Crucial facts about health benefits of popular cruciferous vegetables. Journal of Functional Foods. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2011.08.004
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