When done in the right way, a detox can be a delicious, easy way to lose fat, feel lighter on your feet and gain the vitality and energy you need to face even the most stressful of days. Fruits such as kiwi, blueberry and lime, as well as a plethora of additional ingredients found in the
7 Day Detox Smoothie Bowl Challenge, will feed your body with powerful antioxidants that battle free radicals, reduce inflammation, and help your skin glow with the beautiful light energy that fruits and vegetables can provide.
When following Health and Wellness Coach, Sandy Halliday’s appetizing, colorful recipes, you may wonder whether or not it is worth that special trip to the farm or the organic stalls of your favorite market. The answer is yes, if the aim is to boost the health effects of the produce you will be consuming.
What does Recent Research Say on Organics?
Recent studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition, confirm previous research showing that organic production boosts key nutrients in foods. One large meta-analysis found that organic dairy and meat contain about 50% more Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are linked to reductions in the risk for cardiovascular disease, better immunity, and improved neurological function.
Related reading: Organic Foods vs Non Organic Foods For Detox
Another large meta-analysis showed that organic crops (ranging from carrots to blueberries) had substantially higher levels of antioxidants and lower levels of heavy metal, cadmium, as compared to conventionally grown produce.
Organic produce contains around 50% more anthocyanins, found in purple fruits such as blueberries. These antioxidants are linked to better cardiovascular health, a reduced cancer and dementia risk, and increased longevity. These and other flavonol compounds are vital for protecting cells from damage.
Embracing Organics in Skincare
If you are keen on detoxifying your body in any way you can, why not back your nutritional intake with a switch from chemical to organic skincare and makeup? There are quality organic makeup brands on the market which look just as good as conventional varieties, yet contain none of the potentially harmful chemicals are used in commonly sold products. The long list of ingredients to avoid includes parabens (the most common synthetic preservatives, which damage the DNA of skin cells); isopropyl alcohol (a drying solvent which irritates your skin’s immune protective barrier); and fragrances (which can affect the central nervous system).
As noted by beauty guru Leslie Kenton, you don’t need to be radical when it comes to embracing organics. You might choose to keep your favorite foundation but use an organic shampoo, or consume a blend of organic and conventionally grown produce, as your budget and time allow. With organics as with many important changes to improve our health and wellbeing, taking small but consistent steps eventually get us to our destination.
