Since many of us don’t have the luxury of “sleeping it off,” our day-after remedies have to be strong enough to get us through our daily tasks. This is where these 10 superfoods come in: healthy enough to keep our diets on track and strong enough to beat even our worst hangovers.
Since we’ll never be able to party like we used to when we were young and free, eating one of these healthy, detoxifying and nutrient-filled foods after a night of too many libations will have to do. Because who can really afford a hangover with our busy schedules these days, anyway?
Lemon
This fruit is jam-packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C, that are great for fighting diseases and building up your immune system. In addition, this zesty fruit has an alkaline effect on the body, which helps to restore your body’s natural pH-balance and push out toxins. After a rough night, start your morning with hot water and lemon to flush out the bad stuff.
Beets
Beets and beetroots are packed full of antioxidants and powerful minerals, like magnesium, iron and vitamin C, all of which can help replenish your body with good-for-you nutrients. The reason beets are so good for those fighting a hangover is that they have nutrients that help to support liver detoxification. Not only this, the beetroot is good for your hair, cholesterol levels and skin. If you can’t eat it raw, try this beautiful beet pasta!
Basil
This leafy herb will do more for you than just add flavor to your pasta or pizza. The nutrients in basil help to detoxify the kidneys and liver as well as promote more saliva, which can help your body digest food more easily. A study done by the Journal of Medicinal Foods also found that the livers in rats who were fed a diet of sweet basil five days prior to receiving toxins were more protected against the toxins’ effects than those who didn’t eat basil.
Ginger
Does your late night binge have you feeling a little nauseous? Add some ginger to your morning! The antioxidant properties in ginger help reduce feelings of nausea, improve digestion and reduce alcohol-related bloat and gas. Ginger is also high in vitamins and minerals, which help to boost your immune system and fight disease.
Garlic
Garlic doesn’t just keep the vampires away; it also does the same for your hangover! Garlic is antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic, which works to keep your immune system strong and digestive system in check. In addition, garlic contains a chemical called allicin, which produces white blood cells that help to fight disease and help push out toxins caused by alcohol and fatty foods.
Artichokes
These fabulously healthy vegetables are full of fiber, which helps to ease your digestive system and works to push out the toxins. Numerous studies have found that artichokes are also full of detoxifying antioxidant properties, like cynarin, that stimulate the liver’s functions so it’s able to process and dispose of alcohol and sugar faster and increase bile production.
Fresh fruit
Fruit is the all-encompassing superfood when it comes to detoxing. Fresh fruit is loaded with vitamins, like vitamins A, B and C as well as other healthy boosters, like dietary fiber, starches and tons of antioxidants. The vitamins and minerals in the fruit will help repair dry and damaged hair and skin from a long night as well as help ease the digestive tract.
Peppermint
No doubt you’ll need the peppermint to freshen your breath after a wild night, but it’s actually doing more for your body than you think. Peppermint works to help bring oxygen into your bloodstream as well as soothing an upset stomach while it cleanses.
Dark leafy greens
Dark leafy greens, like spinach, kale, Swiss chard and arugula boost chlorophyll levels, which help the body get rid of environmental and self-induced toxins quickly. These rich greens also contain a lot of fiber, which helps to detox the digestive tract and improve the functions of the liver. In addition, they also alkalize the body and help build stronger bones.
Green tea
Although this isn’t technically a food, your detox process can’t be complete without adding healthy liquids back into your body. Fluids are essential for keeping our organs healthy and working as well as helping to flush toxins from the body. Green tea, besides boosting the metabolism and aiding digestion, is also high in catechins, a flavanoid known to increase the production of detoxification enzymes.
Watch: Superfood Dinner
Today on the Daily Dish, chef at Province Restaurant at the Westin Phoenix Downtown, Rita French, shows you how to make a hearty Spanish chorizo, potato and kale soup.
More facts on superfoods
Top 6 superfoods of the summer
10 Best everyday superfoods
Power foods that help guard your teeth
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