At this time of year, your body needs nutrient replenishment and restoration. Whether you know it or not, your body is begging you to make healing foods a part of your regular routine. Nothing fancy, just plant-based foods like whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and seeds. These particular foods are ideal for detoxification, supporting digestive health, and optimal immune system functions in your liver, kidneys, and gut.

This winter detox salad, with cashew turmeric dressing, combines veggies, nuts, fruits, and spices for a delicious and satisfying meal. Together, these power-packed healthy foods will flood your body with nutrients to keep you feeling energized even during the winter.

Cruciferous Veggies

Cruciferous vegetables are a great source of glutathione, which triggers the release of toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver, supporting the phases of liver detoxification. When you eat broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, you help your liver flush out carcinogens and other toxins. In particular, broccoli sprouts are super high in antioxidants that help detox enzymes in the digestive tract. While this recipe features broccoli and kale, we have other recipes with great ways use these cruciferous veggies, like keto-friendly cauliflower bagels or vegan cauliflower and lentil tacos.

Beets

Beets contain a group of phytonutrients called betalains that support detoxification aiding in your liver’s ability to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively and balance hormones, cholesterol, and energy levels. The vitamin C in beets stimulate the liver and aid in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be used by the body. Combined with their fiber content, beets are natural cleansers of the digestive system and promote elimination. Even more importantly for the liver, consuming beets can help with increasing oxygen by cleansing the blood, they also help break down toxic wastes for quicker excretion and stimulate bile production.

Walnuts

Known for their omega 3 fatty acids and brain-boosting capabilities, walnuts are also a great source of glutathione which supports the liver’s cleansing process. Walnuts help to increase circulation and blood flow to promote toxin removal and elimination. Walnuts also have super high polyphenol content, making them potent free radical scavengers in the body.

Apples

Adding some organic apples to your daily regimen is a great way to put a little fiber on your plate. Apples contain high levels of pectin (a naturally occurring substance found in berries and fruits) that help the body cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. They help to stimulate bile production which helps the liver rid the body of toxins like heavy metals.

Turmeric

Turmeric is touted as a health hero in places like India. As a part of the curcumin family, turmeric is known for its antioxidant and powerful biological properties and is used for medicinal purposes around the world. It helps to flush out toxins and contains antioxidants that repair liver cells. Combined with apple cider vinegar, lemon and warm water in the morning is a great routine to initiate bile production and digestion, and boost your metabolism. For an evening turmeric beverage, try our Turmeric Cacao Hot Chocolate recipe.

Garlic

Garlic is great for flavoring our foods, but it’s also useful for flushing out toxins. It’s loaded with sulfur which activates liver enzymes that promote the removal of toxins. The selenium properties of garlic also help to stimulate the natural enzyme levels in the liver, helping it to perform cleansing processes. It also just so happens to contain 39 different antibacterial agents, making it an excellent food for protecting your body against illnesses.

Now that we’ve covered the incredibly potent health benefits of all of our ingredients, here’s the recipe for my winter detox salad!

Winter Detox Bowl Recipe

SERVING SIZE: 2-3 | PREP TIME: 15-20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15-20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

Quinoa, 1 cup cooked
Broccoli, 1 cup roasted
Kale, 1 cup steamed
Beets, ½ cup roasted
Apples, ¼ chopped
Walnuts, 2 tbsp chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Place the cooked quinoa, roasted broccoli, steamed kale, roasted beets, sliced apples, and crushed walnuts in scoops around your bowl. Layer with cashew turmeric dressing and fresh black pepper.

Cashew Turmeric Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4-6 hours)
1 cup filtered water
1 clove garlic
1/2 lemon squeezed
1/2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
fresh black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender like a Vitamix to ensure that it becomes nice and creamy and the cashews are completely emulsified.

2. Add water to thin if needed, add more lemon for additional tartness, and/or more turmeric for punch.

Enjoy!