Delhi Air made you stressed? 5 foods that can help your body deal with pollution

We are often exposed to pollutants and toxins through air and water. Currently, poor air quality in many areas of India, especially Delhi, has raised health concerns. According to the World Health Organization, breathing in pollutants can cause inflammation, oxidative stress and immunosuppression throughout the body, which can affect the lungs, heart, brain and other organs. While preventive health measures, like wearing protective masks and using air purifiers, can help, eating certain foods can also nourish and detoxify your body from within.

Here are 5 foods that are known to have detoxifying properties:

1. Brinjal

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Eggplants are usually purple in color but can also be found in white. They can vary in size, from large to tiny ‘baby eggplants’. According to Healing Foods by DK Publishing, eggplants contain beneficial amounts of antioxidants, potassium, folate, magnesium, beta-carotene and fiber. Consuming brinjal can help in detoxifying your body. Some studies show that brinjal can help remove harmful chemical substances from the body. It also promotes regular bowel movements and maintains water balance.

2. Garlic

Garlic is known to enhance the taste of delicious dishes. Along with enhancing taste, garlic also provides many health benefits. It contains sulfhydryl compounds, which help remove toxins such as heavy metals from the body and prevent organ damage. A 2012 study involving car battery plant workers found that garlic reduced lead levels in their blood by 19%. It also reduced other symptoms of toxicity, such as headache and high blood pressure.

3. Mustard greens

According to the Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, tangy, crunchy mustard greens are among the most nutritious leafy vegetables available in winter. Fresh mustard greens are an excellent source of antioxidants like flavonoids and also have anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamins C and K help neutralize toxins and remove them from the body.

4. Tomato

Tomato is widely used in Indian cooking and is a great ingredient to detox your body. They’re a good source of glutathione, which helps the body remove fat-soluble toxins, as reported in Healing Foods by DK Publishing. Lycopene found in tomatoes increases immunity and reduces cholesterol. Homemade tomato juice and tomato salsa are healthy and delicious ways to include nutritious tomatoes in your diet.

5. Alfalfa seeds

Alfalfa seeds are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, especially chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood. Alfalfa seeds also have natural diuretic properties, which maintain water balance and help reduce blood pressure. According to a 2020 study published in BioResearch Open Access, alfalfa seeds also support skin health. You can include these seeds in your diet by adding alfalfa sprouts to any meal.

Include these healthy foods in your daily diet. With a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and water intake, they can help detox your body and improve your health.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.