Bitter is better!

When you’re used to the sweet life, bitter foods can be hard to swallow. But if you are looking for foods that promotes natural cleansing, which in turn can boost metabolism, bitter is better! From aiding in digestion to improving energy, incorporating these bitter foods into a healthy diet will naturally sweep your body to become cleaner and leaner!

Arugula is commonly used like leafy green, but it is actually from the brassicaceae family of vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower). This vegetable is particularly useful to help your liver stimulate bile production, which powers detox. It also regulates immune function and aids in cancer prevention. Its bitey, peppery flavor has natural cooling effect on the body and, like other greens, it hydrates. Try using arugula as the base of your next salad.

Popular in the tropical regions of the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asian, bitter melon resembles a small cucumber with bumpy skin. It’s significant ingredient in the diet of Okinawans, who have some of the longest life expediencies. The bio-mechanical compounds of bitter melon have antibacterial properties that can clean blood, ramp up the immune system and tone down inflammation. It can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, or steeped in tea.

Coffee is a powerful detoxifier-for the liver and colon. The aromatic legume contains theobromine, theophylline and caffeine, which dilates blood vessels. Some studies show that drinking coffee may also help the liver regulate itself. And as most active people know, it adds a little bounce to your step too!

Dandelion greens seem to be able to do it all: cleanse the liver, purify your blood, relieve constipation and diarrhea, reduce gas build up, assist in weight reduction, prevent and lower high-blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and the long long list goes on! They’re also high in protein, and protein is a must when losing weight. Try adding raw dandelion greens to your green smoothies. You can mask the harsh flavor with ginger or even peppermint!

Dill is a natural antibiotic and has the ability to fight free radicals. The oils in dill contain a compound called carvone that relieves an upset stomach, reduces gas and helps push food through the digestive system, making it a good toxin flusher. Fun fact: Hippocrates used dill as a mouth cleanser because it also fights bad breath. Put fresh dill in sauces and salad dressings, and pile it on top of salmon. Yummmm

If vegetables held popularity contest, kale would be king! Kale is infiltrating books, the trendiest of restaurants and diets of athletes-and for a good reason! With all its vitamins, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and calcium. And kale’s sulfur and soluble fiber make it a great detoxifier. Add it to smoothies, salads, soups and super-food bowls.