What’s On asks the experts for detoxing advice as part of a guide on how to be healthy in Dubai in the summer. Find out about Ripe Market and other plans.

More…
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– Diet detox – expert advice
– Bikram boot-camp
– Complete guide to detoxing

Allie McLaughlin, a registered dietician and managing partner of Fitness O2, says it’s possible to get detox results without an extreme cleanse…

Aren’t our bodies naturally good at getting rid of toxins?
Absolutely, they are. Our bodies don’t really need help with removing toxins, as the kidneys and liver are highly efficient at eliminating them on their own, provided we feed these organs correctly, of course. However, unfortunately, many people don’t consume the right kind of foods, and that’s when it may be beneficial to kickstart the process with a cleanse.

What kinds of vegetables are good to aid in the detox process?
There is no such thing as a ‘super food’. That’s just a marketing scheme to offer a quick fix for people who want to lose weight. All vegetables offer a variety of vitamins and minerals so instead of focusing on eating specific vegetables, focus on getting a variety of them. This will ensure you are getting a variety of nutrients, which will in turn help increase overall energy levels.

Are there any spices that are particularly good for detoxing?
Herbs and spices are something we can always use more of in our food. I suggest you choose a variety to maximise the different benefits they have to offer. I love to use cayenne pepper. It contains a compound called capsaicin that aids with digestion and reduces food cravings. Cinnamon is another great option as is helps to control blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Lastly, try turmeric, which contains a compound called curcumin, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties.

If we have a big night ahead or work is particularly stressful, are there certain foods that we should avoid?
Steer clear of highly processed foods that contain chemicals and ingredients on the label that you can’t pronounce. My rule of thumb: eat foods that don’t come in a package, but if they do, the label should have less than 10 ingredients, all of which you would be able to say without getting tongue-tied.

ALSO TRY…

Ripe Market veg box
To make the shopping process easier – and healthier – sign up for Ripe’s vegetable box. Each week you’ll receive a tasty and nutritious balanced diet with fresh, organic and local produce from experienced farmers. There are a variety of boxes to choose from including fruit boxes, juicing assortments and a family box containing fruit, vegetables, eggs, milk and bread.

ripeme.com

Greenheart Organic Farms
One of Dubai’s most popular local farms also offers mixed boxes and bags of fruit and veg that are delivered weekly to your door. They even offer mixed toddler bags so parents can create their own baby food with fresh local produce.

greenheartuae.com