By Emma Sutherland, nutritionist, author, mum and spokesperson for O Superfood

Come February, it’s not uncommon for people to start cleaning up their diet and look for new foods to help them achieve optimal health.

Both December and January can be tough on the body, with later nights becoming more frequent and more booze and inflammatory foods being consumed.

Here are some of the best cleansing ingredients to start eating today. You should feel better in no time.

Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds are a rich source or nutrients and antioxidants plus they are an excellent source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.

Take one tablespoon per day to help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and regulate bowel function.

Coconut Oil

Unlike other oils, coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties and fatty acids that can improve digestion and immunity while boosting energy and metabolism.

It also contains medium-chain saturated fatty acids, which is a ‘healthy’ form of saturated fat.

Our body metabolises these fats in the liver, immediately converting them to energy rather than having it stored in our body as fat.

So if you ever needed a reason to switch to coconut oil, there it is.

Bone Broth

The gelatin found in bone broth attracts and holds liquids to help heal the gut and support proper digestion. Consuming bone broth is also a very easy way to also reduce inflammation and protect against infection.

Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chondroitin and glucosamine. You can drink it on its own or put it into a soup or stew. There are a few bone broth smoothies being offered nowadays too.

Fermented Vegetables

Think pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi. All of these fermented vegetables are potent detoxifiers because they have high levels of probiotics in them. Furthermore, they help to break down and eliminate other toxins and heavy metals from the body.

Yerba Mate Tea

It has been said that this traditional South American brew has the strength of coffee, the benefit of tea and the euphoria of chocolate. In fact many indigenous South Americans call it ‘the drink of the gods’ because of its many benefits.

Yerba Mate Tea has long been used as a stimulant, overall tonic and digestive aid, weight loss ingredient and relief from nerve pain, fatigue and allergies.

It is also rich in many vitamin and minerals including vitamins A, C, B, E as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and more.

O Superfood uses Yerba Mate Tea as a superfood in a number of their smoothies and juices. Try the IMMUNE with orange, raspberry, banana, silken tofu, camu camu and yerba mate tea.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

ABOUT

Emma Sutherland is a successful mum, author, clinical naturopath and TV presenter. She is also a spokesperson for O Superfood one of the most impressive smoothie bars Sydney has to offer.

Located on Bondi Junction’s most popular health street, Oxford St, the vibrant cafĂ© is passionate about bringing you nutrient rich smoothies, juices and salads that are packed with the best superfoods sourced locally and from around the globe.

All smoothies are dairy free, vegan and gluten free; and the salads are fresh and dressed to order.

For more from Emma be sure to check out her website and sign up for her next community cleanse detox while you are there they are great!!!

Emma Sutherland