Food Groups that Help to Reverse the Harmful Effects of Pollution

Posted by Del Monte on December 20th, 2019

Delhi is being named as one of the most polluted cities in India, yet again! This is not a title to be particularly proud of! Inhaling such toxins for a prolonged period can have adverse effects on the body. Many people are having respiratory issues, heart issues, immune disorders, and even premature deaths owing to pollution. While N95 masks can help filter out some hazardous particles, it is not enough to protect your health. Eating certain food items will not only cleanse your body of the toxins, and heavy metals, it will also boost your immunity. Include food items that are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that aid in detoxing the body. Check out these food items that will help to reverse the harmful effects of pollution:  

• Ginger

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory root with many health benefits. You can add ginger to curries, stews, and soups. Add ginger to a veggie noodle bowl or brew it with green tea.  

• Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects against respiratory issues. You can roast tomatoes, add in curries, soups. Make a delicious pasta dish with Del Monte Whole Wheat Pasta in cherry tomato, and basil sauce.  

• Garlic

Garlic is an amazing root to add to your daily cooking. It has anti-bacterial properties and is anti-inflammatory. Add garlic in minestrone soup, pasta sauces, and hummus. You can also add some cloves of garlic, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, to a tray of roasted veggies.  

• Olive Oil

Cold-pressed olive oil is rich in vitamin E. The fatty acids in olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil can help to reverse the inflammation caused by pollution. You can cook with olive oil and prepare a vinaigrette to be sprinkled on salads. Use Del Monte Olive Oil for roasted vegetables, or hummus.  

• Lemon & Oranges

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It has detoxifying effects on the body. Start having lemon water in the mornings along with some grated ginger. This beverage will aid in cleaning your digestive system and guts. Orange is rich in vitamin C and great for health. Make an orange-carrot juice to add on beta-carotene to your diet.  

• Turmeric

Curcumin found in turmeric, is an anti-inflammatory element that aids in the detoxification of the body. Add turmeric in soups, stews, vegetable curries. It adds a rich yellow color to the dishes. You can also prepare a golden latte with turmeric. To make a golden spice blend, add ground turmeric, black pepper, dry ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make delicious golden tea latte with warm almond milk, and honey.  

• Broccoli

This cruciferous vegetable is loaded with anti-carcinogens and other nutrients. Broccoli helps to excrete any toxins from the body. Consume all cruciferous vegetables like Romanesco, broccolini, cauliflower, etc. Make a delicious broccoli soup, or just stir fry it with garlic, and olive oil.  

• Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Add nuts like almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds to homemade granola. Nuts and seeds are great for snacking too.  

Some other food groups that you must add in your diet are oranges, green vegetables, beta-carotene rich vegetables, alkaline food and fermented food.