I'm no doctor, but I've heard great things about the following foods that people rave about for health and detox benefits.
1) Fennel Seeds
In my household we know these as "sompf" (you can barely hear the p). This herb seed is chewed on as a digestive aid, and because it's a little bit addicting to munch (its safe though!). It supposedly helps with hormone balance and is also an antioxidant.
2) Turmeric
Some health-conscious people have already discovered turmeric, also known as "haldi." This bright yellow powder, ground from a root, is used in beauty products like home-made face masks, and also in South Asian dishes. People have started mixing this product with milk, labeling it "Golden Milk."
If my mom had called it Golden Milk when she had me drink it in my childhood, then I probably would've been less resistant.
Random Fact: South Asian brides use turmeric paste on their face and limbs as a kind of spa treatment for skin brightening. Some grooms do it as well.
3) Mint
Mint can be used as an additive to detox waters, and mint tea helps as well.
I'm probably ahead of the detox game then, thanks to my mint ice cream addiction. (I'm kidding!)
4) Black Cumin
I'm not sure if this food would actually fall into the category of "antioxidant" but it has been raved about for medical and health benefits. People have reported a number of different issues that black cumin, also known as black seed, has helped with.
You can use it as a spice in your food or you can find black seed oil in select stores.
5) Matcha
My guilty pleasure matcha has to make the list. Matcha is a concentrated green tea powder, and at some coffee shops if you order a green tea latte you might actually be getting a type of matcha mix.
It's not cheap if you buy the powder from the store (few stores sell it, I've only seen it at Teavana). I suggest looking up ways to actually blend matcha if you're interested in making it at home. Until then, if you're lucky enough to see something matcha-based during your coffee run, consider giving it a try if you haven't already.
6) Nopales
These are cactus pads, which are used in Mexican dishes. Nopales are an interesting food for many people to approach since cacti are thought to be formidable due to their prickly properties (they don't have needles when you eat them). They're nutrient-rich and worth a try!
Note: The foods listed aren't typically known to have negative side-effects, especially since they're supposed to be beneficial, but if you're completely unfamiliar with anything on there, I suggest looking into them before trying them. E.g. if you're allergic to root-based foods then maybe be careful with turmeric.
