Richard Shayler asks; what good is a detox?

Green machine

Do I want an extra shot of broccoli? In my smoothie? As well as the wheatgrass and cucumber? It increases the level of detoxification, you say? Well go on then.

Broccoli in smoothies can mean only one thing … it’s January! Detoxes, grit lorries and resolutions are the name of the game and by golly, am I playing. Less drinking, less smoking, more exercise and of course, more broccoli smoothies!

But is it all worth it? Does it pay off? And who is winning here, the consumer or the consumed? The word ‘detox’ is actually rather misleading. If our bodies were so incapable of dealing with all the toxins we consume, we would all unfortunately be dead. Our bodies are always naturally detoxifying – separating out the good from the bad, and expelling the bad and making use of the good.

So what good is a detox? An increase in the amount of greenery, you say? Perhaps we should have more broccoli and cabbage … well let’s not be too hasty, as both these sneaky veggies have an ever-so-slight proportion of cyanide in them. You know that one, right? The one that is deadly beyond belief. Well our clever bodies break this sneaky toxin down and expel him. Naturally. Whether we are on a detox or not.The best remedy to ensure our bodies are functioning properly is to exercise more, stop smoking, eat a balanced diet and drink in moderation. This doesn’t mean you need to cut out alcohol or sweet things. It just means you should drink and eat the naughty treats in moderation. Think about the fat and carbohydrate content and eat or drink accordingly.

Another great tip is to relax and de-stress … and one of the best ways to do this is to watch Brighton Lights!

Coming up on the show this week we’ve got comedian Lewis Schaffer telling us why Americans are so much better than us Brits. Lee Venables from One Off Chairs provides us with some amazing chairs and tells us about his inspirations behind them. James Turnbull from Otherplace Productions pops in to tell us about all the great shows he’s got coming up, whilst Volunteer Virginia Barnacle inspires us. Chris Grayston tells us all about the National UK Songwriting Competition and Mr B The Gentlemen Rapper politely tells us about hip-hop. Music this week comes from Electric 4-piece Uncle Arthur.

Watch us on Freeview Channel 8, Virgin Media Channel 159 or stream live online at www.thelatest.tv. If you ever want to be part of our fantastic live audience, get yourselves down to The Latest Music Bar for 6.30pm every Tuesday night. The drinks are reasonably priced, and you even get one free on your arrival! I hear we have the cheapest broccoli smoothies in town, too …