Today people are living in a world that is unfortunately very unhealthy for the most part. We often eat processed and fried foods that are high in sugar and salt. Whatever harmful substances enter our body, they are all processed by the liver. That is why it is so important to take care of its health. Problems such as overeating and obesity are always high and many people drink alcohol every week. All of these things put stress on the liver and can lead to overwork and overloaded. Taking care of the liver is really important and several foods good for liver.
Foods that claim to have the ability to cleanse the liver are controversial, but due to the lack of scientific research to claim, they can help with certain liver conditions.
However, some foods help with liver disease. The Liver Foundation also says that in general, one should avoid fatty foods and alcohol to reduce the risk of liver disease.
Vegetips have a list of foods good for liver, that can help cleanse your body if taken regularly. Now, here are 17 foods that will take care of your liver more naturally.
1. One of the best foods good for liver is Garlic
Nutritionists told the Huffington Post that garlic activates enzymes in your liver to help keep it balanced and healthy. Garlic contains a lot of good substances for your liver. Even a small amount of garlic can cleanse the liver. It contains large amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that help cleanse the liver.
Selenium enhances the effect of antioxidants and detoxifies your body. Garlic also contains arginine, an amino acid that helps relax your blood vessels and lower blood pressure in the liver.
Besides, Vitamin B6 acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and Vitamin C is your body’s main protector against cellular oxidation and damage.
2. Grapefruit
According to SF Gate, grapefruit contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. According to research published on Carcinogenesis, grapefruit juice can protect against certain types of liver damages. Grapefruit contains glutathione, which helps the liver produce essential proteins and chemicals. It can repair tissues and build a strong immune system.
Grapefruit contains more than 70 milligrams of glutathione and helps the liver produce detoxifying enzymes. According to the Huffington Post, they work to eliminate carcinogens and other toxins.
3. Leafy Green Vegetables
The best foods for liver health, leafy greens like spinach, kale, chicory, and arugula contain plant chlorophylls. They have the power to remove heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful chemicals from the bloodstream. If you intend to cleanse the liver, this is one of the best things to consume.
The best part about them is that there are several ways they can be prepared. Greens can be eaten raw in a salad, cooked or juiced.
4. Broccoli and Cauliflower
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science and the World Journal of Gastroenterology, Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts have been shown to protect the liver from damage and increase the detoxifying enzymes in the organ.
5. Beet
According to a study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, beetroot juice reduces liver damage and inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables, beet juice also increases the level of detoxifying enzymes.
6. Avocado
Everyone knows that avocado is a superfood that cares about the liver. They help the body in many ways, and with such a delicious taste they can be made into anything. According to the American Chemical Society, avocados contain potent liver protectants and chemicals that can reduce liver damage.
Avocado is a nutritious food that helps the body build up glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These nutrients act as antioxidants and protect the liver cells from damage.
7. Nuts
Nuts show “therapeutic potential” in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. Nuts contain healthy fats, nutrients, vitamin E, and beneficial plant compounds. A diet containing nuts has been linked to improved liver enzyme levels.
Nuts help with the normal liver cleansing process and contain unhealthy unsaturated fats. These help to prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver and the development of strong cell membranes in the liver cells.
8. Turmeric
This spice is very helpful for the liver. Turmeric contains an active substance called curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help to cleanse the liver by increasing its detoxification and strengthening the enzymes that flush out dietary carcinogens. That turmeric extract can improve liver function by increasing its detoxification abilities, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology.
Turmeric protects the bile duct and increases bile flow. Alcohol and toxins can be prevented from turning into compounds that can damage the liver. Adding a little bit of turmeric to your food not only makes them tasty but also beneficial to your health.
9. Lemon and Lime
Lemons and limes are rich in vitamin C, which helps the body in handling toxins. This converts the toxin into a water-absorbent substance. That lemon juice has a positive effect on alcohol-induced liver damage in mice, found by a study published in BioMed Research International.
The liver can stimulate by drinking a glass of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning.
10. Green Tea
Increasing green tea consumption may have a preventive effect on liver cancer, found by a study published in Nutrition and Cancer. The liver prefers green tea because it is rich in plant antioxidants called catechins, which belong to the flavonoid organic group. This compound supports the function of the liver.
Green tea has many health benefits. If you want to switch to green tea, be sure to stick to the drink. This means you should not use green tea extract, because it may have negative effects on the liver.
11. Berries
Berries (especially blueberries and cranberries) contain anthocyanins, according to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology. These antioxidants have been shown to have “anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory biological activity.”
12. Apple
In a study from the University of Iowa, researchers found that mice fed ursolic acid, a compound found in apple skin, ate more than other mice in the study, but were less likely to develop obesity-related liver disease.
Apples are high in pectin, which is needed to cleanse the body and remove toxins from the digestive tract, thereby reducing the burden on the liver.
13. Whole Grains
A study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology found that people who ate more whole grains were “less at risk for many of the comorbidities associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”
14. Coffee
According to the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, regular coffee consumption can reduce the spread of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that coffee consumption favored “reducing cirrhosis and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.”
15. Olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil helps the liver a lot. It provides the lipid base that consumes toxins in the body and thus gets part of the job of the liver.
16. Fatty fish
According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in oily fish “decrease lipid accumulation and lower liver enzyme levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and have anti-inflammatory effects,”
17. Water
The human body needs to be well hydrated for any function, but drinking enough water throughout the day can keep your liver healthy. According to the Liversupport.com website, drinking enough water to keep your blood thin, maintain a healthy weight and aid digestion is sufficient for the health of the liver. All of these factors relieve the pressure on the liver and allow it to function better.
Enjoyed our list of foods good for liver? For more articles like this, click the similar button below!
Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to like and share this article with your friends to stay healthy, click subscribe to join us for a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks for reading!
Preview photo credit Adobe Stock