Your liver is essential to the proper functioning of the body. It performs several essential tasks, such as producing proteins and storing vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates. The liver also breaks down toxins like alcohol and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good condition is essential for maintaining health. Discover the best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy.
What Foods Are Good for Detoxing the Liver?
Apples
Adding sliced Granny Smiths or Honeycrisp to your snack rotation can be benefit your gut. Apples contain lots of fiber and can help clean your bowls and introduce friendly bacteria. Make sure to leave the skin on the apples to increase your fiber intake.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables may help increase the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes, protect it from damage, and improve blood levels of liver enzymes. Try lightly roasting them with lemon juice and garlic to turn them into a tasty and healthy dish.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains antioxidants (like naringenin and naringin) that naturally protect the liver by reducing inflammation. These antioxidants can also help reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis, a harmful condition in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver.
Lemon
Citrus fruits like lemon are a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. When you consume lemon, it stimulates your liver to create more bile. Bile aids digestion and quickens the process of things passing through the liver.
Garlic
Eating garlic helps activate the liver detox enzymes, which assists in breaking down toxins and eliminating them from your body. It also contains 39 different antibacterial agents, protecting your body against illnesses. Opt for organic and fresh garlic whenever possible to best use this flavor-packed food. You can also sneak an extra clove or two into your weeknight dinner veggies or salad.
Fish
Fish is another popular liver detox food. It contains healthy fats (omega-3 fatty acids) to reduce inflammation and has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2016 report found that omega-3 fatty acids helped lower triglycerides and liver fat in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis.
Spinach
Spinach enhances detoxifying the liver with a bunch of iron and plentiful antioxidants. It speeds up the removal of toxins from the blood and increases total energy in the body. It’s perfect for a super juice detox.
Green Tea
Green tea benefits your health, but evidence has shown that it may have particular benefits for the liver. It’s a great source of antioxidants that may play a role in treating and avoiding a handful of health conditions. One of the most antioxidant compounds is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The possible detoxifying effects of EGCG and other polyphenols in green tea help rid the body of free radicals.
Turmeric
This golden spice helps boost liver detoxification by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary toxins. You can add it to various dishes for an instant liver pick-me-up.
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