The liver plays a huge role in the functioning of our body. It is responsible for various functions related to digestion, immunity and the storage of nutrients that the body needs to function.
Furthermore, the liver is a gland that produces chemicals required by other organs of the body. In fact, the liver is the only part of your body that is both an organ and a gland. A healthy liver regulates the composition of blood, cleans the blood, produces bile that helps in processing and converting nutrients. It also stores some vitamins and regulates sugar glucose storage. It helps in the decomposition of old red blood cells and produces coagulants and proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Because the liver performs so many functions, it is important to keep it healthy. An unhealthy diet or poor lifestyle can overload the liver, leaving it unable to process toxins and fat efficiently. This can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, headaches, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, allergies and many other health conditions. To help you cleanse and detoxify your liver we are giving you these 10 foods which will help you maintain your liver healthily and functioning.
Here are the top 10 liver-cleansing superfoods.
- Garlic
Garlic does wonders for our liver. Garlic contains two natural components called allicin and selenium. These components help in the cleansing process and protect the liver from toxic damage. Furthermore, garlic reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, which can overload the liver and impede its functioning. There are also some claims that garlic help in the prevention of some types of cancer. However, you should stay away from processed garlic or powder. Try eating 3 cloves of raw garlic daily and include it more in your cooking.
- Grapefruit
Being a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit also helps the natural cleansing of the liver. It does contain glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that regulates and neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies the liver. Glutathione can also help in the detoxification of heavy metals. Furthermore, the flavonoid naringenin in grapefruit helps in breaking down fat. Try with eating a grapefruit or drinking a glass of fresh grapefruit juice on daily basis.
- Beetroots
Being high in flavonoids and beta-carotene beetroots help stimulate and improve overall liver function. Furthermore, beetroots are natural blood cleaner. Beetroots are a great source of folate and manganese so it would be a smart move to add them to our diet. You can make an extremely helpful salad which helps in the cleansing of the liver.
- 1 bowl of chopped beetroots
- 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
- Squeezed juice of half a lemon.
Mix all the ingredients and take 2 teaspoons of it every 2 hours during the day for a week.
- Lemons
Lemons contain the antioxidant D-Limonene which activates certain enzymes in the liver that help in detoxification. Furthermore, the high level of vitamin C in lemons helps your liver produce more bile to improve digestion and boost mineral absorption. The best way to consume it lemonade. Easy to make it and it tastes great. Just squeeze 1 lemon and fill up the rest with water. If it is still bitter for you, try adding some honey or sugar.
- Green Tea
By daily usage of green tea, you help your body in flushing out toxins and fat deposits. A 2002 study circulated in the International Journal of Obesity stated that the catechins in tea help stimulate lipid catabolism in the liver. This, in turn, prevents fat accumulation in the liver. Green tea protects the liver from the damaging effects alcohol or similar substances. Green tea can help in treating or preventing liver conditions. According to a 2009 study, people who drink green tea show a lower risk of developing liver cancer. Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily. Again you can add some honey or sugar to the beverage.
- Avocados
Avocados are rich in the antioxidant glutathione which is required to cleanse heavy metals and to function properly. The high level of monounsaturated fat in avocados reduces “bad” cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol. Furthermore, avocados contain many minerals vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients which support overall liver health and help in breaking down fats. Eat 1 to 2 avocados per week for a couple of months to help reverse liver damage.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is another effective liver-cleansing food. It also improves the body’s ability to digest fats. The compound curcumin in turmeric induces the formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme called glutathione S-transferase. It also helps regenerate damaged liver cells. Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water and boil it. Drink it twice daily for a couple of weeks. You can try including this spice in your daily cooking.
- Apples
Apples are already well known for all the benefits they bring. Apples are a good source of pectin, a soluble fiber that aids in the removal of toxins from the digestive tract and cholesterol from the blood, inadvertently preventing the liver from overloading. Furthermore, apples contain malic acid, a natural cleansing nutrient that neutralizes carcinogens and other toxins from the blood. All types of apples are good for your liver and you can start with consuming the fruit or drinking a fresh apple juice.
- Walnuts
The high level of the amino acid called arginine in walnuts helps the liver in detoxifying ammonia. Furthermore, walnuts contain glutathione and omega-3 acids, which help the natural liver-cleansing process. According to a study, walnut polyphenols prevent liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride and d-galactosamine. Munch on a handful of walnuts as a snack daily. You can also sprinkle them over a salad, side dish, soup or baked goods.
- Broccoli
Being rich in glucosinolates, it helps neutralize carcinogens and other harmful toxins. The high fiber content in broccoli improves the digestion process. Furthermore, it contains fat-soluble vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps the liver functioning. Eat 1 bowl of broccoli 3 times a week to keep your liver healthy.
Additionally to keep your liver healthy try reducing animal foods, refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
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