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Your liver is responsible for numerous things in the body and acts as your body’s main filtration system. The liver converts toxins in the body into waste products to be removed from the body. It cleanses your blood and aids in the metabolization of medications and nutrients. Because of its numerous functions, it is essential that you keep your liver healthy. One of the best ways to do this is through detoxification. Let’s take a look at the some of the best foods for liver detox.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice contains antioxidants and nitrates that can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage. Beetroot juice also helps to increase the production of a variety of natural detoxification enzymes. You will receive the most benefits from freshly squeezed juice from ripe beets; however, eating beets will also provide numerous health benefits.
Blueberries and Cranberries
Blueberries and cranberries contain antioxidants (anthocyanins) that offer a number of health benefits. These antioxidants increase immune cell response and help to heal and strengthen the liver. Blueberry extract and cranberry extract can inhibit the development of liver lesions. Consuming a serving of blueberries or cranberries each day can help to improve your liver function and reverse the effects of fatty liver.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines are high in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects your liver from injury. Citrus fruits also aid in the detoxification process and stimulate the liver to produce the enzymes necessary for optimal liver health. Consuming one serving of citrus fruits daily can help reduce inflammation in the liver and protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and heavy metals.
Coffee
Research has shown that coffee can help improve your liver health and protect it against disease thanks to the antioxidants found in coffee. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can lower your risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver for those suffering from chronic liver disease. It can also reduce the risk of liver cancer and reduce inflammation. It is important to drink coffee in moderation due to some negative effects of caffeine.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussels sprouts, and greens contain high amounts of fiber and other beneficial plant compounds that help heal and protect the liver. Broccoli sprout extract and Brussels sprouts increase your body’s natural detoxification enzymes. Additionally, consuming cruciferous vegetables can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and liver tumors, thereby improving liver health. For best results, include at least one serving of cruciferous vegetables into your diet daily. The fiber also helps with weight management.
Fatty Fish
Cold water fatty fish contain large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids reduce inflammation and lower the number of triglycerides and the amount of liver fat in those suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eating fatty fish at least two servings of fatty fish each week can help to improve your liver health.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best foods for liver detox. Garlic contains sulfur and selenium, which can improve liver health. Sulfur activates your liver enzymes, which are used by the body to help flush out toxins. Selenium, on the other hand, is an antioxidant that boosts liver enzyme levels. Garlic can help reverse oxidative stress on the liver and remove fat from the liver.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is filled with antioxidants (naringin and naringenin) that protect your liver. These antioxidants reduce inflammation in your liver and protect your liver cells from further damage. As grapefruit is consumed daily, the amount of fat in your liver will decrease and the number of liver enzymes that are used for fat burning will increase.
Grapes
Grapes, especially purple and red grapes, contain numerous plant compounds and antioxidants that are beneficial to the liver. Consuming grapes has been shown to lower inflammation in the liver, prevent liver damage, and improve liver functions. In addition to consuming red or purple grapes, you can improve your liver health with grapeseed oil extract or drinking fresh grape juice daily.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great way to increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Oats and oatmeal also contain beta-glucans which help modulate your immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. These compounds reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver, reduce the risk of obesity, and can help regulate glucose levels.
Olive Oil
Olive oil provides your body with a number of health benefits, including improved liver function. Olive oil consumption can decrease the amount of fat in your liver, improve liver enzyme levels, and improve blood flow to the liver. Consuming a teaspoon of olive oil daily can help lower the risk of liver disease and improve your overall health and well being. For best results, choose cold pressed extra virgin olive oil when shopping for olive oil.
Nuts
Nuts are filled with beneficial compounds, including vitamin E and healthy fats. Studies have found that eating nuts as a regular part of your diet can decrease the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Some of the best nuts for liver health include walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and Brazil nuts. Enjoy a serving of nuts daily to promote liver health and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
Prickly Pear
Prickly pear is an edible cactus that has been used for many years as an effective treatment for wound healing, liver disease, ulcers, and fatigue. Prickly pear decreases inflammation throughout the body, including the liver. It helps control cholesterol levels and improve liver enzyme production. You can enjoy eating a prickly pear or drinking prickly pear juice to help reduce inflammation and damage to the liver.
Tea
Tea has been used for centuries to help improve the health and well-being. Tea contains high levels of antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress, decrease the amount of fat deposits in the liver, which can help improve your liver function and improve your liver enzyme levels. You can enjoy green or black tea, which will help with liver detox.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce pain and inflammation. The active ingredient in this Indian spice is curcumin, which helps your liver enzymes remove toxins from your liver cells. Furthermore, the antioxidants in turmeric help repair liver cells, boost bile production, and remove metals from the body.
Benefits of a Healthy Liver
A healthy liver is essential for good health. It performs a variety of tasks including creating bile for digestion and nutrient absorption, making glucose, storing nutrients, and detoxifying the body. Some of the best foods for liver detox include blueberries, cranberries, citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, olive oil, nuts and turmeric. They provide protection against harmful toxins, increase antioxidant activation, enhance the enzymes used in the detoxification process, and lower the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Incorporate these foods into your diet which helps in liver detox, remove excess fat from the liver, and improve your liver health.
