The liver is one of the body’s most important organs which is why you need to eat the best foods for a healthy liver. Your liver helps in flushing out toxins and assisting in digestion but more importantly, the liver is the main part of our body where ingredients are metabolized or processed. Medicines and all harmful substances are metabolized in the liver. Continuous pressure on the liver can lead to number of liver related disease such as fatty liver, jaundice, hepatitis and even liver cirrhosis or liver failure.
Lipoproteins are synthesized in the liver which also converts excess carbohydrates and proteins into fatty acids and triglycerides. These are again stored in adipose tissue. This is also why you need to decrease unhealthy fatty acids in your body by avoiding foods bad for your liver. The liver also synthesizes cholesterol and phospholipids. The key to maintain a healthy liver is diet and eating the right foods for a healthy liver. Here are the 8 best foods for a healthy liver.
1. Garlic
Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin which is healthy for just about everything. As a potent anti inflammatory and antibiotic agent, garlic also contains selenium which increases the effect of antioxidants and body detoxification. Arginine present in Garlic is an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure in the liver. Antioxidants like Vitamin B6 and vitamin C present in garlic protect your body from cellular oxidation and damage. Garlic is one of the best foods that’s good for your liver.
2. Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil benefits the liver when consumed in moderation. Olive oil strengthens the lipid base responsible for removing toxins from the body and takes on one of the most important functions of the liver.
3. Herbs and vegetables
Green leafy vegetables protect the liver. They also neutralize metals, chemicals and pesticides form the food that you eat. Arugula spinach and chicory increase bile flow that rids the body of waste. Beetroot is a natural blood cleanser that also increases the abilities of the liver to generate nutrients. Crucifers like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, strengthen the liver’s ability to produce enzyme for removal of toxins.
4. Green Tea
Green tea among foods good for liver repair. It is rich in antioxidants and catchiness that belong to the flavonoids organic group. Green tea is beneficial for the liver, helps you lose weight and protects the body from cancer. For best results always choose a good green tea, preferably an organic one. It is advisable to brew green tea from tea leaves rather than rely on tea bags.
5. Grapefruit
One of the best natural remedies for liver repair is Grapefruit. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and glutathione that is secreted by the liver. It assists in the tissue cultivation and restoration. It helps in chemical and protein production, and strengthens the immune system. Grapefruit naturally contains more than 70 mg of glutathione which helps the liver generate detoxifying enzymes.
6. Apples
Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that helps in digestion, cleanses the body by removing toxins from the digestive tract and decreases the pressure on the liver. It is one of the best foods for a healthy liver. Most of the health properties of such fruits are found in the skin which is why you should consume apples with their skin.