10 Foods for a Healthy Liver

Something that often surprises many is the fact that our liver is our second largest organ, and it performs a variety of tasks that we take for granted. The liver does so much more than just filter alcohol; we couldn’t live a healthy life without a liver, making this one of the most crucial organs in our body. Unfortunately, many people suffer from unhealthy livers, which aren’t able to perform their functions optimally. On the bright side, there is a multitude of foods that may be consumed for better liver health. Find out the top 10 foods for a healthy liver.

Garlic

One of the best foods you can eat to help your liver become healthier is garlic. This potent and healthy food is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense foods and has been used by countless cultures across the world for its multiple health benefits. Garlic is great for all types of ailments: from immune system weakness to bad skin, garlic can help fight it all. Some of garlic’s most useful components include allicin and selenium, which are helpful in cleansing the liver and promoting good health. Try adding some fresh garlic into your meals to see your liver health improve.

Lemons

Next on the list are lemons. Many people highly value this citrus fruit for its tangy taste. But in terms of health and nutrition, lemons are some of the most powerful foods you can eat. Their high levels of Vitamin C, combined with plenty of antioxidants, make this an essential element in any diet that aims to increase liver health. Be careful not to consume too much lemon in one sitting, as the acidity may be harmful to the stomach. It’s best to drink a glass or two of lemon water per day, which can be made by mixing a few teaspoons of fresh lemon juice with cold water.

Beets and Carrots

Carrots and beets, both similar in terms of structure, are one of the healthiest foods for the body. In the case of the liver, these root vegetables will work by increasing intake of beta-carotene as well as other nutrients that work together to improve the functioning of the liver. Moreover, they support the detox process, removing toxins from the body. One of the benefits that beets and carrots have is their high content of plant-flavonoids, which is something that many overlook when it comes to diet. Add beets and carrots to your salads, purees, or soups.

Green Tea

Tea, in general, is a great way to cleanse the body. These liquid solutions are packed full of nutrients and antioxidants that help to repair damaged cells in our body, by providing them with the necessary building blocks. Green tea is perhaps one of the healthiest teas out there. Widely used in many Asian cultures, green tea is rich in vitamin E as well as antioxidants and is, therefore, a great alternative to increasing the function of your liver. You may drink green tea in many ways: cold or hot, it all works.

Kale

Kale is a delicious and healthy food that has become a hit amongst the general population in the last few years. What makes kale so popular is that fact that it’s incredibly rich in fiber, antioxidants and other healthy elements, such as chlorophyll. Healthy greens like kale work by removing different toxins from the blood, such as those caused by the environment. They also have the amazing ability to neutralize heavy metal and other unsavory components, including pesticides. Try eating more kale-based smoothies. You can also make delicious kale chips at home.

Cabbage

You may have harsh childhood memories of coming home after a long day of school only to find a bowl of cabbage soup on the dinner table. Well, consider yourself lucky if your parents made you consume this food. Cabbage, despite its unappetizing smell, is a wonderful source of enzymes that help the liver to eliminate toxins from the body. Cabbage is also cheap and easy to use in a variety of dishes, including soups and stews. Combine cabbage with other green vegetables for a diet that will surely increase your liver health and on the long-term, overall body health.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice often used to give an Asian kick to different dishes. But its uses go beyond making your food taste better; turmeric has many surprising benefits for the body, including the liver. By improving liver detox ability, turmeric can help your body to remove unwanted toxins, which in turn helps to improve overall wellbeing. Dietary carcinogens, for example, are often difficult to remove if you don’t maintain a healthy and balanced diet. By increasing turmeric consumption, you can aid your body’s natural toxin removal mechanisms. Add turmeric to your favorite sautés, or look for pills containing turmeric.

Walnuts

When considering different diets, it is essential to find nuts as an important addition. No diet – as healthy as it may seem – is optimal without nuts. Whether they be almonds, walnuts, or peanuts, nuts, in general, are a healthy element of any diet. The benefits of walnuts include their high content of omega-3 fatty acids as well as their amino acid levels, which assist in liver cleansing, therefore helping to remove toxins. One of the most overlooked benefits of nuts is their versatility, making them easy to use as a quick snack or an addition to many different meals.

Avocados

A great choice for anyone looking to improve his or her liver health is avocado. This green fruit is an outstanding source of healthy fatty acids, as well as other nutrients, making this food one of the best picks in terms of health. Fiber is also another benefit of avocado. For the liver, avocados may help produce glutathione, which will help to improve liver health. A healthy liver can detoxify the body with greater effectiveness and efficiency. Add avocado onto your toast or into your favorite smoothie for a surprising boost for your health.

Apples

Apples come in different shapes and sizes, as well as flavors. But you can’t go wrong with any of them, at least not when it comes to liver health. Apples are an outstanding source of pectin, as well as other helpful components that aid cleansing. Apples help to remove toxins from our body and allow our liver to function better. As the saying states “an apple a day makes the doctor go away,” meaning that you should consume at least one apple per day. You can also make fresh apple juice to support liver health, as well as applesauce.