The liver is a powerful organ that helps the body function smoothly.  From storing minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates to producing cholesterol, proteins, and bile, this organ performs tons of essential tasks.

Some of the major functions of this organ are metabolizing drugs and detoxifying chemicals. The organ also purifies blood coming from the digestive tract.  A healthy liver can even reduce the risk of several chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. 

The Liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. This feature of the organ makes it possible for a person to donate a part of it to another person. But severe liver damage can affect the overall health of a person.

And, scientists are yet to discover a way to treat the damaged or infected part of the liver with medications. The only option left is to transplant this organ and it has a lot of side effects.

In short, it is pretty important to protect the organ from harm and to fuel it with the right food. The best way to keep this organ in good condition is to reduce the amount of alcohol and medications. It is also important to choose healthy food for every meal that can nourish the organ.  This article focuses on the 8 best foods for a healthy liver and they are as below:

Best Foods for a Healthy Liver

Grapefruit

This fruit is rich in antioxidants that can naturally protect the liver from injuries. Naringin and naringenin are the two main types of antioxidants found in this fruit. While naringenin can prevent the body from accumulating excess fat in the liver, naringin can counteract some of the negative effects of alcohol and improve the ability to metabolize alcohol. The grapefruit can also protect the liver in two ways –by protecting cells and by reducing inflammation. Several studies have proved that the antioxidants found in this fruit can reduce the build-up of excessive tissues in it.

 

Artichokes

This thistle is considered to be an herbal supplement for protecting the liver. It prevents liver damage and promotes the growth of new liver tissues. It also helps in removing toxins from the organ by increasing the production of bile. Studies have suggested that the antioxidant compounds found in it, such as silymarin and cynarin, are capable of preventing the damaging toxins from entering the organ. They can also reduce the risk of NAFLD.

 

Beetroot Juice

It is rich in a type of antioxidant called betalains. This antioxidant helps in natural detoxification of enzymes. It also reduces oxidative inflammation and damage.

 

Blueberries and Cranberries

 

These fruits contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that could protect the liver from damage. It can also slow the development of fibrosis and lesions. These fruits are even known for increasing antioxidant enzymes and immune cell response.

 

Grapes

This fruit is rich in a variety of plant compounds and the most beneficial among them is resveratrol, which is good for the liver. It can increase the antioxidant levels, lower inflammation and prevent damage. Several studies have proved that both green and red grapes are liver-friendly foods. A study showed that this fruit can improve liver function in people with NAFLD.

 

Prickly Pear

This edible cactus is used as a medicine for centuries to treat liver disease. It helps in normalizing cholesterol levels and enzymes while reducing the number of oxidative injuries and damages to the liver.

 

Green Tea

This drink is believed to be beneficial for liver health. Several studies have suggested that drinking green tea rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of fat deposits and oxidative stress. It can also improve the enzyme levels and blood markers of the organ. Green tea is also known to be good for people with cancer.

However, it is also important to note that several reports have suggested that the use of supplements with green tea extract could damage the liver. So it is important to exercise caution while consuming green or black tea.

 

Beans

These vegetables are loaded with fiber and protein, which could help the body in purifying the liver. Studies have also proved that they can reduce the risk of fatty liver by improving the accumulation of fat in the organ.

 

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Concentrate on the Health of Your Liver for a Healthy Life