The liver is like the body’s own personal filtering system; it has regenerative properties, helps clear out waste and toxins, aids in digestion and keeps the blood healthy. But we don’t always treat our livers right (we blame you, mouth-watering sangria). To make sure your liver isn’t being overworked, here are seven foods with liver-protecting powers. Incorporate some of them into your diet to naturally cleanse and clean this vital organ!
Grapefruit
Vitamin C could play a role in keeping your liver healthy; research has indicated it can help people with liver cirrhosis. Just one cup of grapefruit meets the daily vitamin C intake. Just keep in mind that the fruit can also affect drug metabolism. If you’re on medications, talk to your doctor before digging into them.
Click here for more good-for-your-liver foods!
Avocados
In 2000, Japanese researchers reported that avocados, filled with healthy fats, contain phytochemicals that reduced liver damage in rats.
Beets
The research is still in the early stages, but there’s some evidence that beets can protect the liver by reducing excess fatty acids.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for treating liver problems for centuries, according to the University of Maryland, and research from 2001. It indicated that the curcuminoids found in the spice might prevent fat accumulation in the organ.
Garlic
Thousands of years ago, garlic was prescribed to treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses, including respiratory problems, parasites and poor digestion. Now, a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, reports garlic supplements may benefit liver function. Another paper found that a garlic-derived compound might help heal alcohol-induced liver damage.
READ MORE: 10 dangerous food and medication combos
Arugula
You may be surprised to learn that, like broccoli, arugula is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning it contains the same sulphur compounds that give broccoli some of its potential liver-related health benefits.
Cabbage
Along with sulphur compounds, cabbage contains choline, a nutrient the National Liver Foundation says is important for liver health.
For more foods that will make your liver happy, click over to FoodNetwork.ca!
Comments