Did you know that your liver is the most important detox center in the body? Okay, think of your liver as your body’s housekeeper and handy-person. Really, your liver is responsible for cleaning the body of toxins, harmful chemicals from everything you ingest or inhale (i.e., foods, drinks, medicine, smoke, chemicals in body care products, alcohol etc.) to keep your internal organs running effectively. Basically the more toxin you take in; the more stress your liver suffers. When the liver is stressed or overworked, every other system is negatively affected. For this reason perhaps, it is crucial to know how to aid your hard-working liver in flushing toxins out of itself and out of the body. Here are the 10 foods, drinks, herbs and spices that help the liver carry out its detox functions and protect it from damage.
Lemons and Limes
These sour fruits are filled with vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be easily absorbed by water. That’s why it is suggested to drink lemon/ lime juice in a lukewarm glass of water in the morning, as it stimulates the liver to work effectively.
Garlic and Onions
You might smell bad, but you’ll fell great. Garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that activate the liver enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. Its relative, Onion ( haha) also contains allicin and selenium (two powerful nutrients) that stimulate the liver cleansing. If you feel a bit nauseous and can’t handle the strong flavor try mixing a small quantity into some vegetable soup or or stews, but make sure you use it in limited quantity in every meal.
Avocados
Everyone knows that an avocado is a superfood. Regular consumption helps the body produce glutathione, an essential compound that promotes liver health by protecting it against toxic overload and cleansing harmful toxins.
Green Tea
Dump those sodas and brew up some healthy green tea instead. This powerful herbal beverage is pretty much a dream drink. It helps boost energy, aids weight loss and helps promote proper liver function. The liver loves green tea because it is full of antioxidants called catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper liver function. Always drink fresh brewed green tea, as those bottles and cans may have no nutritional value.
Turmeric
No cleanse list would be complete without the anti-inflammatory and natural healing spice turmeric. It is very helpful to the liver and has been shown to actively protect the liver against toxic damage by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens and even regenerate damaged liver cells. Why not add turmeric to your morning omelette, smoothies or stews. It will be great! However, if you suffer from inflammatory bowel syndrome, or taking any drugs see your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens like spinach, cocoyam leaves (kontomire), kale, and pumpkin leaves (ugwu) contain plant chlorophylls that have the power to neutralize, heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals, which will lessen the burden placed on the liver.
Carrots and Beets
Carrots are rich in Glutathione, a protein that helps detoxify the liver. Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene. Beetroot juice has been shown to lower damage and inflammation in the liver. Beet juice made from 1 large beetroot is safe for daily consumption. Drink the juice 2–3 days a week.
Walnuts
Walnuts have high amounts of l-arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, and amino acid which helps the body to detoxify and clean the human liver and it also detoxifies the ammonia. Chew walnuts (generally nuts) well to help your body digest them properly.
Grapefruits
Grapefruit is another natural food that contains a huge amount of antioxidants as well as vitamin C as they are considered as the most powerful cleansers for the liver. The antioxidants and vitamin C in grapefruit helps boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes and increase the natural cleansing process of the liver. Additionally, grapefruit contains a flavonoid compound called naringenin which helps to burn the fats in the liver instead of storing it.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprout, cauliflower etc. are also good for the liver. Eating more of broccoli and cauliflower will help your body to increase the number of enzymes in your system to flush out not only toxins, but other carcinogens as well.
Below are List of Some Foods That Put Stress on The Liver
- High gluten and diary products
- Sugar
- Soft Drinks
- Excess Salty Foods
- Alcohol
- Refined Oils
…healthy foods, healthy lives.
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