Your liver is one of the most important parts of your body, detoxifying it and removing unwanted and harmful wastes that can cause long-term damage to your system. And it can also be overworked, especially if you eat a lot of processed foods, smoke, are exposed to environmental pollutants or are simply under a lot of stress. The good news is that there are many foods which can cleanse and rejuvenate your liver and ten of the best are discussed below.
Garlic
Consuming even small amounts of this pungent member of the Allium family can activate enzymes that make it easier for toxins to be flushed from your system. It is also a natural source of both selenium and allicin, which are known to help with liver cleansing.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a natural choice for liver cleansing as it is high in both Vitamin C and antioxidants which help promote healthy liver function. Even imbibing a small amount of the fresh-squeezed juice on a daily basis can help stimulate enzymes which will detoxify the liver.
Beets
Beets are naturally high in flavonoids and beta-carotene, both of which can help support a healthy liver by reducing inflammation and preventing oxidative damage to liver tissues. Beets are also high in fiber which can improve digestion, also linked to healthier liver function.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens contain compounds that are powerful liver-cleansing agents: they are high in chlorophyll, which helps to remove environmental toxins from the blood stream while at the same time neutralizing harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides.
Avocadoes
There is a good reason for avocadoes appearing in so many liver-cleansing diet programs. They are high in fiber to promote good digestion and better removal of waste products from the body and they stimulate the production of glutathione, which helps to restore good liver function.
Apples
Apples are wonderful liver-cleansers because their high pectin content allows the body to release harmful toxins into the digestive tract to be excreted. This helps the liver by reducing its workload and allow it to rest and rejuvenate.
Olive Oil
Organic olive oil, taken in moderation, is another great support for liver health: olive oil, because of its lipid base, is able to take up harmful toxins from the body and excrete it through the digestive tract; this takes the burden of work off the liver and allows it to function more efficiently.
Quinoa
Quinoa is great for your liver because though it is a grain, it is gluten-free. Gluten contains many toxins and thus increases the workload of your liver, making it harder to function efficiently.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other members of the cruciferous vegetable family will increase the amount of glucosinolates in your body; these enzymes help to flush out toxins like potential carcinogens and can thus greatly reduce your chances of developing certain forms of cancer.
So, yes, your liver works hard. But you can give it a break and help makes its job easier by increasing or adding the foods mentioned above to your diet. They act in many different ways, but all of those ways help support better liver function and improved overall health.
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