Liver health is essential for the overall well-being, as the liver is responsible for many vital functions in the body. It eliminates toxins from the blood, produces bile for digestion, and stores energy as glycogen. It also helps the body to process nutrients, hormones, and drugs.
Maintaining a healthy liver is important for many reasons. Keeping the liver healthy can reduce the risk of many diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cancer. It can also help to improve digestion, reduce fatigue, and prevent weight gain.
There are several steps that can be taken to improve liver health. Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important steps, as it helps to ensure the liver is getting the nutrients it needs. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats is recommended. Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol, refined sugars, and processed foods is also important.
Some of the best foods for a healthy liver include:
Leafy Green Vegetables
Kale, spinach, collard greens, and mustard greens are all great sources of vitamins and minerals that can help protect the liver from damage. These plant-based foods are nutrient-dense and packed with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Leafy greens are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that can help to protect the liver from damage and reduce inflammation.
Also read: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Causes And Treatment
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and protect the liver from damage. According to a WebMd, berries include polyphenols, which may help protect you against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which typically coexists with obesity and high cholesterol.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which can help protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, some compounds in cruciferous vegetables, such as glucosinolates, can help the liver process toxins and other harmful compounds more efficiently. Finally, cruciferous vegetables are also high in fibre, which can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver. According to research, cruciferous vegetables are good sources of sulfur-containing compounds that can help to detoxify the liver.
Nuts And Seeds
Walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, and chia seeds are all high in healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based proteins, which can aid with liver function.
Fish
Fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and protect the liver from damage.
Also read: Foods To Eat And Avoid If You Have A Fatty Liver
Garlic
As per research, the therapeutic effects of garlic help patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Garlic is believed to be beneficial for the liver due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, which can help to protect it from damage. Garlic can also help to reduce cholesterol levels, which can help to protect the liver from fatty liver disease. Finally, garlic may also help to protect the liver from certain toxins, helping to reduce the risk of liver damage.
Image credit- FreePik
