The liver is the largest solid organ and also the largest gland in the human body. It plays crucial role in the body as it is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, making glucose, and detoxing the body. Liver stores nutrients and creates bile, which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. That’s why the health of the Liver is vital for overall health.
Choosing foods that are good for the liver can help a person avoid potential health issues in the future. In this article, we will cover the best foods and drinks for the liver health.
1. Coffee:
Studies have shown that drinking coffee protects the liver from many diseases. A 2014 study that appears in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology suggests that the protective effects of coffee are due to how it influences liver enzymes. Coffee also decreases inflammation and increases levels of the antioxidant glutathione. It also helps lower the risk of developing liver disease, cancer, and fatty liver.
2. Oatmeal:
Consuming oatmeal is one of the best way to include fiber in your diet. Fiber is an important tool for digestion, and good amount of fibers in oats may be especially helpful for the liver. Oats and oatmeal are high in compounds called beta-glucans. These beta- glucans are very biologically active in the body. They help in modulating the immune system and fight against inflammation, and also helpful in fighting against diabetes and obesity.
3. Green Tea:
Tea is considered to be beneficial for liver health. Black and green tea may help improve enzyme and fat levels in the liver. It is also important to note that tea may be better than extracts, as some extracts may damage the liver rather than heal it.
4. Garlic:
Adding garlic to the diet may also help stimulate the liver. A 2016 study that appears in the journal Advanced Biomedical Research notes that garlic consumption reduces body weight and fat content in people.
5. Berries:
Many dark berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries, contain anthocyanins and antioxidants which may help protect the liver from damage. They may even help improve its immune and antioxidant responses.
6. Grapes:
Grapes, especially red and purple grapes, contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds. Grapes, grape juice, and grape seeds are rich in antioxidants that may help the liver by reducing inflammation and preventing liver damage.
7. Beetroot Juice:
Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. Beetroot juice helps protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation, all while increasing its natural detoxification enzymes.
8. Fatty Fish:
Fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good fats that help reduce inflammation. These fats may be especially helpful in the liver, as they appear to prevent the buildup of excess fats and maintain enzyme levels in the liver.
9. Nuts:
Eating nuts is another simple way to keep your liver healthy. Nuts generally contain unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Eating a handful of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, each day may help maintain liver health.
10. Olive Oil:
Studies show that olive oil consumption helps decrease the levels of fat in the liver, increase blood flow, and improve liver enzyme levels. Studies suggest that adding olive oil to the diet may help reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function. This is due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil.
It is very important to keep your liver healthy to avoid any major risk in the upcoming future. By simply incorporating above discussed foods & drinks into your diet is a natural and healthy way to keep your liver functioning at its best. Lets us adopt good food- habits to maintain liver healthy!
