8 Superfoods to Cleanse Your Liver
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body, and it is involved in many of the body’s metabolic processes. Its primary function is to convert toxins from the blood to waste products, process various nutrients, and metabolize medicines. It is the only human organ that can regenerate itself. The liver also produces a blood-clotting protein and bile (a digestive enzyme). With so many vital functions to do, we must look after our liver’s health. A healthy lifestyle is key to a healthy liver.
Apart from a healthy lifestyle, certain superfoods help cleanse and enhance liver functions. Include these superfoods in your diet to cleanse your liver:
1) Garlic
Garlic is rich in sulfur. Sulfur activates liver enzymes that help the body detox. These enzymes flush out toxins and waste from your body. Garlic also contains selenium, a mineral that also helps in detoxification.
2) Leafy Greens
The nitrate compounds found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, etc., have shown to prevent and reverse fatty liver. They also contain various compounds that cleanse your liver and stimulate bile flow.
3) Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in glutathione. Glutathione, an antioxidant, triggers the liver enzymes that help detox the body. They also contain glucosinolate, a natural compound that helps flush out toxins and cancer-causing agents.
4) Green Tea
Make it a habit to drink at least two cups of green tea every day. It contains plant-based antioxidants called catechins. This compound enhances liver functioning and eliminates accumulated liver fat.
5) Citrus Fruits
Most of us know that citrus fruits, such as lemon, oranges, grapefruit, etc., are rich in vitamin C. But these fruits are also rich in antioxidants, which are great liver-cleansers. They also trigger the production of liver enzymes necessary for detoxification.
6) Turmeric
Turmeric is a widely used spice and pigment. It also has various medicinal purposes. Curcumin, its active ingredient, is the reason for these fantastic biological properties. Turmeric also contains antioxidants that help repair the liver. It also helps the liver detox metals, boosts bile production, and assists detoxification.
7) Olive Oil
Cold-pressed olive oil is loaded with healthy fats and antioxidants. It provides a liquid base, which sucks up harmful toxins from the body. Olive oil, including cold-pressed hemp or flaxseed oil, has been shown to reduce the liver’s accumulated fat.
8) Walnuts
Arginine, an amino acid, present in walnuts, is an excellent liver-cleanser. Walnut also contains glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids that help in detoxification. You can munch on these nuts whenever you feel hungry.
