Did you know that liver is the largest organ after skin in your body? It is responsible for more than two hundred vital functions in the body like filtration, digestion, protein synthesis and so on. According to WebMD, not taking proper care of the liver can cause diseases like jaundice and abdominal pain and can end up in liver failure. In other words, the liver acts as a police in our body which inspects and fights the toxins that try to enter.
According to AGA’s Clinical Practice, high intake of sugar, alcohol, refined grains, fried foods, extra spices and saturated fat meat can lead to fatty liver disease which severely damages the liver and its functions. Eating natural, unprocessed foods, offering nutrients like carbohydrates, fibre and protein can help in reducing fat in the liver.
Being overweight due to an unhealthy diet is the main cause of liver disease. So here is the list of top 10 foods that you should include in your diet to have a healthy liver:
1. Coffee
If you already drink coffee regularly, it’s good news for you. The World Health Organization has confirmed that regularly drinking moderate coffee reduces the risk of liver disease. Being rich in polyphenols and anti-inflammatory properties, coffee helps in reducing liver inflammation.
2. Tea
In India, Tea is the most popular beverage and people here are crazy about it. It’s an unsaid ritual in many Indian households to offer tea to every guest that arrives. But if you replace your regular tea with black or green tea, it can help in improving fat levels in your liver.
3. Grapefruit
This subtropical citrus tree fruit is loaded with vitamin A, C, fibre, calcium, iron, etc., and helps reduce chronic inflammation in the liver, along with boosting the immune system. You can also consume it in the form of juice.
4. Blueberries And Cranberries
These delicious berries are among those fruits which are super rich in antioxidants and vitamin C that can protect the liver from further damage and help control weight gain. Cranberry is also popular among keto diet followers.
5. Prickly Pear
Commonly known as devil’s tongue, prickly pear acts as an antidote for the damage caused by alcohol to the liver. Being rich in antioxidants, this cactus fruit also reduces liver inflammation.
6. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is a popular beverage that is good for the liver, as it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, Vitamin C and fibre. It helps in breaking down wastes so that they can get excreted from the body faster.
7. Green Leafy Vegetables
As kids, we all have been advised to eat green vegetables as they have got uncountable health benefits. Vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and mustard greens help in neutralizing toxins which reduces the load of the liver.
8. Nuts
Just like green vegetables nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, etc., are rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins which help in reducing toxins. They are also known for fighting against the fat stored in the liver.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a major component of the Mediterranean diet. Being high in antioxidants, it has been found beneficial in reducing the fat in the liver, increasing blood flow, and accelerating enzyme levels.
10. Garlic
The bulbs of garlic lying in your kitchen not only protect you from seasonal allergies, but it is also rich in antioxidants and helps the liver in flushing out toxins.
Just like the heart, it’s also important to take care of your liver, it is the powerhouse organ that keeps your body safe from toxins. So, include these foods in the diet and keep your liver healthy and happy.