The liver plays a significant role in the body. It is the second-largest organ in the human body and has the capability of rebuilding itself. It is important for immunity, metabolism, digestion, detoxification, production, and the storage of nutrients in your body. So, keeping it healthy is essential for your overall health.
How can you maintain as well as improve your liver health?
You should have a healthy eating plan if you want to ensure that your body functions well. And especially for the liver, your diet food needs to be:
- Low in fat
- High in fiber
- Mostly vegetarian
- Minimally processed
- Rich in raw vegetables
- Rich in fruits
- High in fluids
Are you interested in finding out the best foods for the liver? Do you want to know about various liver detox foods?
In this article, we are going to tell you about the best foods that will not only keep your liver healthy but also protect you from various diseases.
Healthiest Foods for Liver
Papaya
Papaya is one of the best foods for liver health as it is enriched with proteins and fibers. It helps the liver to function properly and improves the digestive system of your body. Its seeds are also effective in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Liver cirrhosis is caused by heavy alcohol consumption in which the liver doesn’t function properly. Papaya seeds destroy parasites present in the liver. These seeds include an alkaloid that kills intestinal worms and amoeba parasites. So, you should consume papaya to fight against liver diseases.
Coffee
Coffee is beneficial for your liver as it increases antioxidants in the liver. It decreases the inflammation of the liver and prevents liver diseases, fatty liver, and cancer.
If you drink coffee at least three times a day, it will lower the risk of chronic liver disease. It also reduces the fat buildup and collagen in the liver.
You should now enjoy your day by having a cup of coffee because it is good for your liver.
Oatmeal
As you probably know that Oatmeal is rich in fiber, it works well for your liver health. It is considered the most nutritious whole-grain foods one should consume.
Oats provide antioxidants, reduce blood sugar levels, and also improve cholesterol levels. They consist of beta-glucans that helps to decrease the amount of fat stored in the liver. A cup of oatmeal is all you need to keep your body in shape and healthy.
Green Tea
Green Tea improves your liver function. It contains antioxidants that help reduce cell damage. Drinking green tea can also reduce the risk of liver cancer and fat deposits in the liver.
Therefore, you should include green tea in your diet. Also, note that drinking tea is better than consuming tea extracts.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit consists of two antioxidants known as naringenin and naringin. These antioxidants protect the liver from inflammation and damage.
It is also rich in vitamin C that helps to produce liver detoxification enzymes. Thus, it should be added to your diet. You can either eat it or drink its juice to improve your liver health.
Garlic
Garlic is another liver detox food. It contains two natural compounds- allicin and selenium. Both compounds help in the cleansing of the liver.
Garlic consumption is important to prevent fatty liver as it removes toxins from your body.
Blueberries and Cranberries
Blueberries and Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants called anthocyanins. Their consumption improves the function of your liver and also protects you from liver damage.
Eating berries regularly may strengthen your immune system.
Grapes
Grapes (red and purple) are high in protein fibers. They help fight against liver inflammation and damage. If you want to keep your liver healthy, you should include grapes or grape juice in your food plan.
Beetroot Juice
Beetroots are rich in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene. Its juice is beneficial to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the liver. Drinking beetroot juice can help stimulate and improve your overall liver function.
Leafy Green vegetables
Green vegetables should be consumed because they help in cleansing toxins from your liver. These vegetables contain plant chlorophylls that purify your blood.
Although every leafy green vegetable is beneficial for your overall health, Spinach is best for your liver. It provides minerals and carbohydrates and improves your liver health.
Nuts
Nuts are enriched with vitamin E, fats, antioxidants, and nutrients. They may prevent you from fatty liver disease.
You should eat a handful of nuts every day to keep your liver as well as heart-healthy. But you should not consume them excessively as they are high in calories.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation and fat buildup in the liver. Therefore, you need to eat fish two or three times a week for the smooth functioning of your liver.
Olive Oil
Consumption of olive oil may improve your liver function. It not only removes toxins from the liver but also helps to boost your energy. Thus, you should add olive oil to your diet to make your liver stronger and healthier.
Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear is considered one of the most beneficial foods for the treatment of ulcers, wounds, and liver disease. It consists of compounds that protect the liver.
Lentils
Lentils are high in fiber and plant-based protein. So, consuming lentils may help in removing toxins from the liver. They are good for your overall health.
Now, let’s discuss the foods you should avoid with fatty liver because it’s essential to maintain a healthy balanced diet for your health. Avoiding these foods will increase your energy levels and improve digestion.
Fatty Liver Foods to Avoid
- Fatty foods: Fatty foods such as packaged chips and snacks, fried foods should be avoided as they are not good for your liver.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption may harm your liver. It can cause liver cirrhosis. So, you should not consume it in high quantities.
- Salt: Your body indeed needs salt but you should always try to limit its consumption in your diet. High levels of sodium may lead to liver scarring, also known as fibrosis.
- Sugar: You should avoid eating sweet stuff like cereal, candies, chocolates, cookies because these can cause fatty liver disease.
- Starchy foods: Foods such as bread, pizzas, cakes, and pasta are high in starch. These foods are harmful to your liver.
FAQs
Why is liver health important?
Liver health is important because it is an essential organ of your body. It not only helps in providing energy to your body but also fighting off various infections in your body.
What foods are best for the liver?
To make your liver healthier, you should eat foods such as oatmeal, grapes, nuts, grapefruit, prickly pear, etc.
How to cleanse your liver?
You can add drinks like green tea and coffee. You can also consume green vegetables, beets, and citrus fruits to detoxify your liver.
What foods should you avoid for fatty liver?
You should avoid poultry, yogurt, full-fat cheese, sugary foods, baked and fried foods.
Bottomline
To sum up, your liver is important for your body. The functioning of your body might get disturbed with a damaged liver. You can fight off infections, either viral or bacterial with a strong liver. So, it is better to consume those foods that are best for your liver health. Always remember, a healthy body should be your first priority.
