The liver has a huge role to play in your body’s overall wellbeing. Essentially acting as a filter, the important organ removes harmful material from the bloodstream, helping to digest food by converting nutrients into essential blood components. The liver also acts to fight infections, filter bacteria and maintain a hormonal balance.
Whilst liver issues can be inherited or can be a symptom or side-effect of other viruses, certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a decrease in liver health. Without the support of a healthy liver, your immune system can become overloaded and not able to adequately protect against health issues.
Avoiding refined sugars, tobacco, alcohol and excessive coffee, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, are all steps that can be taken to ensure your liver has the best support.
What you put in your body can also support liver function. Here are the top foods to ensure food liver health.
Globe Artichoke
A member of the milk thistle family, the artichoke contains a chemical called cynarin which promotes bile production in the liver.
Brassica and Crucferous Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables and leaves like cabbage, kale, broccoli, bok choy and watercress all contain plant chemicals called glucosinolates, which assist the processes of the liver.
Tumeric
Aside from its proven anti-inflammatory properties, this ancient spice increases bile production in the liver, helping us to metabolise fats, detoxify and maintain regular bowel movements.
Walnuts
The versatile nut contains high levels of glutathione and omega-3 fatty acids which support liver function and assist the cleansing process.
Grapefruit
This delicious citrus fruit is pumped full of vitamin C and antioxidants which can help the liver to flush out toxins like carcinogens and more.
Beetroot
A highly beneficial food for liver health, the beautiful beet contains betaine which encourages the purging of toxins in the liver. It also acts to improve defense of the liver and bile ducts assisting in functionality.
Dandelion Root
This healing root is well known to stimulate liver detoxification, boost digestion and improve gallbladder function.
Avocado
Filled with good fats and healthy oils, avocadoes also boost glutathione production which is necessary for detoxification in the liver.
Garlic and Onions
Packed full of sulphur compounds, this flavoursome pair supports the enzyme systems that provide assistance to the liver. Garlic is also a great source of selenium which is necessary for producing glutathione in the liver – promoting detoxification and the elimination of toxic substances.
