6 Foods that help cleanse the liver
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6 Foods that help cleanse the liver
The liver is a gland that secretes chemicals required by
other parts of the body. In fact, the liver is the only part of
your body that is both an organ and a gland. A healthy
liver regulates the composition of blood, removes
harmful toxins from the blood as well as processes and
converts nutrients absorbed by the intestines during
digestion into forms that the body can use. It also stores
some vitamins, iron and simple sugar glucose.
Many foods can help cleanse, rejuvenate and detoxify your
liver. Here are the top 10 liver-cleansing superfoods.
Number One.
Garlic.
Garlic is great for cleansing your liver. It helps activate enzymes
in the liver that help clear out toxins. It also contains two
natural compounds called allicin and selenium, which aid
in the liver-cleansing process and protect the liver from
toxic damage. Moreover, garlic reduces cholesterol and
triglyceride levels, which can overload the liver and hamper
its functioning. To promote liver health, use fresh raw garlic
instead of processed, minced garlic or powder. Eat 2 or 3
raw garlic cloves daily and include garlic in your cooking
whenever possible. You can also take garlic supplements,
but only after consulting your doctor.
Number Two.
Grapefruit.
Being a good source of vitamin C, pectin and antioxidants,
grapefruit also aids the natural cleansing process of the liver.
It also contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that
neutralizes free radicals and detoxifies the liver.
Glutathione also helps in the detoxification of heavy metals.
Moreover, the flavonoid naringenin in grapefruit helps
break down fat. Drink a small glass of freshly squeezed
grapefruit juice or enjoy the whole fruit with your breakfast
daily. Note: If you are on medications, consult your doctor
before taking this fruit as it may interact with certain drugs.
Number Three.
Beetroots.
Beetroots are another powerful food for cleansing and
supporting liver function. High in plant flavonoids and
beta-carotene, they help stimulate and improve overall
liver function. Moreover, beetroots are natural blood purifiers.
Simply add fresh beetroots or juice to your daily diet.
Make a powerful liver-cleansing salad with 1 cup of chopped or
grated beetroots, 2 tablespoons of cold-pressed extra-virgin
olive oil and the juice of ½ lemon. Mix all the ingredients
together and eat 2 teaspoons of it every 2 hours during the day for a week.
Number Four.
Lemons.
Lemons help detoxify the liver mainly due to the antioxidant
D-Limonene present in it, which helps activate enzymes in the
liver that aid detoxification. Moreover, the high amount of
vitamin C in lemons helps your liver produce more enzymes to
aid digestion. Lemons also boost mineral absorption by the liver.
Make lemon water at home by adding the juice of 1 lemon to
a jar of water. You can even add chopped lemons to it.
Drink this water at regular intervals. If desired, add a little honey.
Number Five.
Green Tea.
By drinking green tea daily, you can help your body flush out
toxins and fat deposits, while increasing hydration levels.
A 2002 study published in the International Journal of
Obesity found that the catechins in tea help stimulate
lipid catabolism in the liver. This in turn prevents fat
accumulation in the liver. This healthy beverage also protects
the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances like alcohol.
Green tea is also beneficial in treating or preventing liver disease.
According to a 2009 study published in Cancer Causes and Control,
people who drink green tea have a lower risk of developing liver cancer.
Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea daily. If desired, sweeten your tea with honey.
Note: Avoid drinking green tea in excess as it can have an
adverse impact on your liver and other body parts.
Number Six.
Turmeric.
Turmeric is another popular and effective liver-cleansing
food. It also improves the body’s ability to digest fats.
The compound curcumin in turmeric induces the formation
of a primary liver detoxification enzyme called glutathione
S-transferase. It also helps regenerate damaged liver cells.
Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of water and
boil it. Drink it twice daily for a couple of weeks.
Also, include this spice in your daily cooking.
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