If there is one organ that works almost non-stop to keep you going, it’s your liver. It filters your blood, breaking down toxins and neutralizing them before they can enter your bloodstream. The liver also stores some vitamins and minerals and produces others so that your body can function properly. When the liver is working optimally, it gives you so much more energy, improves your skin and hair quality, reduces stress levels, even lowers the risk of developing certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Keeping your liver healthy therefore helps preserve all these benefits because a compromised liver has no other option but to break down faster as a result of toxins not being neutralized effectively. Here are some essential foods that will help improve your liver health:
Foods high in Vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial for good liver health because it’s essential for the body to produce a compound called glutathione which helps to detoxify the liver. Vitamin A is also essential for your vision, proper growth, reproduction and immunity. Foods high in Vitamin A include spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and mangos.
Foods high in Vitamin B
The liver also needs Vitamin B to produce new proteins and enzymes while also keeping your red blood cells healthy. Vitamin B deficiency has been linked to fatty liver and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Foods high in Vitamin B include chickpeas, oatmeal, sesame seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds.
Foods high in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is crucial for liver health as it helps to break down excess fats from the liver before they can be turned into harmful substances. Vitamin C is also important for a healthy immune system and helps to reduce stress. Foods high in Vitamin C include broccoli, oranges, kiwis, potatoes, grapefruits, passion fruit and sweet potatoes.
Dried Sea Veggies
Dried sea veggies are not only nutritious but alkalizing to the body thanks to their high content of minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. Dried sea veggies also have a high content of glutamic acid, an amino acid that increases the flow of bile and helps increase the production of new liver cells to keep your liver healthy and functional. Be mindful of the nutritional content of sea veggies, as some brands may contain iodine, which could be problematic for people with thyroid issues.
Proteins
Eating more proteins can help improve your liver function. Animal protein is a great source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are responsible for producing hormones that aid in your digestion, immune system and metabolism. Nuts, seeds and legumes also contain proteins and are good sources of proteins when eating meat is not an option.
Beans
Beans are a rich source of fiber and proteins, which make them a great food for the liver. They help in removing toxins from your liver by promoting healthy digestion. Beans are also good for the heart, blood pressure and weight management because of their high fiber content.
Fats and Oils
Fatty liver, also known as steatosis, could be an indication of an unhealthy liver. To avoid developing liver disease, it is important to eat foods that are rich in healthy fats. These include avocados, butter, coconut oil, olives, nuts and seeds. You can also try making homemade ghee or roasted nuts and seeds to get the most out of fats and oils.
Conclusion
The liver is an organ with a lot of responsibilities. It is important to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that help your liver function properly. The liver plays a huge role in your overall health and supporting your liver greatly aids in slowing down the process of ageing. There are many healthy foods that can help improve your liver health; among them are spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, mangos, chickpeas, oatmeal, sesame seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and almonds. Additionally, dried sea veggies, proteins, beans and fats and oils can also help promote the health of your liver.