The Best Fruits For Liver is essential for health-it plays a crucial role in the digestion of food, and also functions as an internal filter, getting rid of toxins before they can damage other organs. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause increased levels of fat buildup in the liver. To keep your liver healthy, avoid alcohol, and add super-foods like the best fruits for liver to your diet. There is no one fruit that can single-handedly repair damaged liver cells, but incorporating all of these fruits into your daily diet will help you feel better and heal faster.
7 Foods That Are Good for Your Liver
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The liver is a powerhouse of an organ.
It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol, and bile to storing vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates.
It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications, and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health.
This article lists the 7 best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy.
1. Coffee
Coffee is one of the best beverages you can drink to promote liver health.
Studies have shown that drinking coffee protects the liver from disease, even among those who already have problems with this organ.
For example, studies have repeatedly shown that drinking coffee helps lower the risk of cirrhosis, or permanent liver damage, in people with chronic liver disease
Drinking coffee may also help reduce the risk of developing a common type of liver cancer, and it has positive effects on liver disease and inflammation
It’s even associated with a lower risk of death in people with chronic liver disease, with the greatest benefits seen in those who drink at least three cups per day
These benefits seem to stem from its ability to prevent the buildup of fat and collagen, two of the main markers of liver disease
Coffee also decreases inflammation and increases levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, which are produced naturally in the body and can damage cells
While coffee has many health benefits, your liver, in particular, will thank you for that morning pick-me-up
SUMMARY
Coffee increases antioxidant levels in the liver, all while decreasing inflammation. It also helps lower the risk of developing liver disease, cancer, and fatty liver.
2. Tea
Tea is widely considered to be beneficial for health, but evidence has shown that it may have particular benefits for the liver.
One Japanese study found that drinking 10 cups of green tea per day was associated with improved blood markers of liver health
A smaller study including people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) found that drinking green tea high in antioxidants for 12 weeks improved liver enzyme levels and may also help reduce oxidative stress and fat deposits in the liver
Furthermore, another review found that people who drank green tea were less likely to develop liver cancer. The lowest risk was seen in people who drank four or more cups per day
A number of mouse and rat studies have also demonstrated the beneficial effects of black and green tea extracts
For example, one study in mice found that black tea extract reversed many of the negative effects of a high fat diet on the liver, as well as improved blood markers of liver health (
Nevertheless, some people, especially those who have liver problems, should exercise caution before consuming green tea as a supplement.
That’s because there have been several reports of liver damage resulting from the use of supplements containing green tea extract
SUMMARY
Black and green tea may help improve enzyme and fat levels in the liver. However, exercise caution if you’re taking a green tea extract, as it may cause damage.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains antioxidants that naturally protect the liver. The two main antioxidants found in grapefruit are naringenin and naringin.
Several animal studies have found that both help protect the liver from injury
The protective effects of grapefruit are known to occur in two ways — by reducing inflammation and protecting cells.
Studies have also shown that these antioxidants can help reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis, a harmful condition in which excessive connective tissue builds up in the liver. This typically results from chronic inflammation
Moreover, in mice that were fed a high fat diet, naringenin decreased the amount of fat in the liver and increased the number of enzymes necessary to burn fat, which can help prevent excess fat from accumulating
Lastly, in rats, naringin has been shown to help improve the ability to metabolize alcohol and counteract some of alcohol’s negative effects
Thus far, the effects of grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, rather than its components, have not been studied. Additionally, almost all studies looking at the antioxidants in grapefruit have been conducted in animals.
Nevertheless, the current evidence points to grapefruit being a good way to keep your liver healthy by helping prevent damage and inflammation.
SUMMARY
The antioxidants in grapefruit protect the liver by reducing inflammation and increasing its protective mechanisms. However, human studies, as well as those on grapefruit or grapefruit juice itself, are lacking.
4. Blueberries and cranberries
Blueberries and cranberries both contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that give berries their distinctive colors. They’ve also been linked to many health benefits.
Several animal studies have demonstrated that whole cranberries and blueberries, as well as their extracts or juices, can help keep the liver healthy
Consuming these fruits for 21 days protected the liver from damage. Additionally, blueberries helped increase immune cell response and antioxidant enzymes
Another study found that the types of antioxidants found commonly in blueberries slowed the development of lesions and fibrosis, which is the development of scar tissue, in the livers of rats
What’s more, blueberry extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of human liver cancer cells in test-tube studies. However, more studies are needed to determine whether this effect can be replicated in humans
Making these berries a regular part of your diet is a good way to help make sure your liver is supplied with the antioxidants it needs to stay healthy.
SUMMARY
Berries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the liver from damage. They may even help improve its immune and antioxidant responses. Still, human studies are needed to confirm these results.
5. Grapes
Grapes, especially red and purple grapes, contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds. The most famous one is resveratrol, which has a number of health benefits.
Many animal studies have shown that grapes and grape juice can benefit the liver.
Studies have found that they can have various benefits, including lowering inflammation, preventing damage, and increasing antioxidant levels
A small study in humans with NAFLD showed that supplementing with grapeseed extract for 3 months helped improve liver function
However, since grapeseed extract is a concentrated form, you might not experience the same effects from consuming whole grapes. More studies are needed before taking grapeseed extract to promote liver health can be recommended.
Nonetheless, the wide range of evidence from animal and some human studies suggests that grapes are a very liver-friendly food.
SUMMARY
Animal and some human studies show that grapes and grapeseed extract protect the liver from damage, increase antioxidant levels, and fight inflammation.
6. Prickly pear
Prickly pear, known scientifically as Opuntia ficus-indica, is a popular type of edible cactus. Its fruit and juice are most commonly consumed.
It has long been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for the following:
- ulcers
- wounds
- fatigue
- liver disease
A 2004 study in 55 people found that the extract of this plant helped reduce symptoms of a hangover.
Participants experienced less nausea, dry mouth, and lack of appetite. They were also half as likely to experience a severe hangover if they consumed the extract before drinking alcohol, which is detoxified by the liver
The study concluded these effects were due to a reduction in inflammation, which often occurs after drinking alcohol.
Another study in mice found that consuming prickly pear extract helped normalize enzyme and cholesterol levels when consumed at the same time as a pesticide known to be harmful to the liver. Subsequent studies observed similar results
A more recent study in rats sought to determine the effectiveness of prickly pear juice, rather than its extract, at combating the negative effects of alcohol.
This study found that the juice helped decrease the amount of oxidative damage and injury to the liver after alcohol consumption and keep antioxidant and inflammation levels stable
More human studies are needed, especially using prickly pear fruit and juice, rather than extract. Nonetheless, the studies thus far have demonstrated that prickly pear has positive effects on the liver.
SUMMARY
Prickly pear fruit and juice may help with hangover symptoms by reducing inflammation. They may also help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption.
7. Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation
It’s reasonable to assume that eating beets themselves would have similar health effects. However, most studies use beetroot juice. You can juice beets yourself or buy beetroot juice from the store or online.
Several rat studies have shown that beetroot juice helps reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the liver, as well as increase natural detoxification enzymes
While animal studies look promising, similar studies have not been conducted in humans.
Other beneficial health effects of beetroot juice have been observed in animal studies and replicated in human studies. However, more studies are needed to confirm the benefits of beetroot juice on liver health in humans.
SUMMARY
Beetroot juice helps protect the liver from oxidative damage and inflammation, all while increasing its natural detoxification enzymes. However, human studies are needed
5 Healthy Foods To Include In Your Liver Cleansing Diet
Why is there a constant emphasis on maintaining a healthy body? Your organs need to be continuously active to perform the bodily functions without any interruptions. To be able to do this, you need to take measures specific to them and make sure they are not deteriorating. Making healthy diet choices always proves beneficial and it is no different when it to comes to an important organ of your body, the liver.
Responsible for over 500 functions in the body, liver produces bile (a digestive juice necessary for fat absorption into your blood), glucose, breaks down toxins and also helps to store necessary nutrients.
Here are 5 food items that can aid in liver cleansing and allow it to function efficiently:
Fruits: Apples, Grapes and Citrus Fruits
Fill your fruit basket with apples, grapes and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are proven to be liver-friendly fruits. Consume grapes as it is, in the form of a grape juice or supplement your diet with grape seed extracts to increase antioxidant levels in your body and protect your liver from toxins. Having apple slices releases toxins from your digestive tract, easing the functioning of your liver. Including citrus fruits provides your liver with enzymes that help in liver detoxification.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower
Pave way for increased levels of glutathione, necessary for liver cleansing enzymes with consumption of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprout. It also increases the production of glucosinolate, which helps to eliminate toxins from your body.
Olive Oil
Improve your liver enzyme levels with olive oil and experience other health benefits that tag along with its consumption. Beginning of any liver disease is marked by fat accumulation. Including olive oil as a part of your diet is a wise choice as it helps to maintain low levels of fat in the liver.
Beverages: Coffee & Green Tea
Your liver might be grateful for those morning cups of coffee or coffee breaks in office. Because studies reveal that coffee is an excellent choice to detoxify liver with its antioxidant properties. In addition, they also protect you from chronic liver diseases, thanks to its positive influence on liver enzymes. For tea lovers, switching to green tea may be promising as it reduces overall fat content and keeps you at a safe distance from other signs of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Nuts
Opt for healthy snack options like nuts to improve the health of your liver. From sufficient amount of antioxidants to unsaturated fatty acids, they are well equipped to protect your liver against NAFLD. Walnuts, almonds, are two of the many options you can choose to snack away. Having said that, keep a check on the quantity as they consist high amounts of calories.
An important organ like liver needs your utmost care so that it carries out its activities as desired. It is advisable to seek medical help when you observe symptoms never experienced before and keep handy Health Insurance Plans as a precautionary step. But begin by incorporating these simple food items to your diet and witness significant and healthy results with respect to your liver.
Role Of Liver In The Digestive System
The health of our digestive system depends largely on the liver. Blood from intestine and stomach passes through your liver. The function of the liver is to process the blood to create nutrients. It also metabolizes the drugs to ensure your body can easily use it. The liver also creates bile, helping to carry the waste out of the body.
Common Liver Diseases
Your diet must include certain food to keep liver healthy, or you may develop serious liver diseases. Some of the common liver issues are listed below.
- Hepatitis
It is a type of viral infection that leads to a compromised liver. It results in damages and inflammation. It is a contagious disease, but you can reduce the risk of contracting it with proper vaccination.
- Fatty Liver
This condition is a result of fat build-up in your liver. If it is not treated timely, the condition can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. You can manage fatty liver with proper liver cleansing foods and changes in lifestyle.
- Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can be a result of cancer spreading from any other area of the body or other untreated liver conditions. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common form of liver cancer, which may form as a tumour or small cancer spots.
Habits For Healthy Liver
Eating foods good for the liver can help keep the organ healthy. Some food items that can help the liver are:
- Coffee
- Tofu
- Oatmeal
- Walnuts
- Avocado
- Milk and Low-Fat Dairy Products
- Sunflower Seeds
- Olive Oil
- Green Tea
- Grapefruit
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Grapes
Other than healthy food for liver, some lifestyle choices can help keep it healthy. These include:
- Being active
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping the body weight under check
- Getting proper vaccinations
- Avoiding weight loss medicine
- Protecting yourself against diseases like Hepatitis C or B
- Keeping your cholesterol, hypertension and blood sugar levels under control
Foods That Are Necessary For A Healthy Liver!
We are always interested in our diet to make our skin glowing or to boost our immunity. But do we ever have a thought about a healthy liver? Probably not but now it’s time to think of this important organ of our body. Good nutrition can help to keep your liver function normal and healthy.
What Does The Liver Do?
The liver is the powerhouse and the main filter of our body. When you eat food, it is broken down into the stomach and intestine by various enzymes, proteins, and bile which is produced by the liver. It is also performed as a storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Below are some important functions of the liver –
- Production and excretion of bile
- Metabolize fat, proteins, and carbohydrates
- Stores vitamins, minerals
- Blood purification and detoxification
- Immunity against infection
How to Keep Your Liver Healthy?
There are many things to support healthy liver functions including:
- Eating a healthy and organic diet
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol and liver-toxic medicines
- Consuming smaller amount of proteins
- Detox liver regularly
Foods That Good for Healthy Liver Are:
The liver is the only organ in your body that cleanses itself. Whatever we eat or drink is detoxify by our liver therefore it is important to maintain a balanced, liver-friendly diet to keep your liver fit. Here are some food that helps to cleanse your liver naturally –
- Avocado
Avocado is the superfood of this modern world. It contains a good amount of different vitamins, minerals which improves the overall health of the liver. It contains a unique antioxidant known as glutathione which helps to filter harmful toxins from your body.
- Garlic
Garlic contains a certain sulfur compound that activates liver enzymes which are responsible for flushing out toxins and waste material from your body. It also consists of selenium which protects the liver from damage.
- Green Leafy Vegetables
The greener is always better for your health! Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale is rich with vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants which help to purify the blood.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is the most powerful spice that helps to maintain a healthy liver by protecting against liver damage and regenerate healthy liver cells. It also increases the natural production of bile. Turmeric also prevents fat accumulation in the liver, a problem that could lead to conditions like fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver.
- Beetroot
Beetroot juice contains nitrates and also acts as an antioxidant that may befit heart health and reduce inflammation. Clinical data also suggest that a chemical found in the beet can help to fight against fatty liver disease.
- Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants known as catechins. Catechin helps for liver detoxification and reduces inflammation of the liver.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil and its extract are beneficial in liver diseases. Some researches show that it has a powerful antioxidant that protects the liver from different toxins.
- Walnuts
In general, nuts are high in nutrients, vitamins, fats, and antioxidants making them beneficial to treat various disorders. Walnuts are a rich source of an amino acid known as arginine that supports liver cleansing. Walnuts particularly contain a high level of plant-compounds. Black walnuts help to oxygenate blood in the liver.
- Fatty fish
Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce liver inflammation. These fats prevent accumulating extra fat in the liver and maintain normal levels of enzymes.
- Apples
Adding fibre-rich fruits like Apple in your diet help to eliminate toxins from your body. It also provides healthy support to digestive tracts.
- Grapefruits
Study results suggest that grapes, grape juice, or grape seeds are rich in antioxidants which may help in reducing inflammation and prevent liver injury.
- Lemon
It is said that a glass of warm water with lemon juice works as a liver detoxifier.
Organic Herbs for Healthy Liver
The following herbs are the most effective in cleansing your liver-
- Chicory Roots
Chicory root is a coffee substitute that is known as a liver tonic.
- Peppermint
Peppermint is full of antioxidants which is useful in digestive symptoms. Peppermint leaves help to promote bile production within the body.
- Milk Thistle Seeds
Milk thistle seeds can be used for maintaining liver health and acts as a blood purifier.
- Dandelion Roots
It is rich in vitamins and minerals. The roots have mild laxative effects that can improve digestion and lessening the load of the liver.