The liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in the digestive system of humans.
It plays various important roles in the body including the metabolism of various substances.
A diseased or unhealthy liver affects all the biological systems of the body.
Therefore, it is very important to detoxify or cleanse the liver to maintain its health.
In this article read about certain superfoods that play an important role in cleansing and detoxifying the liver.
1. Vegetables
Vegetables are packed with nutritious elements that help cleanse the body. Both green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are good for the liver.
The chlorophyll present in green leafy vegetables soaks up toxins from the bloodstream. Cruciferous fruits like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are rich in glutathione that trigger the cleansing enzymes which help in flushing out toxic compounds including carcinogens from the body.
Vegetables are also rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre along with a reduced amount of calories that make it a more beneficial food to eat.
2. Fruits
Fruits are equally important for the gut as they stimulate the liver. Fruits in the raw form or as juices are good for the liver. Citrus fruits not only stimulate the liver but also help in synthesising the toxic materials into forms that can be absorbed by water.
3. Grains
Processed food inhibits the liver from cleansing, therefore, to keep your body system cleansed and detoxified, you must try cutting down your consumption of processed foods. Instead you can use the healthier alternatives like whole grains which are rich in detoxifying nutrients like vitamin B, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium. Whole grains like brown rice are rich in selenium that protects the liver.
4. Green tea
Adding liquids to your diet is a great way to detoxify your biological system. Fluids keep the organs of your body healthy and also help in flushing out the toxins from your body. Although green tea is famous for its weight loss effects, the drink is also high in antioxidants that provide a detoxifying effect to your body. It is also observed that green tea can protect your liver from diseases like fatty liver disease.
5. Olive oil
The oil you use while cooking can also contribute to the health of your liver. Switching to olive oil can be a wise choice. Olive oil reduces the accumulation of fat in your liver, improves the sensitivity to insulin and the blood levels of liver enzymes as well. The cold processed organic oils like flaxseed and olive hemp are considered good for the liver. Olive oil provides a liquid base to the body that helps in sucking harmful toxins from the body.
6. Turmeric
In India, turmeric is not only used as a spice, but also as a medicinal component. The active ingredient of turmeric, known as curcumin, has powerful biological properties. Curcumin benefits the liver in various ways. It detoxifies and cleanses the liver and also protects it from fibrosis, non-alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, acute and chronic liver injuries, and cirrhosis.
7. Dry fruits
Dry fruits like, almonds and walnuts are also very good for maintaining the health of the liver. Almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E. According to studies, vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that can counter the effect of oxidative stress associated with various liver diseases. Walnuts are rich in omega-3-fatty acids, glutathione and arginine that supports the cleansing of the liver including detoxification of ammonia.
8. Fermented foods
Fermented food products like sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi, and yoghurt contain beneficial probiotic bacteria that not only help in healthy digestion but also maintain the integrity of the gut lining. This prevents the toxins from reaching the bloodstream. According to a medical expert, fermented food can also clear heavy metals from the body.
9. Coffee
Infusions like coffee and tea are also very good for the liver. Consumption of coffee reduces the risk of development of liver cancer. Also, infusion of rosemary is seen to be highly beneficial for the health of the liver.
10. Garlic
Garlic is an essential food that is loaded with selenium and antioxidant agents. These components activate the detox enzymes present in the liver and also help in the elimination of these toxins from the body.