Liver is one of the most vital organs in the body which controls the synthesis of various nutrients in the body. It is a very powerful organ when it comes to multitasking – 500 different functions.
Due to the ever-expanding levels of pollution, the body is exposed to large amounts of pollutants. And, all of these get deposited in the liver. How? Through the blood stream. Hence, liver cleansing becomes very important to keep the body functioning properly. Even though the medically prescribed liver cleansing is the best practice, you can also detoxify your liver by following a daily diet regime that will enable you to keep the liver healthy and functioning properly.
Here’s how:
Liver Detox Foods
1. Garlic:
Garlic is rich in allicin, sulphur and selenium. Take small quantities of it and it will work its magic on your liver. But, always remember that heating destroys its qualities. If you cannot take it raw, you may want to find it in a medicine shop in the form of capsules.
2. Carrots:
Yes! Not only is it loaded with vitamin A but is also a very helpful vegetable that enables liver cleansing. It is rich in glutathione, a protein, which helps detoxify the liver. It also contains plant flavonoids and beta-carotene. Use them in salads or just eat them like rabbits. Try to digest them raw as it will hold the maximum benefits that way.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables:
We all have read about how the veggies are the ultimate protectors of our system. They are full of chlorophyll which suck up natural toxins from the blood stream. They also help production and flow of bile thus maintaining a constant flow in the liver. You can have these vegetables raw, boiled, juiced or cooked.
4. Tomatoes:
Containing about 170 mg of glutathione per serving, tomatoes work greatly to detoxify the liver. Eating fresh tomatoes will benefit you the most.
5. Walnuts:
They contain glutathione and are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which help to detoxify the liver as well as feed the brain. Sprinkle them on salads or have them with your breakfast.
6. Asparagus:
It is a natural diuretic. You can have them raw. Also, extracts of asparagus help in getting rid of alcohol hang-over and protect liver cells from alcohol toxins. It is a great food to detox liver.
7. Apples:
Somebody rightly said, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. This amazing fruit is not only rich in nutrients but also a brilliant ingredient to cleanse the blood stream and the digestive tract.
8. Olive Oil:
This oil is good for liver cleansing when used in moderate quantities. This oil creates a lipid base which can absorb toxins from the body.
9. Whole Grains:
Instead of refined flour, consume whole-wheat. They improve overall fat metabolism, liver function and liver de-congestion.
10. Cruciferous Vegetables:
Cauliflower and broccoli have huge amounts of glucosinolate which when added to the system improve enzyme production in the liver.
11. Lemons and Limes:
The vitamin C helps to absorb toxins. Freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice helps kick-start the liver if consumed in mornings.
12. Turmeric:
It is said to be the liver’s favorite spice. Turmeric is an important ingredient in almost all Indian food. It helps boost liver detox by assisting enzymes that eliminate carcinogens from the system. Try having it raw. If you can’t have it raw, have it with dates which will provide some taste.