Even though the liver is the largest organ in the body, it is probably the most underrated. Your liver is working hard all day long not only to metabolize the food you eat into nutrients but also to help get rid of the toxins from within your body.
Unfortunately, the typical Western diet isn’t doing your liver any favors. All those processed ingredients, fried greasy foods, and ridiculous levels of salt and sugar, on top of various environmental pollutants, or just plain stress, put a strain on this vital organ.
But here’s the good news! There are some simple and readily available foods that, if included in your diet, can give your liver a great cleanse so that it’s well-rested, healthy, and ready to get back to work. So here we go!
8 Foods That Have Mastered The Art Of Liver-Cleansing
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens such as kale, arugula, spinach, chicory, and mustard greens all contain the liver-loving ingredient chlorophyll. These luscious greens can neutralize heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals to make your liver’s job just a bit easier. Leafy greens can also increase bile in the liver, which helps remove waste. (1)
Leafy greens are not only available in abundance, but there are an abundance of ways you can use them. These greens are great for salads, smoothies, cooked into your favorite recipes, or as a juice.
2. Garlic
Incorporating garlic into your diet can help protect the liver from toxic agents. Garlic also activates good enzymes in your liver, keeping it healthy and balanced. Studies have also shown garlic to be an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
3. Lemons and Limes
Sour to the taste, but a sweet companion for your liver! Lemons and limes are packed with vitamin C, and are powerful antioxidants. Drinking lemon or lime juice helps your body turn toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water.
Lemons and limes are great to add a simple flavor to your water, but they can also be used in smoothies, juices, desserts, and as an extra punch of flavor on just about anything.
4. Grapefruit
Similar to lemons and limes, grapefruit contains vitamin C which is a great liver cleanser. Grapefruit juice can also protect against some types of liver damage, and flush out carcinogens and toxins.
Grapefruits are delicious all on their own as a breakfast or mid-day snack, but this citrus flavor can also be added to smoothies, salads, or juices.
5. Turmeric
This bright spice is more than just a pretty color. It’s a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It also helps with liver cleansing by strengthening enzymes that help flush out toxins and helps to increase bile flow.
Turmeric can be the cherry on top of just about any recipe. In powder form, it can be easily added to smoothies, soups, stews, or any other dish!
6. Broccoli and Cauliflower
Broccoli and cauliflower contain glucosinolate, which helps support enzyme production in the liver. They can also protect the liver from damage and increase its detoxifying abilities.
Broccoli and cauliflower are great when cooked, roasted, steamed, mixed in any soup or salad, or eaten raw with some hummus or other dip.
7. Avocados
Avocados have become popular with a huge following in recent years, but they definitely live up to expectations. Avocados are helpful to the liver by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme system, and can also reduce liver damage.
Avocados are great on toast, an extra creamy texture for smoothies, or an extra surprise in salads and dips. You can really get creative with this one!
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are an extremely powerful antioxidant, more than most other fruits and vegetables. Your liver loves that! Studies indicate that these little blue guys can protect against and prevent hepatic fibrosis, which is a common result of chronic liver injury. They also contain anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids which can be anti-inflammatory and protect against tumors.
Blueberries are great for adding color to any smoothie, juice, salad, yogurt, you name it. These little guys are a delectable burst in your mouth anywhere you find it.
Happy Liver, Healthy Body
Try out some of these incredible liver cleansing foods, and you will definitely feel the difference. Remember, just because you implement these powerful foods into your diet doesn’t mean you can go crazy with junk food and alcohol.
Moderation is always key. Keeping a balanced and wholesome diet is really what will do the trick for your liver in the long run!
