You should know that your liver performs a variety of essential tasks like storing vitamins, minerals and producing proteins. It is essentially the powerhouse of an organ. So, here are 8 food items that you should include in your daily diet to improve liver health.
1. Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin, an antioxidant that prevents the body from oxidative damage. Allicin is actually a bioactive component that stimulates the liver to active the enzymes that help in flushing out harmful substances. A recent study backs this theory too.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is loaded with isothiocyanates, sulphur containing compounds that regulate the number of genes that are involved in flushing out carcinogens and improving metabolism. A recent study suggests that consuming broccoli can help reduce the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver and protect the liver from liver cancer.
3. Beetroot
Betalains is an antioxidant which is present in abundance, in beetroots. Having beetroot, on a daily basis can help reduce DNA damage and liver injury induced by carcinogens. This theory has been backed by research too.
4. Green tea
As many of you know, green tea is loaded with antioxidants. Catechins, is one such component which is present in green tea that can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer, liver disease, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis. However, over consumption is not good for the health.
5. Carrots
Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. In a recent study it was proved that carrots can significantly reduce the DHA, triglyceride and MUFA (Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids) levels in the liver. Eating carrots can protect you from liver toxicity and nonalcoholic fatty liver.
6. Leafy greens
Green leafy vegetables can prevent your liver from oxidative damage as they are rich in vitamins, calcium, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A study suggests that consuming leafy greens can protect your liver from fatty liver.
7. Lemon
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Having a lemon, can help reduce the oxidative damage in the liver.
8. Walnut
According to a recent study, walnuts help to reduce hepatic triglycerides. It lowers the level of enzymes involved in liver homeostasis and it also suppresses the genes involved in hepatic inflammation as it is rich in anti-inflammatory properties.